If you have a disability, especially one that prevents you from performing your job, you may be eligible for disability income and benefits under the social security federal program. However, applying for social security disability benefits can be complicated and tedious. And your application is not always guaranteed to be successful.
If you do not know where to start or have had your disability claim rejected, it is time to consider hiring a social security disability lawyer to assist you.
So, what can a lawyer do for you? They will prepare your claim and file it for you, and if rejected, file appeals on your behalf. Your lawyer will also represent you at the hearing and ensure that the social security board gets all the evidence needed to prove your disability and award you benefits.
But where can I get social security disability lawyers near me to work on my case? You should pick a good lawyer to give you the best shot at a favorable outcome. To find one that is right for you, keep these tips in mind:
1. Zero in on Lawyers Practicing in Your State
There are so many ways to find practicing social security lawyers. A simple Google search should give you a long list of options. Another way is to ask for referrals from your clinic or people you know.
Since social security is a federal program, there is no limitation on where you can get legal representation. But for convenience and easy accessibility, you should narrow down your search to just those lawyers practicing in your state. Preferably, you want a lawyer in or close to your geographical area.
A local lawyer will have a better experience with local administrative judges. So, they can tailor your case depending on the judge. Also, being close to your lawyer means that you can meet in person and discuss your case ahead of filing or the hearing.
2. Check Qualifications, Experience, and Track Record
Social security can be rather complicated and often involves lengthy legal processes. So, you ideally want a lawyer who understands the process to make things easier for you.
Once you have a list of potential lawyers, the next step is to vet them.
Check their qualifications and certifications to ensure that they are real lawyers. Make sure you go through reviews too, or if it is a word-of-mouth recommendation, ask about the lawyer’s experience.
Remember, social security disability is a broad area. So, a good lawyer should have a good track record representing clients with your type of disability.
3. Prepare Some Basic Screening Questions
Once you have settled on one or two lawyers, the next step is to ask them a couple of basic questions. Preparing some questions ahead of the first consultation is a great way to ensure you get the most out of the meeting.
Some ideas on what you can ask about include:
- How much will your services cost me?
- What is your experience with social security disability claims?
- Have you represented other clients with my medical ailment?
- How often do you communicate with clients?
- What will you need me to do to assist my case?
- Do you also take care of appeals?
- What other benefits can I apply for?
4. Pick a Lawyer Who is Reliable and Available
Social security disability lawyers are often busy with loads of cases and hearings. That means they might not attend to your call immediately at times. However, your lawyer should still be available every so often to answer your questions and give you progress reports.
They should also be willing to be flexible in terms of contact methods. That is, have a variety of ways you can reach them. All in all, you want a lawyer who is dedicated to your case and will give it the attention it deserves.
How to Pick Social Security Disability Lawyers Near Me: Do Your Research and File Early
If you want to pick the right SSD lawyer near you, make sure you keep these four tips in mind pre-hiring. Most importantly, do enough research to make a great selection. That said, ensure you file your claim early as social security claims are usually complicated and time-consuming.
