Janelle could no longer work and wanted to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She felt confused and overwhelmed by the whole process of applying for disability benefits. Janelle needed help but did not know where to turn. She knew she could hire a disability attorney or a non-attorney advocate to assist with her disability claim. Here again, though, she was not sure which to choose. She might want to consider the following points when making her decision.
Hire a Disability Attorney if You Want Someone Who Knows the System
Government programs tend to be complicated. Applying for programs like SSDI and SSI requires knowledge of many rules and regulations.
A California disability attorney will be familiar with the paperwork and supporting documents needed to apply for SSDI and SSI, as well as other programs.
Hire a Disability Attorney for Difficult Cases
Even with the massive number of regulations, there are still disability claims that just don’t fit the mold. Some claims are just unusual and may require extra paperwork or greater knowledge of special circumstances. For example,
- Emergency advance payments may be available if you are eligible;
- Reinstating benefits is easier if you know how; and
- Some claims may qualify for compassionate allowances, presumptive disability, or presumptive blindness payments.
The person who helps with your claim needs to know all this and more.
Hire a Disability Attorney if Your Claim Has Been Denied
Most disability claims are denied the first time they are submitted. If you did not have a lawyer by your side up to this point, it’s best to hire a disability attorney now.
Almost anyone can look online and find out there are four stages of appeal. Being able to work within that system is another thing entirely, especially at the federal court level.
Just a Few Reasons to Hire a Disability Attorney, not a Non-Attorney Advocate
You may be worried that you cannot afford a disability attorney. However, federal law limits attorney’s fees for Social Security Disability claims. Federal law also requires that your attorney take your case under a contingency agreement, which means your attorney cannot charge you unless you receive SSDI benefits.
At The Law Offices of Martin Taller, your case receives the attention and care of experienced Social Security Disability attorneys. For your free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We are located in Anaheim, but we assist clients throughout Southern California.
