The Social Security Disability Claim And The Role Of A Disability Attorney
You will need to learn more about the benefits process if you are thinking of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. First, determine whether you are eligible for benefits. Your claim will consider many factors, including your medical records.
SSI
An excellent resource for those who need to apply SSDI or other government disability benefits is a disability attorney. A disability lawyer has the experience to help you navigate this process. A disability attorney can help you gather witnesses and gather evidence to support your case.
Social security disability benefits are available to anyone aged 18 or over who is unable to work for a minimum of 12 months because of a medical condition. It does not matter if the condition was brought on at work, as long as you cannot work full time for at least twelve months. The Social Security Administration evaluates medical conditions and makes decisions based on their severity, regardless of where they occurred.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You will need to provide detailed documentation about your disability when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. A disability attorney can help you prepare these documents and demonstrate your eligibility. If you are denied benefits, you can appeal the decision through the administrative appeals process. You must file a written appeal within 60 days of receiving your initial denial. This initiates the appeals process that includes reconsideration and administrative reviews. Your case can then be moved to the Social Security Appeals Council or federal court.
Your lawyer will help you present your claim in the best light. For example, he can argue that you are suffering from a medical condition that meets the criteria for disability listed in the “blue book” or “disability list” of the Social Security Administration. Your disability attorney can also help you to focus on the facts that are most convincing to the Social Security Agency. Your disability attorney will also help you prepare for the hearings.
Reconsideration
A disability attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a disability claim, including the ALJ hearing. They can also represent your case at a social insurance review. An attorney can often make the difference between receiving benefits or not. They can help you build the best case possible.
Disability attorneys can be invaluable during the reconsideration stage of the claims process, where your chances of approval may be slim to none. They can also help you prepare for the hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), ask questions to bring out pertinent information, and cross-examine witnesses to demonstrate your need for benefits.
Medical Records
If you are trying to apply for disability benefits, medical records are very important. These records are used by the Social Security Administration to determine if you are disabled. This is proof that your condition is real. Most medical providers won’t refuse to release these records unless there is a good reason. However, if you file a disability claim, you must provide medical records detailing every treatment you have received, as well as the medications you took. You should also provide all of your doctor’s contact information, including their address and telephone number.
It is important to keep in mind that the Social Security Administration can impose civil or penal penalties for failures to provide requested information. These penalties can be as high as six months or as high as a year depending on the case. If you fail to provide the required information, you could be responsible for overpayments and restitution of benefits. If you’re denied social assistance benefits, you should hire a disability attorney to help you navigate the process.
Hearing With An Administrative Law Judge
If you have been denied benefits for a period of time, you may be entitled to a Hearing with Administrative Law Judge. These hearings are held in person or via videoconference and usually take place within 75 miles of your home. These hearings are where you and your representative, or attorney, will present your case to an Administrative Law Judge. The hearing may also involve a medical or vocational expert.
If you are unhappy with the decision of the Administrative Law Judge, you may request another hearing with another judge. The judge will review your records and search for any new information. In the meantime, you should continue to attend your regular doctor’s appointments and any exams scheduled by Social Security. After your hearing is over, the Social Security department will notify and begin paying you. If you don’t receive your payments within a specified time, you can request an Administrative Law Judge Hearing.