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Coping with a disabling condition that prevents you from working to support yourself or your family can be stressful. Applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits can also be frustrating. It is not a situation you have to navigate on your own. These twelve questions to ask your SSDI lawyer can help you make the right decision and better understand the application process.
Most Rutherfordton Social Security Disability lawyers will not add to your financial distress and take your claim on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to you. SSDI law firms also typically provide a free case review with a team member who can respond promptly to your case-related questions and concerns. This benefit allows you to stay informed on the progress of your case and helps relieve stress and anxiety while you await approval.
Ask Questions About the Social Security Disability Lawyer and the Law Firm
If you are choosing a lawyer to represent you, you should know as much as possible about the law firm and its lawyers. These four questions can garner the answers and information you need.
Have You Handled Social Security Disability Claims Before?
A law firm and legal team with a history of SSDI claims can help you understand the application and appeal process. They can also build an effective claim and fight for a lump sum settlement, if available.
How Much Do You Charge?
Social Security Disability attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront for their legal services. If you do not receive a financial award, you will not owe the law firm any legal or attorney’s fees at all.
How Often Do You Provide Updates?
Updates as your claim progresses can help you stay abreast of your claim and any developments. Choose a law firm that provides regular and informative updates and does not leave you wondering about your claim’s progress and developments.
Do You Handle SSI or SSDI Appeals?
An SSDI appeal can be a lengthy, multi-step process, including:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Appeals Council Review
- Federal Court Review
If your initial claim was denied, look for a lawyer with experience navigating the complex levels of appeal. They can help you supplement and strengthen your application.
Key Questions to Ask About the Social Security Administration (SSA) Programs
These four questions will help you understand the benefits programs offered by SSA and from which program you could be eligible to recover.
What are the Basic Qualifications?
SSA guidelines define who can apply for and receive disability benefits. You may be eligible if you have a disability, are blind, or demonstrate financial need. Eligibility also depends on the type of benefits for which you apply.
Who Can Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
SSA’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly financial benefits to individuals with a qualifying disability who have worked long enough, recently enough, and contributed to Social Security during their employment.
Who Can Qualify for SSI Benefits?
SSA’s Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) provides monthly financial benefits to individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI. These recipients must have a financial need, meet the required income threshold, and have little to no available resources to receive this monthly benefit.
What are Concurrent Benefits?
If you qualify for SSDI but meet the income threshold of SSI, you could receive concurrent benefits—simultaneous income from both programs. An SSDI lawyer can help you understand if you can recover both types of benefits.
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Ask Your SSDI Attorney to Clarify the Application Process with These Questions
Applying for benefits can be a daunting process. Your attorney can help you submit an accurate, error-free, complete application. They can also answer these and any other questions along the way to submission.
What Kind of Medical Evidence Is Required?
SSA medical evidence requests will include:
- Proof of your impairment
- Documentation of its severity
- Names of all treating physicians
- Consultative exam report
- Lab, imaging, and other test results
- Assessment of ability to perform work
- Detailed description of symptoms
Your lawyer can help you gather all the necessary medical evidence and submit it with your application.
What Kind of Personal Information Is Required?
Applying for SSDI or SSI benefits requires gathering extensive personal information about you, your family, and your living situation, including:
- Adult Disability Report
- Award letters
- Birth certificate
- Medical evidence
- Proof of residency
- Proof of United States citizenship
- Salary and employment history
- Tax information
- Workers’ comp benefits
Because SSI and SSDI have different income requirements, you may need some or all of these documents. Each will come from different places, so your lawyer can help you understand where each piece can be obtained.
What Other Benefits Can SSDI Recipients Receive?
SSD recipients can sometimes qualify for additional types of government benefits, including:
- Medicare Part A and Part B
- Family benefits
- Tax benefits
- Return to work benefits
- Survivor benefits
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Ask your SSDI attorney to help you understand all the benefits you could be entitled to, and how and where to apply for them.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Social Security Disability Benefits?
On average, the wait is about five-and-a-half months, with an even longer wait if your initial application is denied and you file an appeal. The majority of applications will not get approval via the initial application. Waiting for Social Security Disability benefits can be stressful. Talk to your legal team about the average wait time for SSDI approval.
Explore These Essential Questions and More with Our SSDI Lawyer Today
Choosing a lawyer to help you navigate the Social Security Disability application process can be complicated. Hiring the right lawyer is important, though, so consider asking these 12 questions to guide you toward the best SSDI lawyer for your claim.
Contact our consultation team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today to learn more about our SSDI attorney and our goal of providing excellence for every case and every client.
