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Your chances of winning Social Security Disability benefits with a lawyer may be higher than trying to handle your case on your own, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
To learn more about representation for your Social Security Disability claim, you can consult with our law firm. We can answer your questions about your case, and one of our Rutherfordton Social Security Disability lawyers can file your claim for you. Your Social Security Disability lawyer can do much more to help you get approved.
Your Chances of Winning Disability with a Lawyer are Three Times More Likely
If you file your initial application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits with the aid of a lawyer, your chances of winning may be higher, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). According to their study, claimants with legal representation were granted benefits at an approval rate three times greater than those without an attorney’s assistance.
This success is mainly because a Social Security Disability lawyer:
- Understands the SSD system and the criteria for meeting disability
- Can effectively complete your application with comprehensive medical documentation
- Can prepare you for any examinations and questions that may arise during the process
They can:
- Establish That You Qualify for SSD: Your lawyer will ensure you are applying to the correct program and you meet their qualification. Your lawyer can even check whether you qualify for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplement Security Income (SSI).
- Prepare a Statement: For your claim, your lawyer can prepare a statement about your qualifications for an SSD program and its benefits.
- Collect Proof: Your lawyer will collect proof of your qualification, including your W-2 forms, your tax returns, an Adult Disability Report, your medical evidence, your doctors’ reports, and more.
- File Your Claim: Your lawyer will file your claim through the correct channel and on time.
- Represent You Throughout the Process: Your Social Security Disability lawyer will be by your side, guiding you throughout, and if necessary, representing you in federal court.
A claimant can do these things on their own, but a Social Security Disability lawyer is able to do them more effectively.
On top of all that, if your claim is denied for any reason, your Social Security Disability lawyer can appeal. To appeal a denial and help you win disability benefits, your lawyer can:
- Establish the reason for the initial denial of your claim
- Prepare a counterstatement for the appeals process
- Collect additional evidence, if necessary
- Request a reconsideration stage from the SSA, which may reverse their decision
- Request a disability hearing with an Administrative Law Judge if the SSA retains its decision
- Request a review of the appeal hearing decision from the Appeals Council if the judge denies the appeal
- File a Federal District Court action if the council denies the disability appeal
Our Social Security Disability lawyers will be with you throughout the claims process.
What are the Two Social Security Disability Programs?
There are two programs available to the public. Your claim for disability benefits could be with either:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This disability program is for people who have a disability that prevents or limits them from working. Eligible recipients must have enough work history to receive SSDI benefits.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This federal program is available to disabled individuals and older adults with little to no income or resources.
In some cases, a claimant can file claims for both programs. However, there’s a good chance their claim will be denied by the SSA instead. If the claim is denied, the claimant will have to appeal the decision with the SSA. It can be difficult for a claimant to make their case on their own.
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Why Does SSA Deny Most Disability Claims?
If a claimant files for Social Security Disability (SSD) on their own, there’s a small chance their claim will be approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In 2024, SSA only approved 29.5% of the disability applications they received from injured workers.
Most claims are denied because people make these mistakes when filing a claim:
- Clerical errors on their application
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Failing to follow your treatment program
- Missing deadlines on appeals and queries
Working with a Social Security Disability lawyer can help in eliminating these errors and improving your chances of winning disability.
What Can Cost a Person the Chances of Winning Disability?
A person may not be qualified for disability or may be denied disability if any of the following is true or if the SSA believes any of the following is true:
- The person’s medical condition won’t last a year or more or lead to loss of life.
- The person is not disabled.
- The person is receiving benefits already.
- The person has not been lawfully employed for 5 or more out of the last 10 years (This applies to SSDI).
- Whether the person has been able to pay or not to pay into the Social Security system (This action determines whether the person can qualify for either SSDI or SSI).
- The person does not have limited income and assets (This applies to SSI).
A Social Security Disability lawyer will be able to determine which program, SSDI or SSI, you qualify for and assist in collecting the evidence necessary for SSA determination of benefits.
Can My Lawyer Win Disability Benefits Faster?
A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes that lead to a denial. They can also help with effectively appealing denials. Avoiding errors and having the knowledge to navigate the SSD system can help your chances of winning disability, but processing your claim is squarely in the hands of the SSA. On average, though, your initial claim could take three to five months to process.
Disabilities Recognized by Social Security Administration
Social Security Disability recognizes a wide range of impairments, such as:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Special senses and speech, such as blindness and hearing loss
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive issues
- Urinary and reproductive conditions
- Blood disorders
- Skin conditions
- Hormonal disorders
- Intellectual and mental disabilities
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
If you do not see your medical condition listed, it is possible that you may still qualify. Our attorneys can review your case and explain.
Learn About Your Chances of Winning Disability Benefits with a Lawyer
Your chances of winning disability with a Social Security Disability lawyer are much better than without one. One of our firm’s lawyers in North Carolina or South Carolina can file a thorough claim for you, appeal a claim denial, and, if necessary, escalate your case all the way to Federal Court.
We’ve been able to help over 10,000 clients in North Carolina and South Carolina, including many clients like you, so you should be confident we can help you.
To learn more, consult with us. We’ll answer any other questions you have for us, and then we’ll advise you about your case. Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today.
