Should You Have a Social Security Attorney for the Hearing Process?
Q: Is it necessary to be represented by a social security attorney when you apply for disability benefits?
A: You do not need to be represented by a lawyer to file for social security disability benefits. A fair number of claimants apply on their own and make it through the initial review process without trouble. You may wish to have a social security attorney, however, if you are concerned about getting paperwork in on time or do not understand the process or requirements for making a claim. A fair number of claims are not approved after they go through the first review. By making sure you submit all the required information and forms within deadlines and correctly, your case has the best chance of being reviewed fairly. If you are confident you can do this independent of legal representation, then you may not need a lawyer. Most experts recommend hiring a social security attorney if your initial claim is not approved and you plan to have it reconsidered. If you plan to go through the hearing process after your claim has been reconsidered and was not approved, it is wise to have a lawyer. The majority of claimants who have appealed to have their claim heard before a judge have a lawyer on their side. Going through a hearing will be the final step in determining if you will be approved for disability benefits. The expertise of a social security attorney will be essential to making sure your case goes through the hearing phase properly. Most cases that are approved after a hearing have representation.
Q: Is it better to submit a new application after your disability claim was not approved, or to appeal?
A: It is not recommended that you apply again to have your case initially reviewed. Most initial claims for disability benefits are not approved. Having your claim reconsidered is the appropriate and most beneficial next step. The deadline for filing to have your case reconsidered is 60 days. If you miss that deadline, you will then have to apply again and go through the initial review process. If your initial claim was denied once, it is likely it will be denied again. Once again, you will need to have your claim reconsidered and submit that appeal within the deadline. If you are denied after your case was reconsidered, you will have to move on to the hearing process. By submitting another initial claim, you would have added significant time to your disability claim process. If you have any questions or concerns about meeting deadlines or recommended next steps after your claim was denied, you may wish to contact a social security attorney.
Q: Are you allowed to apply for disability insurance via the web?
A: Submitting your application for disability insurance can be done via the web. Social Security has a section on its web site to help walk you through applying online (www.socialsecurity.gov.)