Most government benefits programs have instructions and post relevant instructions online. The ease with which people can access those documents may give them a false sense of security. They may try to manage a major benefits matter on their own without professional assistance.
For example, people who can no longer work due to medical challenges might try to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits on their own. They may only think of hiring a lawyer when they experience setbacks, such as a denied application. Those in need of SSDI benefits frequently require the guidance and support of an attorney familiar with this program.
How do lawyers help people applying for SSDI benefits?
By managing the application process
Trying to fill out a federal benefits application can feel like learning an entirely new language. Particularly for those not well-versed in legalese, the language on SSDI documents and websites may prove confusing. Attorneys make sense of instructions and documents that most people might find intimidating or overwhelming. They can manage most of the application process on behalf of a client, allowing the applicant to focus on their ongoing medical challenges instead.
By assisting during an appeal
Those who have already hired a lawyer before applying have a simpler process ahead if they need to appeal. Approximately 10% of SSDI applicants every year get their benefits through the appeals process. An attorney can help ensure that their client won’t lose the opportunity to appeal by waiting too long. They can also review the letters sent by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine what caused the rejection of the initial application. Their support and advocacy can improve an applicant’s chances of a successful appeal.
By helping gather documentation
Lawyers often develop working relationships with professionals in adjacent industries. They can connect their clients with medical professionals who can perform in-depth assessments and others who can help validate the extent of a medical condition and its impact on the applicant’s life. People often underestimate how much evidence they need to prove SSDI eligibility. Attorneys may understand better than individual applicants the amount and type of evidence necessary to prevail during an appeal or secure approval when initially applying.
For those already coping with major medical challenges, trying to apply for SSDI benefits alone can easily become overwhelming. Hiring a lawyer can improve an individual’s chances of obtaining SSDI benefits and can also reduce the stress they’ll otherwise experience during the application process.