On This Page
Filing For Social Security
If you’re seeking social security or have appealed your social security disability case, then you know it’s not a simple process. Even the initial step of filling out an application for SSDI takes time, and there’s plenty of paperwork and information to gather in order to increase your chances of being accepted.
Before we look into when it’s best to bring in an attorney, first it’s important to understand exactly who qualifies for social security disability.
Do I Qualify For SSDI?
Anyone who is unable to obtain and perform any kind of significant work due to a physical or mental disability may qualify for social security disability. The physical or mental impairment has to have lasted or be expected to persist at least a year.
In order to qualify for social security disability, you must have had to work and pay into social security for about five out of the ten years preceding the onset of your disability. For workers under 30 years old, the qualifications change given that those individuals entered the workforce more recently.
The other option for those seeking assistance through social security is supplemental security income, or SSI. SSI is for those who do not qualify for SSDI but have disabilities and a limited income. The purpose of SSI is to provide minimum financial assistance to those who need it, but this benefit is based on disability, income, and resources, rather than being based on disability and work credits. So, if you don’t qualify for SSDI, you may still be eligible to receive SSI.
What Can An Attorney Do For Me?
Having a social security attorney by your side to represent you is beneficial at any step of the SSDI process. Statistically, having an attorney increases your chances of receiving social security benefits, because legal professionals understand the type of documents and evidence needed to receive social security.
If you’re thinking about calling a social security attorney, here’s what you can expect.
Initial Application
There are certain firms that will help you from the very beginning, starting with filing your initial social security application. The attorney will need information about your injury or disability, and proper documentation in order to complete this.
If you’re seeking a firm to help with your initial social security disability application, the team at Marshall Grinder Debski Pitts Law Firm can help. Their firm takes cases from start to finish, and you’ll have the same attorney by your side every step of the way.
Request for Reconsideration
This is the second stage in the social security process that takes around 2-4 months. Individuals at this stage have already filed and are either waiting on a decision or have been denied benefits. Clients can call an attorney at this stage for help with getting records and organizing documents. This is usually a process that involves paralegals and attorneys communicating with clients.
Request for Hearing
At this stage, an individual is requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. It usually takes between 12-18 months to have a hearing date, and up until that date, a social security disability attorney is usually preparing paperwork and other legal information.
When you choose MGDP Law Firm to represent you, you benefit from consistent communication at every stage of the process. At this stage, when it is safe to do so, their attorneys will schedule an in-person meeting with you before the hearing so you feel confident and prepared for your SSDI hearing.
Due to COVID-19, hearings are currently held on the phone and over video, but in a safe, post-pandemic world, these hearings are held in person.
Post Hearing And Federal Court
This process looks different for everyone, but in some cases, attorneys will identify mistakes that a judge made during the hearing. In that case, your attorney can draft a written appeal.
In other cases, the process progresses to federal court. At this time, the team at MGDP does not handle cases at the federal level, but refers clients to an attorney who does. Depending on your representation, you may switch lawyers at this stage.
About Marshall Grinder Debski Pitts Law Firm
Marshall Grinder Debski Pitts Law Firm is a team of attorneys who focus on cases involving social security disability, workers’ compensation, veterans benefits claims, and evaluation of all legal matters.
Its team prioritizes consistent communication with clients, and they are there to help every step of the way. Contact them today or visit https://mgdplaw.com/ to learn more.
