This information may help claimants with representation, as well as claimants who are not represented by an attorney or non attorney representative. Understanding how the Social Security Disability system works can make the difference between winning or not winning the continuing ssd or ssi disability benefits and backpay to which a person is entitled. |
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In most instances, the answer to this question will be no. At this point, of course, many ssd or ssi claimants may ask themselves, "Why should I get someone to take my disability case if they can't speed it up". And the answer to that question is simply this: you don't obtain lawyer or non attorney representation on a disability claim for the purpose of making it "move faster". You secure representation to increase your chances of winning social security disability or ssi disability benefits. The truth is, though a percentage of ssd and ssi disability claims will be resolved at the intial or reconsideration level, the majority of claimants will need to have their case heard by an administrative law judge at a disability hearing. And it is at this level that representation is crucial for several reasons. First of all, an experienced representative, attorney or non attorney, will be familiar with both the SSA impairment listing manual and the medical-vocational rule framework for disability claims (otherwise known as the grid). Secondly, a qualified disability representative will have substantial experience when it comes to reading and evaluating medical documentation. And, thirdly, a claimant's disability lawyer or non attorney representative will have a significant knowledge of hearing proceedings, i.e. how to point out information out to an ALJ (administrative law judge), how to respond to an ALJ's questions, and how to point out hypothetical scenarios to medical or vocational experts who have been called by an ALJ to present expert testimony in a social secuity disability case. The purpose of obtaining representation is simply to increase your chances of winning your disability benefits. But...having said that, it may also be stated that in a small percentage of cases, a lawyer or non attorney representative can successfully speed up a case. How can this be done? There are several means by which to attempt this (though none of these are guaranteed): 1. By making sure that updated medical records are submitted at the same time a reconsideration appeal is sent in (bear in mind that not all states use the recon step at this time). 2. By having a claimant submit a dire need letter with the right documentation attached (copies of past due rent or mortgage notices, past due utility bills, prescriptions that have been written by not filled due to a lack of financial means, etc). 3. By obtaining medical record updates and requesting an "on-the-record-review" after a request for hearing has been submitted. Disability Advocates Help with Claims Free Case Evaluation |
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SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY, REPRESENTATIVE LAWYER LIST ANSWERS TO YOUR SSD & SSI QUESTIONS PAGE 1 ANSWERS TO YOUR SSD & SSI QUESTIONS PAGE 2 |
| Social Security Disability, SSD and SSI How to apply for and win disability |