To avail of the benefits of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, you must have paid into the Social Security system. Suppose you are diagnosed with a physical or psychological disability and have worked in a job covered by Social Security. In that case, you could claim the benefits, provided you could not work for at least a year. Social Security disputes are often hard to resolve, which is precisely why you would want legal counsel on your side. Working with a Phoenix disability attorney can help your case immensely, and contrary to popular opinion, hiring an attorney doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Below are some aspects worth knowing about hiring disability attorneys.
Reviewing the basics
Social Security disability is meant for people who are unable to work because of a disability (covered under the definition of Social Security). If you qualify for the benefits, you can claim benefits, but considerable work is involved. Claims are denied on many grounds, and people often have no idea what went wrong. If your claim has been denied, you should consult an attorney and file an appeal, for which you just have 60 days.
What to expect from a disability attorney?
While a disability attorney can explain your rights, review your case, and handle the necessary paperwork, there are certain limitations too. For instance, if you want to hire a lawyer who can guarantee quick approval, they cannot do that. Your attorney can ensure that everything is done within the given deadline and gather necessary documentation, but they cannot promise an exact date for resolution.
Finding the right lawyer
Not all disability attorneys have the same kind of experience. You have to ask relevant questions before you hire someone-
- How long have you been working as a disability attorney in Phoenix?
- Do you have experience representing clients with similar disabilities?
- What is your success rate?
- Can you share a few references?
- Will you work on my case personally? How can I get updates?
How much does an attorney charge?
A disability attorney can only charge 25% of the past-due benefits you get, not exceeding the amount of $6,000. In other words, you don’t have to lose everything to get legal representation. Also, top law firms and disability attorneys in Phoenix offer a free initial consultation for clients, which can be a big window to know your case better.
You can check online for disability attorneys near you!