If you live in Locust Grove and have become unable to work because of a medical condition, you might be eligible for disability benefits through Social Security. You’ll need to meet certain criteria to qualify, but if you have worked much in the past 10 years and are totally disabled from working, chances are good that you are eligible.
However, many applicants have trouble actually getting approved for benefits and need help from a Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer in Locust Grove.
Having an experienced SSD lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have helped countless people get the benefits they need. We’ll give you a FREE consultation to look over the details of your claim and talk about how we can help.
To get started with your FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Four Reasons You Might Need a Locust Grove Social Security Disability Lawyer
There are many reasons hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer, or SSD lawyer, is beneficial to your case. For one, seeking SSD disabilities can be complicated, even if you meet all of the qualifications. You will need to make sure you’re providing all of the right information.
Plus, many SSD applicants get denied benefits on their first try. This does not automatically mean they don’t qualify. It often takes the expertise of a lawyer who understands SSD in Locust Grove to help.
With the above information in mind, here are four of the top reasons to work with a lawyer on your disability claim.
Get the strong arm
You Need Help Preparing Your Claim
Your SSD lawyer can help you with your claim from the very beginning. If you don’t want to stress about how to submit your application and what information to provide, an experienced lawyer can handle it. They can also work with you as you prepare your claim and ensure that all necessary evidence is included.
Sometimes, SSD claims get denied or delayed simply because there isn’t enough documentation provided to prove that you qualify. A lawyer will help prevent this from happening by getting it right the first time.
You Want to Make Sure You’re Providing the Right Evidence
When the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your case, they will be looking for specific pieces of evidence. They’ll determine whether or not:
- You have a medical condition that meets their strict definition of a disability
- You have earned enough work credits through Social Security to qualify for disability benefits
If the SSA cannot see clear evidence of these two facts, they may deny your claim quickly. But an SSD lawyer can make sure comprehensive evidence, such as your medical records and thorough work history, is included. They might also communicate with your doctors to obtain certain pieces of information.
You won’t have to worry whether or not you’ve provided enough information because your lawyer will be well-versed in what’s required. A lot of claims get denied simply because they lack enough information to prove that someone is qualified for benefits. A lawyer can help you send the right documentation from the beginning so you have the best chance of approval possible.
You Were Denied Benefits and Need to Appeal
If your disability claim has already been denied, it’s not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal and request a reconsideration. Since the majority of applicants get denied on the first try, especially if they submit their claim alone, Social Security Disability lawyers help with the appeal process a lot.
If you decide to appeal a denial, there are four levels to the process:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing by an administrative law judge
- Appeals Council review
- Federal Court review
Each level of appeal has a strict deadline. Your lawyer can make sure you keep up with each and have the best chance of getting approved for benefits during the appeal process. Plus, it will be your chance to get more sets of eyes on your application and make changes to improve your claim—and having an experienced lawyer help with that can make a big difference.
As your claim moves from one stage to another in the appeal process, things become more complicated. Hopefully, you can get approved for benefits after the first request for reconsideration, but you might end up having to fight for your benefits. As things get more complex, you will definitely want the help of an SSD lawyer on your side to prepare you for what’s to come.
You Need Help at Your Hearing
Before you go before the judge at your hearing—if your case goes that far in the process—it can be hard to know how to best prepare. Your SSD lawyer will discuss everything with you beforehand and make sure you’re ready. This will give them an idea of what to ask you during the hearing and provide the best testimony.
Vocational experts are often used in court hearings, and your lawyer will know how best to ask questions when cross-examining them. Your lawyer will also answer any questions you have about the entire process and make sure you feel as prepared as possible before stepping foot into court.
If you are feeling any doubt, stress, or uncertainty about your SSD claim, speaking with a Social Security Disability lawyer can help. At the least, it can help to schedule a consultation and discuss the details of your case. That will give you an idea of your chances of getting approved for benefits and the best ways you can improve your claim.
Talk to a Locust Grove Social Security Disability (SSD) Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping people get the disability benefits they need and deserve for over 20 years. We are not afraid to fight for your rights, no matter what stage of the claims process you are in.
To discuss your case with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers today, call us for a FREE consultation at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
