According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), applicants will have to wait between three to five months to find out whether or not they are approved for disability benefits. But, this is just the time it takes for the SSA to decide whether your initial application is approved. Most initial applications are denied, which means applicants will have to wait even longer to obtain benefits. In fact, it can sometimes take years to finally secure the disability benefits you need.
People in this situation are typically eager to speed up the process so they can get their benefits as quickly as possible. But, how? Here’s how hiring an attorney can help:
Get Your Initial Application Approved
The key to receiving disability benefits as soon as possible is getting your initial application approved. But, many applications are denied because the applicant did not provide the right documentation or failed to cooperate with the SSA. These minor mistakes could lead to major delays in your claim. For this reason, it’s best to turn to an attorney for help.
An attorney can ensure your application is complete prior to submitting it to avoid unnecessary delays or denials. An experienced attorney will also make sure your application contains enough information to convince the SSA that you qualify for benefits. This often involves working with healthcare providers to submit medical documentation that supports your claim.
It’s not easy to get your initial application approved, but hiring an attorney is your best chance at achieving this goal and getting benefits as quickly as possible.
Win Your Appeal
You have the right to file an appeal if your initial application is denied. An attorney can assist with every step of the appeals process starting with the reconsideration stage. During this stage, your application is reviewed for a second time to determine if it should have been approved instead of denied. An attorney can review your initial application to identify potential weaknesses. Then, your attorney can provide additional documentation to strengthen your claim before it is reviewed. This could improve your chance of being approved during the reconsideration process.
If your application is denied in the reconsideration stage, an attorney can represent you during the appeal hearing as well. Prior to the hearing, an attorney can prepare you so you know what questions to expect and what information you will need to clearly relay to the judge. During the hearing, your attorney will be responsible for presenting a convincing case using medical documentation, expert witnesses, and other relevant evidence.
Experienced attorneys know exactly what evidence the judge needs to see in order to rule in your favor. If you choose to attend this hearing without an attorney, your claim could get denied once more, which means you will need to wait even longer for benefits.
For these reasons, there’s no doubt that hiring an attorney can speed up the approval process.
If you are applying for SSDI benefits, seek legal representation from the Social Security disability attorneys at Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. right away. We will assist with every step of the application and appeals process to ensure you are awarded benefits as quickly as possible. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.