Disabled and can't work

Frequently Asked Questions

Filing for Social Security disability can be a very lengthy and complicated process, especially if you have never filed a claim before. And what if your claim gets denied? Our experienced representatives know how to increase the chances your claim is accepted, as well as what to do if it does not. They can guide you through the process of securing the money and healthcare benefits you deserve.

Do i need an attorney to file for social security disability benefits?
Why should i hire a ssdi lawyer?
Does my disability need to have been caused by an on-the-job injury?
Do i have to be age 65 or over to receive benefits?
How long does the application process take?
What if i already applied for benefits and have been turned down?
What is reconsideration?
How much money will i receive if i'm approved?
How much does your service cost?
How much does a representative cost?
What if my claim has been denied?
Is the information I provide confidential?
How long should I wait before contacting a representative?

Do i need an attorney to file for social security disability benefits?

It is not necessary for an attorney to file an SSDI claim for you. However, the application process is very complex and requires a great deal of confusing paperwork and information gathering. If you are disabled, this process could be extremely difficult and demanding of your time and energy. For this reason, AARP reports, “Applying for SSDI benefits takes time and effort… some applicants may go it alone, but many rely on lawyers or other representatives for assistance.”

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Why should i hire a ssdi lawyer?

Over 3 million workers are estimated to apply for benefits in 2010. Well over 60% of initial applications are denied by Social Security. The complicated paperwork makes errors common, and the burden of medical documentation is difficult and time-consuming. Having an expert attorney working to ensure your application is follows all the rules and regulations to the letter will greatly increase your chances of getting accepted. If you are disabled, your physical difficulties often require your full energy and attention to overcome. An attorney can take the burden of dealing with the bureaucracy off of you, allowing you to focus on what's most important: your health.

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Does my disability need to have been caused by an on-the-job injury?

No. Any disability that is recognized by The Social Security Administration and is expected to keep you from working for at least a year can make you eligible to receive benefits. On-the-job injuries are generally covered by worker's compensation.

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Do i have to be age 65 or over to receive benefits?

No. If you are disabled and meet the SSDI work criteria, you can apply for benefits prior to age 65. In fact, when you reach the age of 65, disability benefits automatically convert to Social Security Retirement benefits.

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How long does the application process take?

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance can be a lengthy process. Most claims take a minimum of three to five months for a decision. If the initial claim is denied, appeals could last a year or longer. An expert SSDI attorney can help speed up your claim by making sure your paperwork is complete and accurate and meets all deadlines. Our lawyers could get you the money you need faster than if you go it alone. The Social Security Administration will fast track certain extremely serious disability applications, called Compassionate Allowances. These cases, which include traumatic brain injuries, ertain forms of cancer, and other severely debilitating conditions and diseases, can have their applications reviewed in weeks instead of months.

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What if i already applied for benefits and have been turned down?

This scenario may be the most important time for you to hire an attorney. While over 60% of initial applications are denied, many of these requests are turned down not on the basis of merit, but because of inaccuracies and missing documentation that a lawyer can help you correct. You are entitled to up to five appeals, each one more complex than the previous one. It is in your best interest to have an expert on your side to give you the best opportunity to overturn the denial and get you money. Don't delay. The law gives you 60 days from when you received your Notice of Disapproved Claim letter to appeal the decision. Contact DISABILITY HELPLINETM today at 1-888-764-9090 and we will put you in touch with a lawyer immediately to help you meet the deadline for filing your Request for Reconsideration form.

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What is reconsideration?

Reconsideration is the first process your application undergoes after benefits are denied. You must file for reconsideration; it is not automatic. Unfortunately, approximately 80% of these requests are also denied. However, having an attorney could help your claim be among the 20% that are approved at this level, forgoing the need for lengthy appeals.

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How much money will i receive if i'm approved?

Each case is different. Your payment will be based on an average of your lifetime earnings, the amount of Social Security taxes you paid while you were working, and how long you will be unable to work. The formulas are somewhat complicated. A qualified SSDI attorney can help you with the calculations.

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How much does your service cost?

Not a penny. The services of DISABILITY HELPLINETM are absolutely free. There is no cost and no obligation. Your initial consultation with a lawyer is also free of charge. You have nothing to lose and your benefits to gain. Call today at 1-888-764-9090.

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Do i need an attorney to file for social security disability benefits?

Because there are laws limiting the amount a representative can be compensated, all representatives generally work for the same standard rate, which is 25% of your claim if and when your claim is upheld. Most representatives work on contingency, which means they only get paid once your claim is upheld.

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What if my claim has been denied?

Almost 75% of all initial claims are denied, depending on which state you filed in. But this does not mean that your claim isn't viable and won't ultimately be upheld. Our representatives can work with you to file an appeal, and even go to trial on your behalf before an Administrative Law Judge at a Social Security disability hearing to secure your benefits if this becomes necessary.

Additionally, appeals must be filed within 60 days of the last denial. So if you have been denied, on your initial appeal, it is best to contact a representative NOW instead of waiting.

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Is the information that I provide confidential?

Yes, any information given to Disability HelplineTM will only be used in order to select the representative best suited to help you. We will never provide your information to anyone besides your representative.

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How long should I wait before contacting a representative?

You should contact a represenative as soon as possible, because disability claims can take a long time to process. A representative will be able to help you no matter what stage of the application process you are in.

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Simply fill out the form below and we will connect you with a Social Security Representative in your area now.

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Recent Posts from Disability Claim Help


  • Why should i hire a lawyer?

    • Over 3 million workers are estimated to apply for benefits in 2010. Well over 60% of initial applications are denied by Social Security. The complicated paperwork makes errors common, and the burden of medical documentation is difficult and time-consuming..

  • How long does the application process take?

    • Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance can be a lengthy process. Most claims take a minimum of three to five months for a decision. If the initial claim is denied, appeals could last a year or longer..

  • How much will it cost to hire an SSDI attorney?

    • Your first consultation is free. SSDI attorneys generally charge you only after they get your claim approved. They typically receive a percentage of your back pay. The Social Security Administration must approve the fee, so, by law, you cannot be overcharged..

 
The information contained within disability-helpline.com is provided as a service to the Internet community, and does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide quality information for those thinking of filing for Social Security disability insurance, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel. Advertising paid for by participating attorneys and claimants' representatives. Disability Helpline is not a law firm and this web site is not a lawyer referral service. Disability Helpline does not receive any portion of any lawyer's or law firm's fees and any arrangements subsequently made by you and any lawyer, law firm or representative are strictly between you and such party and do not involve Disability Helpline in any way.