Should I Hire an Attorney to Help with My Social Security Claim
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being disabled, you may be wondering if you should represent yourself or whether you would be better off to hire a Jacksonville disability attorney to handle your case. Before you decide, it is important you understand all the work, responsibility, and challenges of applying for benefits without an attorney.
Before you proceed with self-representation, it is important to understand that if you lose, you will have to start right from the beginning if you wish to re-apply. All this does is delay any benefits that you are eligible for.
The Initial Application
At this stage of the process, we work with you and provide you with guidance on what to gather, how to gather it and how to use this information to prove that you are truly disabled. An attorney is usually able to help you prepare your claim so that it is presented to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the best possible light.
Many applications are denied at the first level, even with the help of a Social Security attorney. However, if you have already hired an attorney to help you with you initial application, your attorney can work with you and continue to advocate on your behalf before the SSA.
The Appeals Process
At the first appeal – the Request for Reconsideration level – your attorney would file the appeal paperwork and work hand in hand with the SSA on obtaining relevant medical information. The attorney would also advocate on your behalf via letters and briefs why you are disabled and unable to work.
At the second appeal – the Administrative Law Judge hearing level – your attorney works with you to keep medical records current and to present the best argument and medical records to the Judge to explain your disability.
If you are disabled and finding it difficult to navigate this maze alone, contact us at (904) 777-7777.
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