How Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me?
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, then it would be wise to hire an experienced SSDI attorney in Towson Maryland. Hiring a lawyer who has past experienced in Social Security and disability cases will increase the chances of your application being approved.
How does one apply for Social Security Benefits?
Applying for Social Security benefits involves many steps involved and the process can drag on for months or years. But working with Social Security Lawyers in Towson Maryland can improve your chances.
Here is how the entire process works:
The Initial application
The process starts by completing an initial application either in-person, online, or via the phone. The application will then be reviewed to know if you qualify for SSDI claim benefits. Those in charge will consider factors such as your household income and whether you have been paying enough quarters into the Social Security program.
If you meet the criteria, then your application will be forwarded to the Disability Determination Service (DDS) for an examiner to conduct a vocational and medical assessment of your claim.
The examiner will work in collaboration with agency physicians to reviews your application in order to establish the truth about your claim. After that, they will either approve or reject the application based on their findings.
Reconsideration
It is estimated that more than 70 percent of SSDI applications get rejected. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean that all is over. In case your application is rejected by DDS, you can consult a Maryland SSDI attorneys and file a reconsideration appeal. This must however be done within 60 days after the rejection of your initial application.
ALJ hearing
Your appeal can only be heard by a Social Security Administrative Law judge if you file it within the accepted period. You will also be required to submit current medical records prior to the appeal hearing to back up your claim for the SSDI benefits.
During the hearing, you will be asked several questions by the judge including your standards of living, medical condition, education, and work history. The judge will permit you to bring witnesses who may be aware of your medical conditions and other limitations.
On the other hand, Social Security will hire a vocational expert to give an account of your previous work and skills. In some cases, they can also call a medical expert during the hearing.
Appeals council
In case a Social Security Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) rejects your appeal, you can still file a request through the Appeals Council within a period of 60 days after the appeals judgment. In order to present a strong defense, t is good to hire a qualified and experienced Baltimore Social Security disability lawyer.
Federal court
If the Appeals Council decides to concur with the decision of the ALJ or refuses to review the decision, then your last chance to receive SSDI benefits is to move to the Federal court. But you will be required to pay court fees for you to file.
How can a lawyer increase your chances of winning a disability case?
Maryland Social Security disability attorneys play a crucial role in helping applicants win their disability cases. This is because SSDI lawyers in Maryland:
Have extensive knowledge of Social Security law
Can present a strong argument before the judge
Can easily navigate through the various application processes
Understand how judges make decisions
When should you hire a lawyer?
It is important to hire a lawyer when you start making the initial SSDI application. Don’t wait until the application is rejected before hiring an attorney. Gordon Wolf & Carney has helped many people to win their SSDI cases in Maryland.