How to Choose a Reputable Disability Attorney
When you need to file for Social Security disability, it is imperative that you hire an attorney that is well-versed in Social Security laws and specializes in filing such claims. The representative that you choose must sign a form with you, naming them as your representative. An Appointment of Representation form, formally titled the SSA-1696 form, must be sent to the local Social Security field office, for approval. In addition to the 1696 form, most attorneys will ask you to sign two medical release forms and a fee agreement. Most representatives charge the maximum fee set by Social Security, which is currently the lesser of $6,000 or 25% of the client’s back benefits from Social Security. Many attorneys can mail the forms to you so that you can sign up for their services without leaving your home. If you are having difficulty choosing a reliable Raleigh disability attorney in North Carolina, you can contact the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives and ask for local SSD attorneys: http://www.nosscr.org
Do You Want Expert Legal Representation
When you do not understand the process of navigating the Social Security disability process, hiring legal representation can ease the burden. In some cases, an applicant may suffer from debilitating impairments such as memory loss, and be unable to file for themselves. It can be difficult trying to understand the legal process of filing for Social Security disability and appealing Social Security disability denials. You need legal support as well as support from friends and family throughout the long and complicated process. You can hire a disability attorney during any stage of the SSD application and appeals process.
What Are The Stages Of a Disability Claim?
The initial level of a Social Security Disability claim consists of actually filing for benefits. This involves filling out tedious forms and supplying medical and non-medical evidence and work history documentation. If you are denied after going through the initial level, the next stage is the reconsideration level. Applicants, who did not hire an attorney for legal representation during the initial level, tend to hire a lawyer while filing for reconsideration. If denied at reconsideration, the next step is to file a request for a hearing.
The Hearing, Appeals Council, And Federal Court Stages
If you get to the point where your Social Security disability claim is going to be heard by an Administrative Law Judge at a hearing, it is best to have an experienced attorney there to represent you. Most cases require two appeals and a hearing before they are approved, so it is common to need to go to an SSD hearing. If the case is denied at the hearing level, an experienced SSD attorney can appeal the decision to the Appeals Council. If the claim is denied by the Appeals Council, the final appeal stage is a Federal Court appeal. A professional attorney is going to be able to represent you at all stages in the Social Security disability process.
