Working With A Great Lawyer

What To Know When Hiring A Social Security Disability Attorney

9 December 2021

Dianne Ellis

Pursuing a disability claim can be challenging, but it may be your best option if you are unable to work. Disability can affect anyone no matter their age, and it's not always something you can predict. Finding yourself in a situation where you have an injury or illness that dramatically impacts your life can be overwhelming. Having a disability attorney by your side will remove a few burdens when you apply for benefits. Here are three things to know when hiring a Social Security disability attorney. 

When You Need An Attorney

The first thing to know about hiring a disability attorney is when you should seek one out. If you have a condition that makes you unable to work and will last at least one year or until death, then you may be able to receive disability benefits. If you have any questions about whether you qualify or if you think your claim may not go through, a Social Security disability attorney may be able to help. A consultation with a lawyer can answer many of your initial questions.

The Earlier, The Better

The process of applying for disability benefits can be confusing. If you are about to make an initial claim, your attorney will evaluate it to determine how strong your case is for disability benefits. The earlier you seek out a Social Security disability attorney, the faster they will help you with the process. When you hire an attorney, your claim is more likely to succeed. Not seeking out an attorney early on can mean wasting time on multiple disability claims. 

What It Will Cost

If you plan to hire a disability attorney, it's essential to consider the total costs. There's more to hiring a Social Security disability attorney than their fees. You will need to provide proof of your disability, which requires copies of your medical records and other documents. Copying and mailing fees can add up. Fee agreements from disability attorneys vary but cannot exceed $6,000 or 25 percent of your disability back pay. Copying and mailing costs associated with your claim usually amount to $100 to $200. 

If you need to file for Social Security disability, there are a few things to know when hiring an attorney. First, you need to determine whether using an attorney is necessary. Second, if you think an attorney will help, hiring one sooner than later is a good idea. Finally, consider the total cost of using an attorney before committing. 

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