At McGowan & Cecil LLC, we know that you are probably mulling over the question of whether you really need an attorney to help you seek Social Security disability benefits. The application for disability is a complicated process and one mistake or failure to provide documentation can lead to a denial. Social Security points out in their most recent report that an average of 50 percent of applications are denied. While many are based on medical requirements not having been met, in 2009 over 800,000 denials were due to a technical reason.
To prove a disability claim, you will need to provide Social Security with your complete work history, including dates of employment, wages, and how much was paid into Social Security. You will also have to gather medical evidence from every doctor you have seen for your condition. This can be extremely time-consuming and costly as most medical providers will charge you a fee for the records. In addition, you should also present other evidence such as letters from co-workers, supervisors, friends and family that show how the disability has impacted your life.
Typically, once the application has been submitted to Social Security, it can take up to a year or more before your application is either denied or approved. One error on your part can lead to a denial and the necessity of having to search for the missing information and appealing the decision. The delay in receiving benefits can hurt your financial stability and your ability to care for yourself and your family.
Having a legal representative gives you an automatic edge in that an experienced attorney has a deep understanding of what is needed to prove your disability claim. Your attorney also has a team of knowledgeable staff to assemble the documentation and information needed for the application process. They will review the application to make sure that everything is correct before submitting it on your behalf.