Posted on: 6 May 2017

If you are considering filing for disability, there are three stages of the process where you need to give strong consideration to hiring an attorney. The following is a quick explanation of them.

To assist you in determining your eligibility

If you are not eligible for disability, then obviously, you are wasting your time filing for it. An attorney can be valuable in assessing your case. They know the laws and have experience in knowing what disabilities will qualify and which will not. In addition, they will be able to access your chances of collecting disability. They can analyze the strength or weakness of your case, or in some instances, whether you have a case at all. Without this type of specialized knowledge, it is easy to believe you qualify for disability, but the condition is not recognized as such by the Social Security office. Diabetes is one example, or blindness in one eye. But it also relates to the type of work that you engage in, and how your disability prevents you from earning a living.

To assist in the documentation of your case and filing the paperwork

If you have a case, you still need to consider using an attorney to prepare the filing for disability. It is common for people to have their claim rejected, and often it has nothing to do with the strength of their claim but more to do with the paperwork. Not only does the paperwork need to be filled out properly, but your disability needs to be documented in such a way that the Social Security office has few, if any questions. The chances of getting approved the first time are much higher if you have legal assistance. Not only does an attorney have knowledge of the requirements in filing for disability, but they also have the practical experience in knowing how the system works.

To assist you with an appeal

If you already went through the process of filing for disability and had your claim rejected, you certainly need to get the advice and assistance of an attorney. They can look over everything you did and are likely to spot one or more problems you created yourself by not understanding the process. The good news is that these issues can be rectified on appeal, and your rejection can be reversed. The chances of winning an appeal or greater when you hire an attorney than when you attempt to go through the appeal process alone.

Do not make any assumptions about the process for collecting disability. Your chances of needing an appeal are less when you consult with an attorney from start to finish. If you are interested in learning more, visit sites such as http://www.socialsecurityesq.com.