When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you want to leave nothing up to chance. Filing a disability claim can be done on your own or with the help of a Leesburg disability lawyer from Culbertson Law Group.
Have you ever thought of applying for disability benefits as easy? For most, the answer would be a resounding no. However, the secret to a simplified and streamlined application process often comes down to who you decide to be your legal partner. Read on to learn how a local Leesburg disability lawyer can help make every step of applying for disability benefits as easy as possible.
The Disability Benefits Filing Process
Applying for benefits includes the following steps:
- Gather all necessary documentation.
- Fill out and submit your application.
- The Social Security Administration will determine if qualifications are met, including:
- Determining if there are enough years of work to qualify.
- Evaluating current work tasks, requirements, and activities.
- The Social Security Administration will forward the application to your state Disability Determination Services office.
- The Disability Determination Services in your state will make the disability benefits decision.
While this five-step process looks simple enough, the Social Security Administration determines that the processing time is approximately 103 days for disability claims. In some cases, a review of documentation, proof, and evidence can even take up to two full years.
That is a long time to wait for the disability benefits you need. Partnering with a Leesburg disability lawyer like those at Culbertson Law Firm can provide assurance of thorough documentation preparation up front, and supportive representation from start to finish.
Preparation
Applying for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration is nuanced and often leaves applicants confused and uncertain if they have included all the necessary documentation. For this very reason, over 65% of claims get denied the first time around.
When you choose to enlist the legal experience of a Leesburg Disability Lawyer acquainted with the claims application process, they can help you reduce your chances of being rejected because of a lack of medical evidence or proof.
Additionally, filing your disability claim with the help of a lawyer will keep you prepared and covered throughout the application process in several ways:
- Ensure you understand and meet all criteria.
- Present your case clearly and leave nothing to chance or conjecture. Provide complete evidence and further ensure claim eligibility by collecting all necessary medical documentation from doctors, hospitals, and treatment facilities.
Representation
Evidence shows that disability claims filed with the aid of a claims attorney are more likely to be approved faster and within the first round of review. However, if your original claim gets denied, legal representation matters.
A disability claims lawyer can represent you at reconsideration hearings and other appeals proceedings. The legal advice provided by your attorney is beneficial since they can:
- Assist in obtaining additional medical evidence or documentation from healthcare professionals involved in your medical treatment.
- Give guidance in preparing for legal hearing questions.
- Provide clear communication at your case hearing to ensure the judge understands how an injury or disability impacts your ability to work effectively.
Get Help Today
Whether you are planning to apply for disability benefits or if your original claim got denied, a local Leesburg Disability Lawyer can help today. Our team of legal professionals will partner with you so you can file your claim with confidence and receive the disability benefits that you need. Contact Culbertson Law Firm today to schedule your initial consultation.