Social Security Disability Claims

If you are filing a claim for social security disability, your chances of being approved are substantially greater if you hire an experienced lawyer. Statistics have shown, time and time again, that Social Security is much more likely to approve applicants with legal counsel than those without. An experienced disability attorney will understand how to position your case for the most favorable decision. If you have questions about filing a social security disability claim, contact a Boston disability lawyer today.

From the initial application onward, an attorney can assist with everything from determining the “alleged onset date” of your disability to collecting and submitting medical evidence at the reconsideration and hearing levels if the initial decision must be appealed. In some cases, it may have to be argued that your condition does, in fact, fall under one of the eligible impairment categories in Social Security’s “Blue Book”.

Nearly 90 Percent of Disability Applicants Need Help to Complete Their Claim

Shockingly, nearly 60 percent of initial social security disability applications are denied, and almost 90 percent of applicants require a representative to help them complete the process. The application and appeals process can be extremely complicated; supporting documentation and evidence are often crucial to the success of a claim. Social Security requires extensive documentation to back-up claims, including IRS forms, medical records and medication history, employment history, bank account information, and personal information. If you need help filing a disability claim, or appealing a denied claim, contact a MA disability lawyer today.

If a disability is preventing you from working, the financial stress of a lost income can be devastating. The last thing you want to do is sift through files, determine what information to provide, and deal with a lengthy appeals process. With the help of an experienced attorney, gathering and analyzing information, and then providing the appropriate information to Social Security, is generally a much quicker, easier, and more accurate process. Further, a skilled attorney can track the status of your claim and respond to requests for additional information, and he or she can speak with Social Security representatives on your behalf so that you can concentrate on living your life.

Appeals Process

Within 60 days of receiving a denial, you may file an appeal. The appeals process has four possible levels.

• Reconsideration: This is the initial request for appeal. A claims examiner will reconsider your application, including any new evidence.
• Hearing: If the reconsideration is denied or you are unhappy with the results, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. Your attorney will prepare you for questions the judge may ask. He or she can also request the subpoena of witnesses and argue your case before the judge.
• Appeals Council: If the hearing does not produce the result you were hoping for, your case can be reviewed by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Council may deny your request for another hearing. If the Council grants a secondary determination, your attorney will likely have to repeat the steps from the prior hearing.
• Federal Court: If all else fails, your last resort is to file a lawsuit in federal district court.

Altman & Altman, LLP – Social Security Disability Lawyers Serving All of Massachusetts

At Altman & Altman, LLP, our experienced legal team has been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. If an injury has left you permanently unable to work, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits. The cost of hiring a lawyer is small when you compare it to delayed, reduced, or denied disability benefits. In the end, many people who start the process without an attorney end up hiring legal counsel once the process becomes to complicated and frustrating. Our goal is to get you the full compensation you deserve in a timely manner. If you need to file a claim for social security disability benefits, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.