Necessary Legal Help With Your Social Security Case
Having an expert on your side is always a good idea. In the case of the confusing world of Social Security, doing so could make all the difference in getting the benefits you need. If you are unable to work anymore due to an affliction, you should consider how easy and helpful using a Social Security attorney could be. Read on to find out more.
Do You Have Sufficient Work History?
There are many requirements to be met before you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). First, your work credits are checked. How many work credits you need varies by your age and how recently you've worked. If you don't have enough, you won't qualify. Be sure to verify your work record before you accept the denial based on lack of work credits. The numbers used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are pulled from IRS records of taxes filed. It's possible that you filed tax extensions or submitted amended returns and that could result in incorrect info.
Are You Owed Back Pay?
In most cases, SSDI applicants are owed something called back pay. The time between your last day of work and the day you are approved for benefits can span several months. This is money you are owed and are paid upon approval in a lump-sum known as back pay. Back pay is important not just because the cash infusion is sure to be needed and welcomed, but because of an arrangement between the SSA and Social Security attorneys.
Social Security Contingency Agreements
As mentioned above, Social Security is a complex matter and even the SSA recognizes this fact. That is how a plan to help applicants with legal assistance was created. Certain attorneys who practice Social Security law are certified to represent applicants and are paid from the applicant's back pay. If you don't end up getting approved, you will owe the attorney nothing. There are strict limits on how much the attorney can charge and the agreements must be approved of by the SSA before you can move forward.
How Attorneys Help
Social Security attorneys understand everything about the application and appeal process. They know what the SSA is looking for when it comes to complying with the medical proof you will need and they know how to appeal any denials of benefits. What's really interesting, though, is that when an attorney represents an applicant at an appeal hearing, those applicants are 63.6% more likely to gain approval for SSDI benefits. Speak to a Social Security attorney about your case today.
For more information, contact a law office like Smith Jordan, P.A. Attorneys at Law.