Three Reasons To Consult With A An Attorney Before You File For Social Security Disability Benefits

If you have an injury or health issue that makes it difficult to work, you may be thinking about filing for disability with the Social Security Disability office. Before you do, it is important that you consult with an attorney. The following are just a sampling of the reasons to speak to a lawyer.

An attorney can help you determine if you qualify

The majority of people who believe that they qualify for disability payments are wrong. And it is plainly seen because the majority of people have their claim rejected. The Social Security Disability office has clearly defined circumstances regarding what constitutes a disability. Keep in mind that people are not expected to work if they are unable, but what you think that means and what the government defines it to be, may not be the same thing. And even if you are disabled and can no longer work, you must have a health problem that will keep you from working for more than a year.

An attorney can help you document your disability

A lack of documentation is one of the leading causes of rejection. If you can't document your disability sufficiently, the Social Security Disability office will simply reject it. They're not going to waste their time reading between the lines of insufficient information, nor will they give you the benefit of the doubt. An attorney that has years of experience and knowledge can first look at the specific disability you have, and if it is one that will be recognized by the Social Security Disability office, then he or she can look at the medical documentation you have. If it is insufficient, an attorney can explain what you will need from your doctor before you apply for disability.

An attorney can help you prepare the filing for disability

Not only will an attorney help with the medical documentation, but the forms needed for a disability filing must be done perfectly. Although at first glance, the information may seem easy enough to provide, simple mistakes can lead to a rejection of your claim. You will need supporting documents that will need to be included. Examples of these documents include, but are not limited to, your birth certificate or proof of legal residency, and your most current tax returns. In addition, there are rules on what can be photocopied and which documents must be originals.

If you feel you have a disability that prevents you from earning a living, you may qualify for disability benefits. However, it is important to consult with a social security attorney about the nature of your health problem, and the documentation you have that establishes it. You can then get help in putting together the application and all other documentation that is needed.