Choosing a Social Security Disability Professional

Did you know?

Out of over 2.1 million initial claims that were filed in 2004, just under 800,000 were approved.

We Help Thousands of People Every Year with Their Social Security Disability Claims

Statistics show that thousands of Social Security claims are denied initially, and of those cases that do go on to the first level of appeal (Reconsideration), about 85% are denied. At the second level of appeal (Administrative Hearing), about 45% of all claims are denied.

Statistics have also shown that claimants represented by professionals have been much more successful in obtaining benefits than people who choose to represent themselves.

How can an SSDI Professional Help?

It is a good idea to speak with a professional before filing your claim. If you are denied a Social Security Disability or an SSI claim, it is often because there was a lack of medical evidence in support of your claim, the Administration did not consider all your impairments, or the Administration failed to apply the correct legal rules.

• We can give you advice about what you need to do to prove your disability and help you gather medical evidence.
• We can request copies of your medical records and make sure these records are included in your final claim.
• We can request that your treating doctor provide a detailed report of what you can and cannot do because of your impairment and can ensure that any necessary appeals are timely filed.

We will help you at all levels of the administrative process to:

• Analyze your case under Social Security Regulations.
• Obtain a copy of your file from the Office of Hearings & Appeals to ensure that it reflects all your past medical treatment and that all records and documents contained therein are admissible as evidence.
• Ask that any prior applications for benefits be reopened.
• Protect your right to a fair hearing.
• Make any necessary appeals.

We will work with you and assist you with filing your initial application, filing your request for reconsideration, requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge or filing an appeal with the Appeals Council.

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we will be able to take the steps necessary in developing your case. If you have already received your notice from Social Security advising you that it has denied your claim, you will have only 60 days to file your appeal. Do not wait until the last minute to contact a SSDI representative. Once this 60-day period has expired, you may lose your right to appeal.

The Claims Process

One of our trained professionals can help you with the claims process for either Social Security Disability or SSI. Your chances of winning your case in the initial application improve when you have a trained professional help you.

Denial

You should not become discouraged if your claim is denied at first. It is common for people to be denied at the initial application stage.

Reconsideration

If you are denied, an experienced representative can assist you in filing a "Request for Reconsideration" from Social Security. After approximately three to six months, a decision will be reached on the Reconsideration request. The case will either be granted benefits or denied. If the case is denied, it is time to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Request for Hearing

At this stage in the process, it is critical to have good legal representation to give you the best chance of winning the appeal.

The Hearing

An administrative law judge will preside at the hearing, medical evidence will be presented, and you and your SSDI representative must be present.

The Decision

The judge may announce a decision at the hearing. It can take at least two to three months after the hearing to receive the decision, if not longer. If the decision is favorable, you should receive your first check about 8 - 12 weeks after you are notified of the decision.

Always consult with the experienced Social Security Disability professionals at Jacoby & Meyers when you need help getting your disability benefits.