After applying for Social Security Disability benefits, the agency may schedule a hearing for you to attend. You are within your rights to attend this hearing without an attorney present, but this is not the best decision. At the hearing, you will be able to ask questions, but you may not know the right questions to ask. This is something that a Social Security Disability attorney has experience doing, so the best decision is to use a lawyer for this and two other reasons. 

1. Social Security Disability Lawyers Are Knowledgeable about the System

Knowing everything there is to know about the Social Security system is a definite benefit when you apply for Social Security Disability. Since you may not have worked with this administration before, you do not have the knowledge and experience to navigate the system.  

With their experience, Social Security Disability lawyers know what they need to do to obtain these benefits for you. In most cases, your first application for Social Security Disability benefits will be denied, but you can file an appeal if the reconsideration of your claim is also denied. However, you must request a hearing within 60 days of learning of the reconsideration decision. To request this hearing, you must complete and submit several forms, including the following:

  • HA-46-32
  • HA-46-31
  • SSA-827
  • SSA-3441

If you have been working since filing for SSD, you must also submit the HA-4633.

You may have additional evidence that you would like the agency to consider. If that is the case, you must submit this new evidence at the time that you apply for a hearing. You may also do this within 10 days of filing the request. If you fail to do this, the court may refuse to hear your new evidence. 

This is a lot for you to keep track of when you have been hurt and are being treated for your injuries. When you hire Social Security attorneys, they will know when they need to submit this paperwork, and they will not let the deadlines pass. 

2. Social Security Attorneys Know Which Documents to Include

You may have an ongoing condition, but many people make the mistake of focusing on their older medical records. In the event that each one of your documents is older, the case loses strength. This is another important reason that you need a Social Security Disability attorney. The attorney will examine your documents and ensure that your medical records are complete and demonstrate your medical condition or injury in its entirety. 

3. Social Security Disability Attorneys Are Intimately Familiar with the Judges

As a layperson, you are not necessarily familiar with judges, but a Social Security Disability Attorney will be. This is the last reason that you need to use a lawyer to get Social Security Disability. Your attorney may know how the judge holds his or her hearings. Or, the attorney may know which questions the judge tends to ask. This is valuable information to have during your hearing and other legal procedures.

Reach out to a lawyer today if you are experiencing issues getting your Social Security Disability status.