Many disabled individuals in Utah file their initial Social Security disability application on their own, without the assistance of a lawyer. Before you to that route, however, consider the alternative.
As attorneys who handle disability claims in Utah, we encourage people to get a professional involved at the beginning of the process. Hiring a lawyer early on, before you submit your Social Security disability application, gives you the best chance of obtaining the benefits you need.
Most Disability Applications are Denied
Each year, millions of people apply for for disability benefits – and the Social Security Administration (SSA) only approves about 30 percent of the initial claims they receive. The remainder are denied, and getting a denial after several months of waiting for a decision is incredibly discouraging.
Applicants can appeal a denial, of course, but very few claims are approved during the reconsideration and hearing stages of the appeals process. Subsequent denials result in long delays, and some cases can drag on for years.
Having a lawyer prepare and file your initial Social Security disability application doesn’t guarantee an approval, but doing so can strengthen your claim.
Filing a Successful Claim for Benefits
With the huge number of disability applications the SSA processes every year, you’ll want to make sure your claim is accurate and complete. If there are any errors, omissions or disparities in the information provided, your initial claim will likely be denied.
Hiring an experienced disability lawyer on your side greatly increases your chances of an approval. An attorney who specializes in Social Security disability claims will know the rules that govern eligibility, and they’ll be able avoid the many administrative and procedural reasons why the SSA denies applications for benefits.
What’s more, a disability lawyer will be able to present your case in the best possible light. Your application will contain the necessary documentation to prove that you meet the criteria for benefits, which minimizes the risk of your claim being denied due to lack of medical evidence. And if the SSA doesn’t approve your disability application, your attorney will assist you with the appeals process.
The Cost of Hiring a Disability Lawyer
After reading everything above, you might want to have a lawyer prepare and file your initial disability application – but can you afford to do so?
Yes! You won’t have to put down a retainer or pay any legal fees upfront. Social Security disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, and your attorney’s compensation will come from the past-due benefits you are awarded. So, you don’t have to worry about where you’ll get the money to pay for legal assistance.
At Mountain West Disability, our lawyers strive to swiftly obtain benefits for our clients. And while we can’t guarantee that we can get your claim approved, we’ll do whatever we can to make sure that happens. For expert assistance with your Social Security disability application, contact our office in Murray, Utah, today.
