Whether you are applying through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security disability benefits exist to help families through difficult times. Yet, unfortunately, these benefits can be challenging to get. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than two-thirds of initial Social Security disability claims are denied. An attorney can make a significant difference. In this article, you will find an overview of the advantages of hiring Social Security disability lawyer Harold W. Conick to help with your claim.
Three Reasons Why it is Easier to Get SSDI or SSI Benefits With an Attorney
1. A Strong, Well-Prepared Initial Claim is Far More Likely to Be Approved
Social Security disability claims are complicated — especially for people who have never previously filed for benefits. Relatively minor errors in the paperwork can radically reduce your likelihood of success. A disability claim can be denied on technical grounds (for legal or financial reasons) or on medical grounds (insufficient evidence of a qualifying disability). An experienced Illinois Social Security disability lawyer can help you navigate all of the paperwork, ensuring that you have a comprehensive and well-supported legal claim.
2. You Have a Limited Amount of Time Correct Errors (Appeal a Denial)
As already noted, the SSA denies the majority of initial Social Security disability claims. That being said, a significant number of people are actually able to get their denial overturned on appeal. If you believe that your SSDI benefits or SSI benefits were denied in error, you have the right to challenge the adverse decision. To do so, you must file a Request for Reconsideration. This is effectively the first step of the Social Security disability appeals process. You can submit additional documents, records, evidence, and information lawyer during this stage. An Illinois SSDI lawyer can help.
3. An Administrative Hearing (or Even Litigation) May Be Required
The claims reviewers at the SSA do not get to make the final determination on your disability benefits. If they reject your claim on reconsideration, you are not necessarily out of luck. You have the right to appeal the denial and seek a hearing before an administrative law judge. You should always be represented by an experienced Illinois Social Security disability attorney during an administrative hearing.
These are complex cases. A lawyer can make it easier to get benefits by presenting a well-prepared case. Following an administrative hearing, you can appeal an SSDI or SSI denial to a federal court. Litigation is somewhat uncommon in Social Security disability cases, but it is the final option.
Get Help With a Social Security Disability Claim in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area and Northern Illinois
At Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., our Social Security disability lawyers are standing by, ready to help you take action to secure the benefits that you deserve. Are you applying for benefits for the first time or was your claim already denied? We can help.
Call the seasoned SSDI lawyers at Harold W. Conick & Associates today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your claim. The team at Harold W. Conick & Associates provides Social Security disability law guidance throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area and Northern Illinois – including, but not limited to Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake, and McHenry Counties, as well as Northeastern Indiana and Southern Wisconsin.
