Q: Should You Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney or a Representative?
A: There is a difference between a social security disability attorney and a representative. A social security disability attorney holds a law degree and specializes in social security. He or she deals with disability cases on a regular basis and knows what evidence is needed for a disability examiner or judge to fairly make a decision on a claim. A social security representative, on the other hand, does not need to be an attorney. While there are representatives that have a great deal of experience with the social security disability review process, it is often difficult to determine their level of expertise. A social security disability attorney has the knowledge foundation and experience to assure that your claim is given the best chance possible at being awarded benefits. Additionally, if you need to appeal your case to the Federal Court if you are denied benefits after a hearing, you will need an attorney. Many firms will have a representative accompany a claimant to a hearing. When you are interviewing potential firms, be sure to ask if an attorney or a representative will actually be handling your claim.
Q: Can you hire a social security disability attorney after you have already applied for benefits?
A: Yes, you can hire a social security disability attorney after you have already submitted your application for benefits. You can hire an attorney at any point in the disability review process. The most common time for a claimant to hire an attorney is after he or she has been denied benefits after initially applying. The next course of action after being initially denied is to file to have your claim reconsidered. If you are denied benefits again after reconsideration, the next course of action is to appeal for a hearing. Although you are not required to have a social security disability attorney for a hearing, it is extremely beneficial to have one.