Q: Do you have to have a social security attorney if you want to take the next step after your initial claim for disability insurance was not approved?
A: If you were denied benefits after you applied for disability, you do not need to hire a social security attorney to appeal. That being said, it is after an initial claim is denied that many claimants decide to hire a lawyer. The next step is to file a reconsideration. Most cases are still not approved when reconsidered. The next step would then be to file an appeal to have your claim heard before an administrative judge. A hearing is your last opportunity to present your case. Having a social security attorney on your side after your application is initially not approved can help you give your case the best chance possible. To have your case heard before an administrative judge, it is not mandatory to be represented by a lawyer. The majority of cases that are awarded benefits after this stage, however, are represented by a legal advocate.
Q: How do you find a good social security attorney?
A: A lawyer recommendation from an individual who recently went through the disability claims process can be very helpful. If you do not know of any recommendations, hop online and see if you can find any reviews for an attorney who handles your type of claims. Once you find some attorneys, make a list of basic questions you plan to ask any candidates. First, find out what percentage of cases the lawyer handles are disability cases. Having a lawyer who deals with your type of cases a lot will be beneficial. Assure that the attorney has copies of your application, denial notification and health records so he can be well versed on your case when you sit down to meet for the first time. Discuss the steps that will be involved with a claim. Have the attorney provide details on the challenges of your claim and how he plans to overcome them. It is generally not helpful to ask how many cases an attorney has won. Every disability case is different. It is more helpful to hire a social security attorney that has a lot of disability expertise and who has taken the time to know your particular issues.
Q: Is it wise to submit a new application if you were not approved for disability insurance?
A: It is generally not a good idea to simply apply again after you were initially denied. Your next step is to file for reconsideration. The deadline to file for reconsideration is no later than sixty days after you received notification that your claim was not approved for benefits. Appealing to have your case heard before an administrative judge is your next step, if your claim is reconsidered and still not approved. You will only add more time to your process, if you begin at square one again and submit a new application in lieu of filing for reconsideration.

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by: albert.tobega
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