The Social Security Administration processes claims for retirement benefits, survivor’s benefits, and several forms of disability benefits. The claims processes for some of these benefits typically takes a few months. Unfortunately, that is not the case with claims for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), two programs designed to assist you if you are not yet retirement age but are too ill or injured to work for at least one year. While you may qualify for these benefits, proving this can be a challenge. Even though legal assistance is not required for the process, it is often a good idea to seek the help of an experienced, knowledgeable attorney who is able to help you with your claim and handle obstacles that arise. The Law Offices of Elizabeth Patterson,LLC., a Southern New Jersey-based lawyer specializing in SSDI and SSI claims, will help you file your claim for the compensations you deserve.
Why Assistance May be Needed
In Patterson’s experience, individuals who work with an attorney when applying for SSDI and SSI benefits are more likely to be successful at getting claims approved. Since Patterson and other law professionals who have dealt with the Social Security Administration are familiar with the rules, regulations, operating procedures, and relevant case law, they will be able to help you identify the legal issues unique to your claim and complete the required Social Security forms in the best manner needed to present a strong claim. Lawyers are also familiar with the procedure for gathering, organizing and presenting the evidence needed to support a claim, and presenting the information to the Social Security Administration. In addition, a lawyer will be able to speak with the representative at the SSDI and SSI offices, which can save you some of the frustration of dealing with a bureaucratic system that may leave you feeling “like a number.” Keep in mind that even if your claim is perfectly legit, you may find yourself jumping through a lot of hoops. As the majority of claims filed are denied at the earliest stages of the claims process, hiring a lawyer to assist you through the process to maximize your chances of success of having your claim approved is often your best defense. This will help you fight against a bureaucratic process that is not always claimant friendly.
Hiring the Attorney
In most cases, if you decide to hire an attorney to help you with your SSI or SSDI filing, you will not need to provide a retainer, or upfront, fee. In the cases Patterson represents, the attorney only receives a fee if the client is awarded benefits. Since cases may take well over 2 years to resolve, you may be owed significant back payments from the Social Security Administration, known as retroactive benefits. Most of the time, your attorney will accept the lesser of either 25% of retroactive benefits or the maximum allowed by law, currently set at $6,000. If you are successful, you can have your attorney paid directly by the Social Security Administration. If you are ineligible for retroactive benefits, you will not owe your attorney a fee. Patterson’s clients appreciate not having to come up with money to hire an attorney and, when they are successful, of not having to hassle with directly paying the attorney.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Individuals needing help with filing claims for SSI or SSDI benefits can seek assistance from attorneys, non-attorney representatives, or legal services organization. If you are living in Southern New Jersey and struggling with your SSI or SSDI claim, there are numerous benefits to contacting The Law Offices of Elizabeth Patterson, LLC. Patterson personally works with each client. She does not rely on secretaries or paralegals to prepare your case. She can help you if you are just starting the application process for SSI or SSDI benefits, as well as if you have already applied for benefits and been denied. If your claim is denied, she will file the necessary appeal. She will also help you prepare the forms required to process your appeal and, if you need to attend a hearing before an administrative law judge, she will prepare you for your hearing and attend the hearing with you. This can provide a great deal of comfort to someone whose benefits are in question, and you can rely on her experience and expertise to assist you during this frustrating time. If you have questions about your application for SSI or your SSDI benefits, or your claim has been denied, contact The Law Offices of Elizabeth Patterson, LLC.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this article as a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances, and you should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Publication of this article and your receipt of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
