subject: Hiring A Supplemental Security Income (ssi) Attorney [print this page] Hiring a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Attorney
Filing a claim for SSI can be a very stressful, time consuming process, particularly if youre dealing with serious health issues. Hiring an experienced disability attorney to file your claim can ease the stress, as well as increase your odds of having your claim for SSI approved.
Whether or not to hire legal representation is a serious question, because whether you pay them up front or go the contingency route (which most people do), an attorney will cost you as much as 25% of your initial benefits amount. However, when you take into account that 70% of SSI disability claims are denied during the initial application process, you want to increase your odds of getting your claim approved in the best way possible, without having to file several appeals, which can end up taking years. An experienced disability attorney with expertise in the inner workings of the Social Security Agency knows how to substantiate your case in such a way as to increase the odds of getting your claim approved more quickly.
If you hire an attorney to submit your initial application, they will make sure all of the forms are prepared properly, so you dont lose precious time making corrections somewhere down the line. They also know how to work with your medical team to ensure they document your impairment in the way that best establishes your disability. And, if they determine that your physician isnt able or willing to help you with your claim, they can recommend another physician you can be more supportive.
Social Security has strict rules about how much disability lawyers can charge for their services. They limit attorney fees in SSI cases to 25% of the total initial benefit payment, or a maximum of $6,000. For example, if it takes six months for your case to be approved and your monthly benefit is $1000, youll get an initial payment of $6,000 and owe the lawyer $1,500. You will pay nothing out of your subsequent monthly payments.
Most lawyers will give you an initial consultation for free, during which theyll review your case to assess the feasibility of getting approved for SSI benefits. Almost all attorneys represent their clients on a contingency basis, which means that you pay nothing until your claim is approved. If you do hire a lawyer, review their contract carefully so you know exactly what their fee is to represent your SSI claim.
There are an abundance of ethical, experienced disability attorneys to represent you, if you decide to go that route. Many people start by asking their State Bar Association for a referral. Whatever you decide, make sure your attorney specializes in Social Security disability law and knows the system inside out and backwards. Getting representation from a family law attorney to represent your SSI claim is like asking an eye doctor to perform heart surgery!
