{"id":7969,"date":"2020-11-27T10:15:42","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T15:15:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/?p=7969"},"modified":"2020-11-27T10:15:58","modified_gmt":"2020-11-27T15:15:58","slug":"5-factors-to-consider-when-hiring-an-ssd-attorney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/5-factors-to-consider-when-hiring-an-ssd-attorney\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Factors to Consider When Hiring an SSD Attorney"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you unable to work because of a disability? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this is your first time down this path and need to pursue a Social Security Disability claim, it can be overwhelming. The very best thing you can do at this point is to find a Social Security Disability (SSD) attorney to help you through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But finding the right person can also feel like a huge undertaking. So to simplify the process, we’ll look at five questions to ask before you decide on the right SSD attorney. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Are You a Licensed SSD Attorney?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to note right out of the gate that in disability hearings, Social Security does allow non-attorney advocates to represent you. And you may be tempted to go this route because you believe you’ll save money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when comparing attorney fees, most non-attorney advocates charge the same fees as attorneys. And having a licensed attorney significantly increases the chances that he or she is familiar with Social Security regulations and case law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, attorneys are able to handle cases in federal court. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. What Are Your Qualifications?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You want a lawyer who knows every rule and procedure involved in handling Social Security<\/a> cases. Therefore, insist on an attorney whose legal practice is at least partially devoted to Social Security Disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dealing with Social Security Disability law is complicated so you’ll want someone who has extensive experience in this area. Your ideal candidate should have already performed at least dozens of hearings before an Administrative Law Judge seeking Social Security Disability for individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. How Will You Manage the Evidence?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you talk to your attorney, ask them about how they will manage the evidence needed to award you benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A solid SSD attorney ensures that Social Security attains this necessary evidence. He or she must be willing to provide complete information about your doctors and\/or hospitalizations so they can access your medical records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They should be aware of any witnesses and also have a plan in place to talk with your medical providers about further documentation that could support your case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Where Are You Located?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stick with a local firm<\/a> when you’re looking for a qualified attorney. Even though you can be represented by an attorney who resides and practices in another state, you will have better access to your advocate if he or she is local.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means you’re more likely to secure earlier meeting times and be able to get together far in advance of scheduled hearings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Will There Be Case-Related Expenses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be very clear on what your disability attorney charges for beyond the overall fee. For example, you will more than likely be required to pay for items such as medical records requests, postage, and travel expenses involved with your case. Knowing this at the outset will allow you to budget for these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the Benefits You Deserve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having an SSD attorney on your side can make all the difference between merely getting by and getting all the benefits you deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just be sure to keep the above five questions in mind when you start the vetting process. When you find the perfect lawyer, you’ll be grateful you did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for more informative articles on a wide variety of topics, keep checking back with us!  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Are you unable to work because of a disability?  If this is your first time down this path and need to pursue a Social Security Disability claim, it can be overwhelming. The very best thing you can do at this point is to find a Social Security Disability (SSD) attorney to help you through the process. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7969"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7969"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7969\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7971,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7969\/revisions\/7971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7969"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}