Does an Attorney Improve the Chances of Winning Disability?

December 17, 2022 | SSDI

Does an Attorney Improve the Chances of Winning Disability?

Disability is a lifeline for millions of Americans. It helps pay for vital necessities and helps countless remain fed and off the streets. 

However, many disabled individuals seeking disability find they have to fight to get their benefits. The ones that have attorneys representing them have a much higher chance of success than those who brave the disability claim process alone. 

SSDI and SSI 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs that provide monthly payments for injured individuals. They are separate programs with differing benefits and eligibility rules that must be strictly complied with to receive payments.

SSDI

SSDI is a program that workers and their employers pay into every time a worker is paid. Over time, the payments build up credits that allow workers to claim disability benefits should they suffer a qualifying disability. 

Because workers and their employers pay into the program, individuals without a qualifying work record can not receive SSDI. Instead, they would have to apply for SSI if they become disabled.

SSI

SSI is different from SSDI; it is available to eligible individuals without a qualifying work history. Age, blindness, and other disabilities may qualify an individual to receive payments if they have limited income and resources. 

Other Important Considerations

Besides the eligibility requirements, other important considerations exist regarding SSI and SSDI. If you are seeking or receiving benefits, it’s important to know what some of these considerations are.

Some of them include:

  • SSI and SSDI require at least 12 months of past or future disability
  • SSI is to be used for basic needs, such as sustenance, clothing, and housing
  • Concurrent eligibility for SSI and SSDI may be available
  • You may work on both programs, but your benefits may be reduced

Other considerations exist which might impact your situation. Speaking with an attorney will help make sure that your bases are covered.

Denied Claims

If you or someone you love has filed for or is receiving SSDI or SSI disability, you may know how difficult it can be to get your benefits approved. Various challenges in the claims process frequently overwhelm applicants, who, in turn, make mistakes that form the bases for many denials. 

Denials are also common due to disputes over the seriousness of an illness and the treatment it should receive. Despite this fact, many applicants choose to pursue their benefits on their own.

How an Attorney Can Help Ensure You Win Your Disability Claim

Disability attorneys know the law and the procedures involved with the disability system. They possess the agility to efficiently and effectively represent their clients. 

If you are wondering if having an attorney helps, the numbers are clear that it does. According to an extensive study completed by the Government Accounting Office (GAO), applicants for SSI or SSDI who have attorneys are far more likely to win their social security disability cases. 

Hence, hiring an attorney from the get-go is the most optimal way to raise your chances of winning your claim. Your attorney will make sure you have all the proper documentation and have filled out all of the forms correctly. They will also handle every stage of the process, regularly keeping you abreast of the situation. 

If you or a loved one is facing a disability claim denial or would like to avoid one, it is always in your best interests to contact an experienced disability attorney with a trustworthy track record. You deserve to have access to the benefits you need to make it through life. 

If you’ve been injured in a social security disability, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963