Do you have to file an SSDI claim and wonder if hiring a disability lawyer will speed up the process?
Many applicants ask themselves: Is working with a professional attorney worth it, or is it just a waste of your money?
The truth is that disability claims are complex and lengthy. Having an experienced attorney by your side will always benefit your case.
But what about timing? Can you get disability benefits faster with a lawyer?
In this post, we’ll tell you an estimate of how long it takes to get SSDI with a lawyer. Additionally, we’ll review the typical process time frames and how you can accelerate things to secure benefits faster.
How Long Does it Take For a Lawyer to Get You Disability Benefits?
That is a tricky question to answer. Why? Because each disability case is unique.
For starters, the time frame significantly changes depending on which instance of the journey you are on.
Are you just about to file a claim and still need to gather medical evidence? Or have you already been denied and must file for appeal?
The time period is also subject to your disability.
Some impairments have a high success rate, meaning you may get a more straightforward approval.
However, other health conditions might require an extensive review from the Social Security Administration (SSA) employees, delaying the process.
How Long Does An SSDI Process Typically Take?
While every case is unique after filing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim, the SSA usually makes a decision within 6 to 8 months.
If you receive a positive resolution, you can expect to get your back pay and first disability check in about 30-90 days.
On the other hand, if the SSA rejects your claim, you can request an appeal, which will take longer. How much longer? On average, it takes claimants about a year and three months to obtain benefits when they file an appeal. However, in this instance, the process can linger for years.
4 Ways A Disability Attorney Can Speed Up Your Case
Regardless of which step of the journey you are on or how complex your case is, working with a professional law firm will always smooth things up.
These are 4 ways experienced SSDI attorneys can help you reach your benefits faster:
Gather Medical Records to Build a Strong Case
Medical evidence can make or break your SSDI case.
Some hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers aren’t always as responsive as you may think.
A lawyer can act as an intermediary between the claimant and healthcare professional, smoothing communication and resolving delay issues.
Providing accurate and timely medical records will not only enhance your odds of winning, but it will also eliminate the need for the SSA to gather more medical evidence, speeding up the process.
Review and Update Medical Proof
If you have already applied for Social Security disability benefits and your impairment has worsened since then, an attorney can update the information and collect new medical records.
While the SSA reviews your case, the lawyer will continue to gather information from your doctors. They may also suggest contacting a specialist on your condition and requesting a recommendation letter from them.
All that extra information will answer questions about your disability that may not have been included in your medical records.
Write a Conscience and Persuasive Claim That Satisfies the SSA
When filing your claim, it’s crucial to explain your health condition and symptoms briefly but thoroughly.
You want to showcase the full extent of your symptoms, detailing how they negatively impact your daily life and work activities without exaggerating.
Professional disability lawyers know how to write a conscience and persuasive claim that demonstrates to the SSA you are a worthy candidate, putting you one step closer to securing benefits.
Keep Track of Important Deadlines
Missing one single deadline can significantly delay the process or even get you rejected.
The SSA receives thousands of claims each year, so its process must be highly rigorous. If everyone misses their deadline, the system will become chaotic, affecting every claimant.
So, when it comes to deadlines, the best approach is to keep a good record of them so you never miss one.
When applying for disability benefits, you probably already have plenty on your plate. Between medical appointments, adjusting to your new lifestyle, and the stress of being unable to work, it’s not rare that some things will slip your mind.
The disability attorney will keep track of all important deadlines so you can take this task from your to-do list and entirely focus on your recovery.
You Got Denied: How Long Do You Have To Wait To Appeal?
Since we were just discussing deadlines, it’s important to mention when you should file for an appeal in case of denial.
An overwhelming 70% of initial applications face rejection.
When that happens, the next step is to appeal. At a disability benefits appeal, you must attend a hearing and present your case to an Administrative Law Judge.
Once you receive the reception notice, you have 60 days to request an appeal. Missing that time frame means you must start the application process from scratch.
A disability attorney can immediately file an appeal for you, ensuring the process moves forward as soon and quickly as possible.
Ready To Get Your Disability Benefits?
Claiming disability benefits tends to be a lengthy process, but there is no need to make it any longer.
Working with a disability attorney ensures your case moves smoothly and swiftly, avoiding complications or errors that can delay the arrival of your monthly checks.
Do you have more questions? You can contact a professional disability law firm. Attorneys will provide you with all the info you need and an estimate of how long it would take for you to get SSDI.
With Slight Wave expert guidance, you can master the SSDI process and confidently take the steps to secure your rightful benefits.
