A lawyer with experience handling applications for disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), can substantially improve your chances of success. Moreover, they can help you explore potential legal options if your application is denied. But how exactly can a lawyer help you obtain disability benefits, and what can you do if your application was not approved?
What Are Disability Benefits?
Broadly speaking, disability benefits refer to certain government programs that grant money and other forms of support to people with severe disabilities. Principally, these programs exist to help people who are unable to support themselves or handle their personal affairs due to a severe physical or psychological condition. The most well-known of these programs are SSDI and SSI, which are administered through the Social Security Administration.
What Does the Application Process Entail?
When you apply for disability benefits, you are forced to go through an extended process that first involves submitting an application, including any required evidence of your disability and financial status. It also generally means being interviewed, as well as undergoing an examination to determine the nature and extent of your disability. Only if you successfully get through every step of this process do you begin to receive benefits.
What Happens if Your Application is Denied?
At any point during the above process, your claim may be denied, forcing you to either appeal your denial or start over from the beginning. An appeal requires going to the SSA and asking them to re-evaluate your claim, while starting over means beginning the entire process over from scratch. Either way, this can delay your ability to obtain benefits for months on end.
How Can a Lawyer Help You?
A lawyer with experience handling disability benefits issues can look over your application to ensure it is thorough and complete, while also helping to guide you through the application process. If your application is denied, they can also advocate on your behalf to maximize your chances of a successful appeal. That way, you have the best chance possible of getting the benefits you deserve.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
