Q: Is my application for disability insurance more likely to be approved if I have a social security lawyer?
A: Hiring a social security lawyer cannot guarantee that your claim for social security disability will be approved. A social security lawyer, however, can assure that your claim will be correctly filed. Only a small percentage of disability claims are awarded after that initial and reconsideration review processes. If your claim is denied, you will want to appeal and have your case heard before an administrative judge. To undergo the hearing process, it is recommended that you hire a social security lawyer. An attorney will know how to navigate the process and assure that all the appropriate paperwork and deadlines are met prior to a hearing. If you are awarded benefits after the hearing process, your social security lawyer will walk you through applying for retroactive benefit payments and assure the correct onset date is established. A case can be approved without attorney representation. But many claimants are not willing to take a chance and prefer to have an advocate on their side through the hearing process.
Q: What happens if you miss the hearing date for your social security disability claim?
A: Being absent from a scheduled hearing is not recommended.If a hearing was missed for a legitimate reason, you should be able to reschedule. Legitimate reasons are those that were not expected and emergencies. For example, you had a medical issue, were ill, had a family emergency or were unable to physically get to the location of the hearing. Some people are not even aware that a hearing had been scheduled. Make sure that all representatives handling your case have your address and phone number during all reviewing processes. An advocate like a social security lawyer will make sure that you do not miss notifications, issues with your claim or a hearing date. The Social Security Administration sends notification to both the claimant and his attorney. The administration may dismiss your case, if you willingly failed to show up for your hearing. If your claim is let go, you will have to start the application process from step one. If you do not yet have a social security lawyer, it would be wise to hire one to help you through rescheduling and the subsequent hearing.
Q: I am confused about the difference between social security disability insurance and supplemental security income.
A: Although both programs are run by the Social Security Administration and are offered to individuals who are injured, they are quite different. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an earned benefit. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on financial need. SSI can be awarded to individuals, regardless of their contributions while part of the workforce.