Does Having a Lawyer Improve Your SSDI Hearing Chances?

Having an attorney can improve your chances of receiving a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) hearing, but they cannot guarantee your claim will win approval. Working with a lawyer who handles SSDI cases can keep your claim on track and help manage your expectations about the process. 

A Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer from Pilzer Klein can advise you on your SSDI options after reviewing your medical evidence and evaluating the strength of your case. Call us today for a free consultation.

What Is an SSDI Disability Hearing?

A Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) hearing is a legal proceeding that allows claimants to appeal a decision to deny them disability benefits. This hearing is typically the third step in the SSDI appeals process. It comes after an initial denial and a denial in the reconsideration stage. 

Claimants can present their case to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the hearing. During this time, the ALJ reviews the evidence, hears testimony, and issues a decision based on a full understanding of the claimant’s physical or mental disabilities and their effect on the claimant’s ability to work.

Once you receive approval for an ALJ hearing, you can present your case with the previous and new evidence. The hearing is critical as it gives you the best opportunity to present your case in person. This direct interaction allows the ALJ  to assess the credibility and severity of your disability more effectively than through paperwork alone.

How a Lawyer Can Help Your Chances of Getting an SSDI Hearing

Hiring legal representation has several advantages. According to one U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) analysis of SSA Disability Decision Making, applicants with attorney representation had a greater chance of winning approval from an ALJ than those without it. SSDI attorneys can take care of your entire case and provide the support to help you see it through to the end. 

Below are some advantages of having a lawyer from our team on your side:

• Deep knowledge about Social Security law: Pilzer Klein’s attorneys know the complexities of Social Security law and the latest changes in legislation and judicial rulings that could affect your case.
• Experience with the process: Our SSDI lawyers understand the procedural aspects of the disability claims process, including crucial filing deadlines and the evidence that judges find most persuasive. We can put this knowledge to work for you.
• Gathering and presenting medical evidence: We can gather comprehensive medical records and statements from treating physicians and arrange additional medical tests if necessary. We can effectively present this evidence to show how you have a qualifying disability per SSA’s criteria and handle possible denials.
• Collecting and organizing non-medical evidence: A lawyer from our firm can also gather non-medical evidence that helps the SSA understand how a disability affects your daily activities, including working. Such evidence can include your employment history, educational background, testimony from vocational experts, and statements from your friends, family, and coworkers.
• Preparation for the hearing: Our attorney can prepare you for a Social Security Disability hearing. They can review the questions you might face, such as those about your diagnosis and how the disability affects you, and help you craft clear and concise answers that support your case.
• Representation at the hearing: Our attorney can advocate on your behalf, question witnesses, and argue against any points raised by the Social Security Administration that could hurt your case.
• Handling appeals: If the hearing decision is unfavorable, our SSDI lawyers can assist with the appeals process, identifying any errors in the hearing decision and representing you in further appeals.

Do Applicants Who Hire Lawyers Get an SSDI Hearing Faster?

There are no guarantees when applying for SSDI benefits or securing a hearing for a denied claim. Hiring a lawyer generally does not speed up the scheduling of an SSDI hearing or help applicants bypass standard wait times. 

However, as another GAO report notes, officials can flag certain cases as critical before or during nearly any stage of the hearing process or before they reach a hearing office. Per its findings for data collected between the fiscal years of 2010 and 2020, cases marked “critical” were processed faster than those not. However, wait times varied according to when the cases were first flagged.

While each person’s case and experience differ, hiring a lawyer to represent you can help your chances of getting an SSDI hearing. They can:

• Prepare your appeal documents to help prevent delays that might occur if the SSA requests additional information or clarification.
• Submit all necessary documentation and evidence for your case promptly to meet deadlines.
• Identify possible pitfalls that could delay your case before they happen or provide guidance when they do.
• Communicate with the SSA and monitor your case to keep the process on track.

Our Social Security Disability hearings lawyer can identify and advocate for accelerating the case if you experience a critical situation, such as homelessness, a terminal illness, or financial hardship. We can document and present compelling evidence to the SSA to justify the need for a faster hearing date. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for an SSDI Hearing?

Before hiring an SSDI attorney, you should discuss all fee arrangements and potential costs up front to avoid any surprises. Since SSDI attorneys generally work on contingency, they usually charge no upfront charges for legal representation. 

You will not owe us attorney’s fees if your disability benefits claim is unsuccessful. This financial arrangement makes legal services accessible, especially to clients already dealing with the financial strain of a disability.

Social Security Disability benefits attorneys typically receive their fees directly from the SSA out of the awarded past-due benefits before the claimant gets their portion. This simplifies the payment process and ensures fees are paid according to SSA’s rules for fee agreements.

Call Us Today for Help With an SSDI Hearing – Free Consultation

Having Pilzer Klein’s lawyers work for you can improve your SSDI hearing chances. With more than 50 years of combined experience, we can guide you in the right direction, advise you on how the hearing process works, and support you throughout your case.

We can explain why your initial claim was denied and help you understand what to do next to strengthen your benefits application. Call us or contact us online today for a free consultation.