Five Appealing Reasons To Have Legal Help At Your Social Security Appeals Hearing

For those too sick to work, Social Security Disability presents a valuable financial benefit to help keep the bills paid and a roof over your head. Unfortunately, initial applications are frequently denied, leading to the need to file for an appeal hearing to get the benefits you need. Being too sick to work usually also makes it difficult to deal with the stress and details of an appeal hearing alone, so having a Social Security attorney to assist in that appeal is vital. Why? Read on to learn more about the five appealing reasons to have legal help at your appeal hearing.

1. You'll be more likely to meet the deadline. Once you receive your denial letter, you have only 60 days to file a request for an appeal. If you miss that deadline, you may have to begin the lengthy application process again from the beginning. Having an attorney on your side not only means meeting the deadline, but it might also mean being able to get an extension on that deadline if you can show good cause, such as being too sick or hospitalized during the deadline period.

2. You'll be more likely to quickly access your medical records. The single most important evidence of your medical condition and it's severity is your medical records. You, as a consumer, have a protected right to procure those records, but doing so is seldom a quick and efficient process. Your Social Security attorney knows the most expeditious and direct way to access the vital proof you need before your hearing time arrives. It should be noted that you may appoint your attorney to be a personal representative for the purposes of procuring those medical records.

3. You'll be ready to provide a complete and convincing argument to the hearing officer. Local attorneys know what local hearing officers want and need to hear during your time before them. You may never get another opportunity to plead your case for your need for Social Security benefits again, so proper communication of your medical condition and how it prevents you from doing your job is vital. Your attorney will work with you to ensure that you will be prepared to answer every questions properly and completely.

4. You'll be more comfortable during your hearing. Appearing in this formal session can be a stressful experience, but having an attorney who has a lot of experience with these cases can help you be ready for whatever happens. Particular hearing officers have particular quirks, and knowing what that officer specifically needs to hear and how to present that important medical information could make the difference between another denial and success.

5. You'll increase your chances of success. While all five of these reasons are important, you should know that simply appearing at an appeals hearing with an attorney in tow could provide you with a better chance of a successful appeal. In one study, claimants who attended the hearing with an attorney had a success rate of 63.6%, as opposed to a 40.1% success rate for those who went alone.

Consult with an attorney today, like Cook, Glen, about your appeals hearing.

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