Social Security Disability Attorney Decatur

Apply for SSDI Benefits in Decatur

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be a complicated and time-consuming process. Most first time applicants struggle to be approved. This is because the SSA has strict qualifications for establishing a disability.

If you’re pursuing benefits, you may consider the help of a professional Social Security disability lawyer that Decatur, PA claimants trust. The experts at  Chermol & Fishman, LLC will help you to build a strong initial application for benefits and reduce your chances of being denied due to unnecessary administrative and bureaucratic reasons.

All disability claims are different. An experienced disability attorney can assess the merits of your case to ensure all criteria are met in accordance with complex SSA rules and regulations.

How Does Your Attorney Build Robust Evidence to Prove Your Disability?

Attorneys are experienced in helping to gather and complete necessary medical and employment documentation for your SSDI claim. Even if an initial claim is denied, your attorney can help you obtain missing information for an appeal.

A SSDI claim typically requires extensive medical and employment documentation to substantiate a claim. An attorney can help to obtain such documentation and ensure the SSA has everything it needs to make a favorable decision.

Rather than require up-front, out-of-pocket fees, Chermol & Fishman, LLC attorneys in Decatur, PA  will only take a percentage of your benefits if you receive a favorable decision.  This form of pay arrangement is known in the legal world as a “contingency fee.”  The terms of any contingency fee will be explained up front.

Why Should You Apply Through a Decatur Disability Attorney?

When you contact a law firm or attorney, they will likely set up an initial consultation. This first interview will allow a prospective lawyer to learn the details of your case. Many attorneys use this initial phase to gather information about your disease, your employment history, and other facts relevant to your case.

An attorney will make up their mind on whether to take on your case after a thorough analysis of the facts. Some follow-up meetings may be conducted over the telephone or in-person if additional information is needed.

An experienced attorney will be able to identify cases with a high likelihood of being approved for benefits. Sometimes, however, your condition may not initially meet SSA requirements. In cases where the likelihood of benefit approval is low, an SSDI attorney in Decatur might explain why and what you need to improve the strength of your claim.  Either way, it can be helpful to consult with an attorney before being denied for a claim.

How Does Your Lawyer Help You Prepare For The Hearing?

At many large law firms, attorneys will not interact with their clients until later in the case or claim process. Initially, you will speak with legal assistants, paralegals, and other office professionals to develop an evidentiary record for your claim. Sometimes, not speaking to an attorney can be detrimental to the success of your claim, such as when you need to prepare evidence, contact medical professionals, or prepare for a hearing on appeal.

At Chermol & Fishman, LLC, our attorneys will help to prepare you before a disability hearing, and at every other stage of your claim.  The attorney may speak to you over the phone or in-person to help prepare for specific questions you may be asked. Pre-hearing preparation will ensure critical questions are answered honestly, but in a manner that does not hurt your claim for benefits.

Common questions include:

Can you describe your symptoms in detail?
Are you currently consulting a doctor?
Have you been diagnosed with depression or anxiety?
When did you become unable to work?
Are you currently working?
What medical treatments have you received?
Are you using any medication and if so, what are the side effects?
Are you taking the prescribed dosages?
Do you use drugs or abuse alcohol?
Do you have personal health insurance?
Are you unable to perform daily work?
Are you unable to enjoy your hobbies?
What is your current daily routine?
Are you unable to lift a gallon of water?
Can you walk half a mile?
Are you able to climb stairs?
Do you have friends?
Are you able to read and write?
What is your educational background?

A disability attorney in Decatur, PA can ensure that you are practiced in answering these questions clearly and confidently. You may be asked numerous questions intentionally chosen to trip you up.  Knowing what to expect can be highly important.

Of course, not all clients will participate in a hearing. If you are still in the initial application phase, an attorney can ensure that your application is as complete and accurate as possible.

In the event your application is denied, your lawyer may review it, determine why you were rejected, and advise you on your next best course of action. An attorney can determine what additional information is required to be approved. In some cases, you may require additional medical testing or expert evaluation.

If your disability claim has been denied, your attorney may file for reconsideration, which is the first step in the SSDI appeal process. If necessary, a lawyer can appeal your disability claim all the way to federal court.

The SSA disability claim process can be lengthy, complicated, and enormously frustrating. That is why many Decatur, PA applicants consult an attorney with experience in Social Security claims.  Chermol & Fishman, LLC have a proven track record of getting clients the benefits they deserve and have earned.

The SSA has stringent disability criteria. Not all disabilities or medical conditions will qualify under Social Security disability regulations. In many cases, you may have to provide the medical opinions of outside experts.

Fortunately, experienced legal experts at Chermol  and Fishman, LLC are trained to recognize the types of evidence your claim may require. You may need to seek evidence like employment records, medical expenses, treatment reports and other testing results.

When applying for disability benefits, a partial disability is not enough to entitle you to benefits under the SSA’s rules. Your claim must demonstrate that your current disability markedly affects your life. Duration and severity of disability are very important.  The SSA uses a multi-step approach to assess the extent of your condition(s). A sufficiently zealous attorney should be able to successfully argue that your disability is a significant impairment.

If you are disabled and struggling to work, you may be entitled to SSDI benefits. You can always consult a Social Security attorney near you for more information. Before visiting your local Social Security Administration field office in Decatur, PA, you should contact Chermol & Fishman, LLC for a consultation.