If you suffer from a disability that has rendered you unable to work anymore, you will likely need to file a claim with the Social Security Administration for disability benefits. This can be a very scary time in one’s life. How are you going to make the mortgage payments? How are you going to pay for other essentials such as food and utilities? The disability process can be long, at times seem unfair, and, at such a vulnerable time in your life, can be very stressful.

A great number of people who deserve disability benefits have their initial claim for Social Security disability benefits denied. While this is undoubtedly disheartening, it is not a reason to give up on your claim. After receiving a denial on your initial disability claim, it is important to initiate the first level of appeal, which is called the reconsideration stage. At the reconsideration stage, the vast majority of appeals are denied once again. And just like upon being denied at the initial level, you should try not to feel disheartened. After the reconsideration level, you must file a request for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. At this stage, you are afforded the right to present evidence and testimony at a hearing held by a Judge.

The whole process can be frustrating and does take a fair amount of time. Currently, it takes about a year from the date you file your initial disability claim to the date you have a hearing in front of a Judge. While not all disability claimants need to appeal their claims, many do. Some disability claims are approved at the initial claim level. Many are not.

No matter what stage in the disability claims process you are at, it is very important to consider hiring an attorney to represent you. A recent government study found that individuals who hired attorneys for their Social Security disability claims were three times more likely to have their case approved than those individuals who did not have a representative!

An experienced attorney understands the legal background of the disability claims process and knows what is most important to do in order to get your disability claim approved. Everyone’s case is different. An experienced attorney can work to understand the unique circumstances of your case and then understand what needs to be done in order to get your disability claim approved.

The process of applying for disability can be scary, frustrating, and confusing. Hiring an experienced attorney to guide you through the process greatly increases your chances of having a successful outcome. At a time in your life when nothing may seem certain, it is very important to do everything you can to ensure you have the greatest chance of having your disability claim approved.

*United States Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37