April 22, 2011

Who Can Help Me with Filing a Social Security Disability Claim?

“I am filing for Social Security disability benefits and I need help with the application process!”  This is a common concern heard among Indiana Social Security disability applicants.  The Social Security disability claims process can be long and frustrating and many claimants struggle with the application process.  Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis assists Indianapolis disability claimants with their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.  During a free consultation offered by Attorney Lewis, he will ask the claimant where they are in the claims process.  If the claimant is in the initial application stage, he will refer the disability claimant to one (1) of the following sources in order to file their initial application for disability benefits:

• Visit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) website at www.ssa.gov to apply online.  Once on the SSA’s website, select the “disability” tab at the top of the home page.  You will be directed to a new page, where you will select the “Apply for Disability” box.  Then you will follow the steps instructed on the application.  It should be noted that this application is for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and that if you are applying for Supplement Security Income benefits that a SSA representative will need to discuss your application.
• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.  Explain to the Social Security representative that you would like to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits and you would like to schedule an appointment to apply in person.
• Visit your local Social Security Administration to schedule an appointment to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits.

Applying for disability benefits online is convenient and fast.  Although applying online has it’s advantages, it may have some disadvantages.  Unless you have a family or friend assisting you with the online application, you are completing it on your own.  Some disability claimants struggle with this process. In addition, some claimants are not sure which disability program they would qualify for and should complete an application for.  If the claimant meets with a Social Security representative, he/she would assist the claimant with making this decision.  In addition, the SSA representative would assist in reading the questions on the application and ensure that the applicant completes all necessary forms. Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis recommends that if you are uncertain, visiting or contacting the SSA could be the best option when filing an Indiana Social Security disability claim.

As the majority of disability claims are denied disability benefits at the initial application level, Mr. Lewis is experienced in assisting disability claimants with the appeals process and representing claimants at an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.  The appeals process can be somewhat frustrating.  In addition to filling out the correct appeals forms and supplying all of the necessary information, the disability claimant also faces filing deadlines that are time sensitive. Someone like attorney Scott Lewis, who is familiar with the system, may reduce a great amount of stress for a disability claimant by helping them with the appeals process. Mr. Lewis and his trained staff assist their disability clients with the appeals paperwork, filing deadlines, and obtaining medical records in hope to receive the most favorable outcome.

Filed under:Claims Process || Tagged under: attorney, disability, Indiana, indianapolis, social security, ssa
Author: Scott Lewis