If you have applied for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) I think it is a good idea to ask yourself whether you are receiving enough help from the Social Security Administration as your claim progresses. There can be many frustrating and confusing areas of Social Security disability law that the Social Security Administration (SSA) may or may not help you with. Many claimants in Indiana and nationwide do not realize they can hire an attorney or representative to answer many of their questions, help them with paperwork, and provide legal representation at their hearings on a contingency basis. What are some ways an attorney can help to make the Social Security disability appeals process easier for you?
- Filing paperwork on a timely basis – There are certain deadlines in Social Security disability cases, and while the SSA may notify you about these time constraints, they are probably not going to help you make sure that you meet them. An attorney or representative can help identify your limited time to appeal your claim and help you make sure you provide all the information the SSA has requested by the filing deadlines.
- Providing timely responses to your questions – Unfortunately for disability claimants SSA staff members are very busy. Social Security’s reduced hours and limited staff make it difficult for many claimants to receive a timely response to their questions or to even get a chance to speak to a field office worker. Have you ever sat on hold with a Social Security office for a very long time just to ask a very simple question? My staff and I strive to respond to our clients in a timely manner in order to answer questions they may have regarding their claim. We also follow up regularly with the SSA regarding our clients’ claims to make sure that they are progressing as they should be. I take great pride that my staff and I return phone calls promptly and follow up consistently to help clear up any problems you may be having with your claim.
- Getting your medical records – One of the most common frustrations my clients express is that the SSA made a decision on their claim without obtaining all of their medical records. I consider gathering medical records to be one of my office’s most important jobs. We strive to make sure that when an Administrative Law Judge reviews your case, he or she has every relevant medical record available so he or she can make a well-informed decision. We also strive to get medical source statements directly from your medical providers to help prove your disabling condition.
The above are just a few ways my law office can help alleviate some of the frustration you may be feeling as you endure the Social Security disability appeals process. Many caring, competent individuals handle disability claims for the Social Security Administration, but unfortunately they have heavy workloads, and you may not feel that you are receiving personal attention from SSA staff. You may feel more comfortable knowing you have an experienced attorney providing individualized attention to help you navigate the Social Security disability claims process. The SSA has designed its claims process to make it easy for individuals to hire and work with attorneys and representatives throughout the appeals process, and I take great pride in providing experienced, attentive representation.
