The process of applying for Social Security benefits can be tedious and confusing for lay people outside of the legal profession. You may have no idea of how to fill out the application, what information to include with your petition, or what to say to the judge if or when you appear in court.
Instead of trying to go through this complex process on your own, you have the right to retain legal counsel to advocate for you and to advise you. You can benefit by hiring a lawyer who practices in Social Security Disability law.
Completing the Initial Application
When you retain a lawyer who practices in Social Security Disability law, you can get the help that you need to fill out and submit the initial application. The application itself can be complex and confusing. Aside from putting down your name, address and Social Security number, you may have no idea of how to fill the rest of it out or what information to include on it.
Rather than omit critical information or answer in a way that could compromise your case, you can get help from your attorney in completing it. He or she can tell you how to answer the questions and what details to include on the application so your case moves along smoothly in court.
Appearing in Court
Your Social Security Disability law attorney can also appear with you in court if or when your case is called before a judge. The judge assigned to your case may want to see you in person to determine how disabled or ill that you genuinely are. He or she may want to question you about your health and see for himself or herself that you cannot return to work and earn an income.
If you have to appear in court, your attorney can go along with you. He or she can answer some questions for you. Your lawyer can also advocate for your best interests and convince the judge that you are too ill or injured to return to work full-time and earn an income with which to sustain yourself.
An attorney who works in Social Security Disability law can provide important services to applicants like you. He or she can assist you with filling out the initial application. You can answer the questions correctly and include the necessary information. Your lawyer can also appear with you in court.
