Oak Lawn Social Security Disability | What can an attorney do for me?

Generally, people who have been denied Social Security Disability benefits ask for attorney assistance to appeal their decision. Usually, they have applied for Disability benefits and have been denied. The next step is to ask for "reconsideration". If you are denied again after the reconsideration stage, it is important to immediately call an attorney. At each stage of the application process, there is a time limit on appealing the decision. If you miss that deadline, you will not be able to appeal the decision.

 So you have been denied on reconsideration and now call an attorney, what can they do for you? The biggest thing that an attorney can do for you is compare your condition to the requirements that are set out by the Social Security Administration. This evaluation is a great indicator of whether or not your claim for disability benefits is a winning claim. If a claim has a chance for success, your attorney will prepare a brief and submit it to the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge). This brief will set out the reasons why you should qualify for benefits and how your conditions fit the requirements for your particular disease or disability. In addition, your attorney will be present in the ALJ's hearing and will have the opportunity to cross examine the occupational specialist and medical expert. This is important because there are times when an ALJ misspeaks and asks questions that may not be pertinent to your situation. An attorney also can argue that you meet a special set of circumstances that we call "The Grid". These arguments are specialized in that they are a combination between formal and informal arguments. The advantage of having an attorney in your corner is that they know the proper way to make arguments to the ALJ. There are very specific requirements that must be met, and specific medical documentation that should support those requirements. An attorney knows how to present that documentation so that the judge can easily follow how you qualify.

To speak to an attorney about your Social Security Disability case, call;

The Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole
5013 W. 95th St.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 529-7794
www.jwcolelaw.com

Social Security Disability | Starting a Case

The worst case scenario has come, you are not able to work because you are disabled and your bills are pileing up. You want to know what you need to do to apply for social security disability benefit. This blog post will help you with the initial application. There are many steps that need to be taken if your initial application is denied, and you should probably hire an attorney if this situation arises, but some people feel that they would like to initially file their claim alone.  There are four steps that need to be taken to file your initial claim.

1. Review the Adult Disability Checklist for details about what you will need before starting the online process;
2. Fill out the online Disability Benefit Application to provide us with information regarding eligibility for payment;
3. Fill out the online Adult Disability Report to provide us with medical and work history;  and
4. Fill out, sign, and mail or take the Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration to your local Social Security office.

These form are linked above and are mostly self explanatory. If you still would like more information about filing your claim, visit my Social Security Page on my website or call me at my office at (708) 529-7794 to find out more information about starting your claim. Good luck with your application.

 Jonathan W. Cole