If you have been diagnosed with a disabling condition that prevents you from working full-time and expect to be out of work for at least 12 months, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Applying for these benefits can be a complicated process, however, and it is strongly recommended that you seek the assistance of a long term disability attorney in Arizona before beginning your application.
The first way a long term disability attorney can help is by explaining the SSD application process to you. There are many intricate steps involved in applying for SSD, and an attorney can help make sure you don’t miss anything.
Additionally, in order to be approved for SSD, you must have medical evidence to support your claim that you are disabled and cannot work. An experienced long term disability attorney will know what types of evidence are most likely to be persuasive to the Social Security Administration and can help gather this evidence from your treating doctors.
If your initial claim is denied, as most are, you will have the opportunity to appeal the decision and present your case at a hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). Your attorney can help prepare you for this hearing by going over what to expect and practicing questioning with you.
While you are not required to have an attorney represent you during the claims process, having one can increase your chances of being approved for benefits.
For more information, contact an attorney at Slepian Ellexson, PLLC today.
