Getting social security for a disability can be an overwhelming process, which is why many people consider hiring a lawyer to help them with it. Because this is something that many people may not have to go through, they may not know much about the process. There are a few things that you should know before hiring one. The first of these is how much it will cost. Social security disability attorneys in North Carolina and every other state are federally mandated to charge a certain price.
This will typically be either be $6,000 or 25% of your disability backpay, whichever is lesser. If your case has to go to the Appeals Court, the cost may be higher, although you should generally shouldn’t expect to pay more than $6,000. There are no up-front costs associated with hiring a social security disability attorney.
Why Hire One?
Many people may wonder why they should hire such an attorney. The most obvious reason is that they make your chances of approval much higher. While you may be accepted without legal representation, it’s been shown that those with a lawyer will be statistically more likely to succeed in their application.
This is driven by how complex the process is. While many of us may have difficulty understanding what’s needed, a disability attorney is adept at collecting the required documentation. They will also be able to highlight your case in a more favorable light, further increasing your odds of success.
A lawyer will be able to prepare you for a judge’s questions. These can often catch many people off guard, as they may not know what to expect. By being prepared for these, you’ll be able to answer these questions accurately and in a way that increases your chances of succeeding in your application. During this time, your attorney will be able to craft sophisticated arguments as to why you should receive the disability payments. Should your case go to the Court of Appeals, they can highlight why this was the wrong decision.
When To Hire One
Generally, you should speak to one as early as possible. If you’re unsure as to whether you have a case and should file, speaking to a disability attorney is recommended. There are no costs involved, which means that there’s nothing to lose in the consultation process.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t hire a disability lawyer after you’ve begun the process. If you’ve been denied your application without representation, then an attorney should be your first port of call. Speed can often be vital for many applicants, especially if your condition is terminal. In this case, then you should hire an attorney as soon as possible. This is because they can often speed up the application process.
It should be noted, however, that while many will aim to expedite the process, it can still take several months or even years. The only time you should avoid hiring a social security lawyer is if you’ve applied and are awaiting an answer.
