A one-word answer to that question is “no.” You are not obliged to be represented when pursuing your claim for Social Security disability benefits. However, as the entire process can be complicated, it is in your best interests to do so.
Sometimes it can help to seek advice from a Social Security disability attorney in Missouri while you are preparing your claim. However, most attorneys become involved when the claim is denied, and you are faced with appealing the decision. You have 60 days in which to make up your mind; if you fail to appeal within 60 days and then decide to appeal, you will have to start all over again.
Hiring an attorney to help with your appeal:
If your initial claim was denied or you are displeased with the outcome, you can immediately file a request for reconsideration. Rarely does this result in approval, as nothing has changed to warrant a revision in the initial decision. This is when you will be granted an interview with an administrative law judge who will hear your case. A Social Security disability attorney in Missouri can do things on your behalf that can influence the judge’s decision:
* Pull together all pertinent medical data
* Get the status of your disability from your doctor
* Assess all information
* Prepare you to answer questions that can be expected during the hearing honestly, and
* Cross-examine any medical or vocational experts that are present during the hearing
A Social Security disability attorney in Missouri works on a contingency fee basis; they are paid when they have won your case for you. The fee is set by the federal government, and you and your attorney will have to enter into an agreement that gives the SSA the authority to debit your initial back pay and pay the agreed-upon legal fee.
A Social Security disability attorney in Missouri can help you win your much need benefits. To discuss your case, contact the Grundy Disability Group, LLC. Follow us on twitter.
