Some people may procrastinate applying for social security disability (SSD) benefits because they think the process will take too long, because they think the paperwork will be a hassle, or simply because they don’t understand the questions and requirements involved. Whatever the reason they may find to put off applying for the benefits needed, individuals who are unable to work because of an injury or illness are urged not to wait any longer to apply.
The Application Process Is Long Enough!
The application and review process for social security disability benefits can take long enough without the additional time of putting off the application. The last thing that an applicant for SSD benefits wants to do is run into financial hardship between being unable to work and being approved for benefits. Unfortunately, this is often what happens when people don’t realize how long it can take to receive an application decision from the Social Security Administration. Things can turn especially bad if after waiting so long for a decision, the decision that is returned is a denial. While it is true that denials can be appealed, and that a large number of claims are initially denied due to simple application errors, having to wait an additional amount of time for an appeal decision can force the applicant into even deeper financial hardship.
Hire an Attorney, Avoid Uncertainty
A benefit to partnering with an experienced social security disability benefits attorney is that the attorney can help eliminate much of the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the SSD application process. Applicants who partner with attorneys to file initial claims or to file appeals can be sure that their claim applications will be filled out properly and completely, and that any evidence submitted in support of an application is the kind that SSD application reviewers are looking for. The attorney will also be able to explain the entire process to the applicant and make sure that the applicant understands his or her rights while dealing with the social security system. While representing the applicant, the attorney will make sure that his or her rights are protected and that the applicant has the fairest chance to receive SSD benefits as anyone else under the law.
Always Consult an Attorney After a Denial
Just like for an initial application for benefits, anyone trying to collect SSD compensation from the Social Security Administration is encouraged to seek the advice of SSD experienced legal counsel immediately following the notice of denial. The faster that a denial is addressed with the help of an attorney, the quicker the applicant can be back on the road to receiving the benefits that he or she deserves. Being notified that an application for benefits has been denied might discourage the applicant, but since a large number of initial applications are denied for simple errors or the failure to include the right kind of evidence in support of a claim, anyone who receives a notice of denial should let an attorney review the original application to determine whether or not an appeal is warranted. If the appeal is warranted, then the attorney can guide the applicant through the entire process.