In Austin, and throughout the state of Texas, people denied Social Security Disability have the right to move through an appeals process for the decision. The first step in the appeals process is reconsideration, which is a review of the application and the denial to make sure all was completed in accordance with the policy.
Very few denials are overturned at the reconsideration step, but there are still three additional levels of appeals. For those next levels, having an experienced lawyer for Social Security Disability representation is critical to presenting the necessary information to prove the disability and to ensure fair compensation.
Why Experience Matters
Choosing a specialized lawyer for Social Security Disability starts with finding a law firm with Social Security Disability as a practice area. These are complicated cases, and understanding the specific documentation required to prove a medical condition that qualifies under the SSA guidelines is essential to have the denial overturned.
While any attorney may be able to provide representation, he or she does not have the understanding of what the administrative law judge, the Appeals Council or the Federal Court review process requires.
Non-Attorney Disability Representatives
While it is possible for people in Austin to choose a non-attorney disability representative for the ALJ hearing phase, there is a drawback to consider. Should the case be denied at this stage, and should the claimant what to proceed, an attorney does need to handle the case at the Federal District Court appeal.
By hiring a non-attorney early in the process, it can delay the ability to move through to the highest level of appeal. While compensation is provided as back payment, the delay can have financial consequences for most individuals and families.
As the lawyer for Social Security Disability is only paid if the denial is overturned and bay payments are provided, it makes sense to move forward with the attorney as early as possible in the appeals process.
