Wait times for disability benefits cases are at an all-time high. 8 million Americans receive them, but filers have to wait an average of seven months. That’s the longest wait time in 14 years.
Having the right representation is important to speed up the process. They can gather the necessary paperwork and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Read on for three tips for finding the best disability lawyer in your area.
1. Check Their Credibility and Experience
The first and most important step in finding the best disability lawyer is making sure they’re licensed and specialize in disability law. Ask how long they’ve been practicing and how many cases they’ve handled.
Ask them if they have experience with your condition. Cases involving mental illness, drugs, alcohol, or children are difficult to win, so find out if they have experience with them.
38% of applicants who meet Social Security’s initial requirements are approved. That number goes up to 53% on appeal. Find out the disability firm’s approval rate and how many cases they won for full or partial disability benefits.
2. Count the Cost
How much do SSDI lawyers charge? Most Social Security disability attorney fees are set at no more than 25% of your back benefit or $72,000, whichever is less. You only have to pay them if you win your case.
The lawyer can also charge a contingency fee or ask for money to cover the cost of gathering evidence. They cannot charge you for:
- Paralegal or secretarial services
- Reviewing attorney fees on a fee petition
- Overhead or utility costs
The SSA must approve all fees and may pay them for you. That helps keep them reasonable, but unscrupulous lawyers may slip past the regulations.
The most important thing is that they’re upfront about their pricing and fee structure. Refusing to answer questions about the cost of their services is a major red flag. Start looking elsewhere if they charge ridiculous fees or ask for high upfront costs.
3. Communicate With the Firm
Try to find a local disability law firm. They’ll have a relationship with the local judges and can communicate with you personally.
This is a benefit but not a requirement. A disability lawyer doesn’t have to know any local laws because SSDI and SSI are federal programs. They also have experience with remote meetings.
The important thing is that they’re always as accessible as if they were right next to you. A firm that has too many clients won’t be able to give you the time and attention you need. Look for one with enough support staff to help you. Your lawyer should also always be ready to answer your questions and update you on the progress of your case.
Can I Do Anything Else to Find the Best Disability Lawyer?
Finding the best disability lawyer drastically increases the odds of winning your case. Check that they’re licensed and experienced in disability law. Ask about their pricing to make sure it’s legal and affordable. Reach out to them to ensure that they’re always accessible and ready to communicate with you.
Read the rest of our content for more information on finding the right representation and applying for disability benefits or insurance.