Social Security Disability Help

[samuels]

To make a long story short I'm getting ready to file for social security disability.I'm 58 and my hands are so crippled that I have the stregth of a 4 year old.I've had 2 operations and they haven't helped at all.I have atleast 2 more in the near future.I can't work at a job anymore.I would like to know would it be better to get a lawyer or try filing myself?I would appreciate your input.

[gmoore]

Lawyer.

gary

[dwkoller]

Went through this with my wife. You'll need to be out of work for 1 year before filing for SS disability. Did not use an attorney at first -- figured, give it a shot and -- maybe we'll get approval. Didn't happen -- got an attorney who practice is only SSDI cases. This is important -- because the attorney has the respect and trust of the judge/administrator deciding the case. This was a royal PITA. After about 2 1/2 years of trying -- finally, got approval. The rate charged by the attorney is set by the government. Three years ago it was a one-time charge of ~5,000 -- which was paid out of the award.

Good luck ... get a good attorney.

[27 sailfish]

Try going to a local senior citizen center. Often they have info that can help you out or even better , a retired lawyer who will work for free.

[Riptide1947]

Try going to a local senior citizen center. Often they have info that can help you out or even better , a retired lawyer who will work for free.

Hate to disagree with you here SKip..........the previous post about using a specialist to handle the SSDI case is "dead on"
Don't waste time trying to find a shortcut on this one, especially since the fees are set by the Government

[rhahn427]

The problem is if you make some mistakes or unknowingly give incomplete information, it could and many times does lead to a rejection on the first determination. If that happens, you have to go through the appeals process which can take a year or more. It is sooooo important to get it right and complete ......... could save you alot of time and money .......... get the Lawyer ...... it greatly improves your chances

[goose70]

Go to www.martindale.com to search for lawyers in your area who handle social security matters. Obviously, the yellow pages can also be helpful. Where do you live (general area)? I don't practice in this area of law, but might be able to pass along a few names depending on your location.

[samuels]

Thanks for all your help.The process is almost complete.