Should You Have a Social Security Lawyer When You Have Your Claim Reconsidered?
Q: Should you have a social security lawyer if your disability claim was denied?
A: The next step after an initial claim for disability benefits is denied is a reconsideration. It may be wise to seek the counsel of a social security lawyer if you plan to have your claim reconsidered, since many claims must go on to the hearing process. You will need to submit all the required paperwork within 60 days of when your claim was denied. If you do not submit the paperwork in that timeframe, you will likely have to start the application process all over again. A large number of applications are not approved the first time. Many cases are actually not approved until they have been through a hearing. But your case must be denied an appeal to be reconsidered before you can ask for a hearing. That is why it is so crucial that you meet the deadline for reconsideration. As previously mentioned, a social security lawyer can be a tremendous help, as your claim navigates both the reconsideration and hearing processes.
Q: How long will it take until a hearing is scheduled for a social security disability case?
A: The time it can take to schedule a hearing once it has been requested can vary greatly. It can take a year or two until a hearing is scheduled. The time it takes to schedule a hearing varies from state to state and is affected by the number of claims that are currently in the hearing process. Make sure you make a hearing appeal as soon as you receive notification that your appeal for reconsideration was denied. If you do not already have a social security lawyer, it would be wise to seek one to represent your case during the hearing. A social security lawyer will assure that your case has been properly prepared and will be presented comprehensively during the hearing.
Q: Do social security disability claimants receive any status updates, while waiting for a hearing to be scheduled?
A: A claimant does not often receive much communication while he is waiting for a hearing to be scheduled. Typically, a claimant will be sent a letter confirming the request for a hearing, another to provide the information about a scheduled hearing and one notifying the claimant of approval or denial once the case has been heard. Claimants in some states may also receive an exhibit list, which provides details of everything in your file. If you have concerns about the status of your claim, contact a social security lawyer.