DOES HIRING AN ATTORNEY HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS?

HIRING AN ATTORNEY IMPROVES YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING SSD BENEFITS 

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is not as simple as filling out a form and sending in your medical records. Many people believe that if they are sick, have a diagnosis, and provide medical records, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will approve their claim. Unfortunately, it usually doesn’t work that way, which is why it might be wise to hire an SSD attorney to help navigate the process.

Every year, thousands of people are denied benefits, even though they are unable to work and have strong medical evidence. The truth is that the SSA uses a complex set of rules to decide who qualifies for benefits. Furthermore, the SSA denies 90% of claims at both the initial and second appeal stage.

That is why hiring an experienced Social Security attorney can be one of the most important steps you take in your case. While no lawyer can guarantee that you will win benefits, working with an attorney can increase your chances of success. At our SSD law firm, we know what the SSA looks for when they grant a claim. Also, we know how to present your case so you have the best possible chance of winning benefits.

WHY SO MANY SSD CLAIMS ARE DENIED

Understanding why so many claims are denied can help you see why hiring an SSD attorney is valuable. The SSA denies most initial applications. In fact, almost 90% of claims are turned down at the first stage. These denials are not always because the person is healthy or able to work. Often, claims are denied or don’t progress because:

• Multiple applications were filed over time instead of filing one appeal on time.

• The application was missing important medical evidence.

• The paperwork was not complete or filed incorrectly.

• The SSA did not believe the condition was severe enough to prevent work.

• The applicant fails to sign forms or fails to respond to requests for information.

• The applicant does not explain their symptoms in a way that matches the SSA’s rules.

Many of these problems can be avoided with the help of a lawyer. An SSD attorney knows how to prepare your case correctly from the start. This will prevent long delays and denials. You can file your application for benefits on Social Security’s website. However, if you are thinking of hiring an SSD attorney, do so at the outset of your claim. It will improve your chances.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet both medical and work requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will only approve benefits if your condition meets its strict definition of disability. That means:

• Work History Requirements: You must have worked in a job where you paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, most workers need 40 total work credits, with 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, since they may not have had enough time to build a full work record.

• Medical Requirements: Your medical condition must be severe enough that it has already kept you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to prevent you from working for 12 months or longer. The SSA does not award benefits for short-term or partial disabilities.

• Earnings Limitations: To receive SSDI benefits, you must show that you are not engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In other words, if you earn more than the monthly SGA limit set by the SSA, you will not qualify for SSDI—even if you have a serious medical condition.

Unlike SSI, which is based on financial need, SSDI is an insurance program. You earn coverage through your work history and payroll contributions.

HOW SSI BENEFITS DIFFER FROM SSDI BENEFITS

You do need to know the differences between SSI and SSDI benefits. If you hire an SSD attorney, then they can explain the differences. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs based program that is different from SSDI because it does not require a work history. Instead, SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security payroll taxes.

• Financial Need Requirements: SSI is designed for people with disabilities who have little or no income and limited resources. To qualify, your assets must be below a certain limit set by the SSA.

• Medical Requirements: The medical standard for SSI is the same as SSDI. You must prove that your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to last 12 months or longer.

• Purpose of Benefits: SSI provides monthly cash payments to help with basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and shelter.

In some cases, you may qualify for both SSI and SSDI at the same time, which means concurrent benefits. An experienced disability attorney can review your situation and help you understand whether you qualify for one program, or both.

HOW AN ATTORNEY USES THE LAW TO HELP YOU

One of the most important roles of an SSD attorney is using the law in your case. The SSA has strict legal standards for what counts as a disability. It is not enough to show that you have a medical diagnosis. Instead, you must prove that your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability and prevents you from working.

An experienced SSD lawyer knows how to link your medical records with the legal rules that govern Social Security cases. This includes citing the correct regulations. An attorney will argue your condition meets the SSA’s listing under step three. They will also explain how your symptoms prevent you from working. Attorneys also know how to present your medical evidence in a way that clearly supports the SSA’s requirements.

Without this legal knowledge, many people struggle to explain their case in terms the SSA will recognize. A skilled attorney bridges that gap. They make sure your claim is framed within the law and give you the best chance of success.

MEETING DEADLINES AND HANDLING PAPERWORK

One of the most common reasons people are denied Social Security benefits is missing important deadlines. The SSA enforces strict deadlines at every stage of the process. From the very first application to each level of appeal, you are usually given only a limited amount of time to respond.

For example, if your claim is denied, you generally have just 60 days to file an appeal. Missing even one deadline can result in your case being dismissed. In many situations, that means starting the process over, which can add months—or even years—to the wait for benefits.

A disability attorney helps prevent these costly mistakes. Your lawyer will track all deadlines, ensure your paperwork is accurate, and make sure each appeal is filed on time. By keeping your case on schedule, an attorney helps your claim continue moving forward without delays.

HIRING AN SSD ATTORNEY FOR YOUR HEARING

If your case goes to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), then you should hire an SSD attorney. It is important to do so because this is your best chance to win. An SSD lawyer can explain your situation and prove why you cannot work. However, hearings are formal legal proceedings. You should hire a lawyer who has done thousands of hearing.

An SSD attorney will prepare you for questions the judge is likely to ask. They will also know how to present evidence in a way that strengthens your case. For example, a lawyer may need to question a medical expert or job expert at the hearing. They may also highlight parts of your medical records that directly support your claim.

Sometimes, a single piece of evidence or argument can make the difference between winning and losing. That is why you hire an attorney, for their ability to present the best evidence in your case.

WHAT ARE THE SSA STAGES OF CASE REVIEW?

When you apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, your claim goes through several stages of review. Each level has its own rules, deadlines, and chances of success. Understanding how the process works can help you know what to expect—and why having an attorney makes a difference.

1. THE INITIAL APPLICATION

Your first step is filing an application, either online, over the phone, or in person at a Social Security office. At this stage, the SSA screens your application to make sure you meet their basic rules. For example, if you are over age 65, then you cannot apply for SSD benefits. Instead, you must apply for retirement benefits instead. Likewise, if your current earnings are above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, your case will be denied immediately. This denial is a technical denial.

If you pass this first test, then your file moves to the state agency who reviews all cases. A worker will review your medical records and other evidence before making an initial decision about whether you meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

2. RECONSIDERATION

If your claim is denied at the initial level, the next step is to file an appeal. At this stage, a new worker reviews your case. While some cases are granted, the approval rates are low at reconsideration. However, you could win if you can provide new evidence or show that your condition is worse.

3. THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE (ALJ) HEARING

If you are denied again, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is the most important stage of the process, because it is where most claims are won. At the hearing, your attorney can submit updated medical evidence and if needed, call a witness to support your case.

Your attorney should prepare you to testify about your symptoms. The ALJ will listen to your testimony, consider your medical records, and question experts before making a decision.

4. THE APPEALS COUNCIL

If the ALJ denies your claim, then you can request a review of your case by the Appeals Council. You should hire an SSD attorney, to write the appeal for you. The Appeals Council will look at whether the ALJ made any errors. They can uphold the ALJ’s decision, send your case back for another hearing, or in very rare cases, approve your benefits.

5. FEDERAL COURT

If the Appeals Council also denies your claim, your last option is filing a lawsuit in Federal Court. This stage is formal and requires paying court filing fees, unlike earlier appeals. At this point, having an attorney is critical, because the process involves complex legal arguments and strict court procedures.

DOES HIRING AN ATTORNEY REALLY IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES?

The short answer is yes. While there is never a guarantee, statistics show that people who hire an attorney with experience triple their chances of winning SSD benefits. An SSD legal expert knows the law and is able to present the best arguments in your case. Also, an attorney has experience with SSA procedures. The legal experience of your attorney gives you a stronger case.

We have decades of legal experience helping clients win SSDI and SSI benefits. We know how difficult it is to live without income when you cannot work. Our team fights for your rights and guides you through the process every step of the way.

If you are thinking about filing an application for SSD benefits, then hire an SSD attorney. It can make a huge difference. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.

HIRE THE BEST SSD ATTORNEY

If you want to hire the best SSD attorney, then contact us. We represent clients in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, California, Colorado, Washington, and Arizona. You can find out information about benefits in different states. For example, below find out information about benefits in your state:

• California SSD benefit information
• Colorado SSD benefit information
• Idaho SSDI and SSI benefit information
• Nevada SSDI and SSI benefit information
• Utah SSD benefit information

Also, we can help you file your application for benefits on Social Security’s website. Contact our law firm today. Hire us to be your legal team. We work hard for our clients. Hire the best SSD attorney to help you. We have the experience you need to win your SSD benefits. We have won over 20,000 SSD claims in the past 30 years. Put our experience to work for you.