Do You Need an Attorney to File for Social Security?
The Short answer is No. Anyone can start an application for Social Security disability benefits at your local office or online. However just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should do something. The Government Accountability Office or the (GAO) recently released a study of hearing level awards for social security disability claims. The study revealed that claimants who had representation at their social security hearings were awarded at a rate nearly 3 times higher than those of claimants who proceeded without representation. The Study focused on a tmie period from 2007 through 2015,” and During that time 77% of claimant’s at social security hearings had attorney representation.
At Bailey & Galyen we have long championed the value of personal, quality, experienced representation at social security, but it is gratifying to have validation from an official source.
The report goes on to quotes social security officials stating, that a representative can help the claimant by ensuring that the medical evidence and other records are fully developed and help the claimant present their case at a hearing”.
This is true at Bailey and Galyen we have a dedicated team of attorneys and staff focused on ensuring that all medical documentation is provided to social security prior to any determination at every level.
In addition to medical records social security will also want detailed descriptions of your ability to function and your work history. Our attorneys will review ALL Paperwork prior to its submission to social security to ensure your limitations, work history and medical documents are accurate and timely.
Now more than ever, it is imperative that you have an experienced, qualified, and hardworking representative on your side when applying for disability benefits. If you are hurt, injured, or unable to work please contact us at Bailey and Galyen for a free case evaluation.
You can ride a horse without a saddle, but I wouldn’t recommend it.