When you first apply for Social Security disability, you’ll want to prepare for a series of long waiting periods, which can be quite nerve-wracking for many. While some people get approved the first time they apply, many people do not, and this can be even more disheartening. It’s always good to prepare for a long and bumpy road once you’ve started the disability application.
One of the most important things you can do to improve the odds of winning your case is to hire an experienced disability attorney. This type of attorney can represent you at hearings, help with all parts of the application process, and prepare a solid and compelling explanation of your disability and how it affects your ability to work.
However, there is one concern that many people with disabilities have when it comes to hiring a disability attorney: how could anyone with a disability afford that?
How Disability Attorneys are Different from Other Attorneys
If you have a disability and you’re applying for benefits through Social Security, the idea of hiring anyone might seem counterintuitive. After all, you’re unable to work, and given how long and unpredictable the disability application process is, hiring an attorney might seem like a waste of time and money you don’t have.
This is a common attitude among many people when they first consider the prospect of going on disability. However, it’s based on a misconception. Disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that their fees are contingent on the success of your case. If you don’t win your case, your disability attorney doesn’t get paid.
Many disability attorneys do, however, require their clients to compensate them for the cost of materials during the case. Applying for disability requires a lot of paperwork, postage, and other expenditures that could pose an issue for some claimants. If you’re concerned about these expenses, discuss them with the attorney before you hire him or her.
In any case, don’t let the fear of attorney fees get in the way of successful disability claim. If disability attorneys only represented clients who could afford it upfront, they would have difficulty finding clients to represent. The financial uncertainty that marks the disability application process is well known to this type of attorney.
An experienced disability attorney like Katherine can make the difference for your own case. She has helped many people continue to live life to the fullest, even after working was no longer an option. For a free consultation to get you started, reach out to us by phone, email, or text message. We would love to help you.