Unfortunately, 20 percent of Americans have a disability, and half of them need personal assistance in order to take care of their daily tasks. It is possible to become disabled at any point in your life, and this will make it necessary to file for disability. Therefore, it is important to understand how the process works. Four Facts About Filing for Disability 1) You Will Probably Need to Appeal
It is common for people to be denied when they apply for disability, but this does not mean that you will be unable to receive the necessary financial assistance. Instead of giving up, you can go through the appeals process, and this will greatly increase your chances of getting approved. However, it is important to hire an experienced disability denial attorney, like Whitehead and Associates, who is knowledgeable and equipped to help you fight the initial decision in court. 2) The Process can Take a Long Time
Sadly, the process of getting disability is extremely slow, and it can even take a couple of years in some cases. Therefore, you will need to be cautious with the money that you do have so that you are still able to take care of your bills and basic needs. Keep in mind that filling out all of your paperwork properly the first time can greatly reduce the wait, so you might want to work with an attorney from the beginning.
3) You Need Solid DocumentationThe only way that your disability claim is going to be approved is if you provide solid documentation that verifies that you are unable to work due to your condition. Therefore, you will need documentation from your doctor, and you may also be required to visit another doctor for an assessment. Make sure that you do not miss any of your scheduled appointments because this can make you look like you are not serious about the process. 4) You Can Get Back Payments
If your case is approved, you will most likely be eligible for back payments to the date from your initial filing, especially if you went through the appeals process. The best way to get approved for disability without waiting for an extended period of time is to work with an attorney from the beginning. After all, they can help ensure that your paperwork is filled out correctly, and they will also be able to help you present your case during any applicable hearings.
Lisa Coleman shares some important tips to be aware of before applying for disability, and encourages consulting with a legal representative before doing so. She has learned that experienced attorneys, like Whitehead and Associates from the Houston, TX area, are easily found, are knowledgeable about disability denial law, and represent clients appealing or fighting disability denial claims.
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