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Disability attorney in MA for SSDI

Submitted by SandfordT on Mon, 06/20/2011 - 08:10
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My wife and I were trying to find an attorney to help with my application for SSDI and we called one who told us to go ahead and file the initial application for Social Security Disability and then contact them. We thought that was strange but figured we should look into a bit before we go any furnter. Is it common for attorneys to tell folks to do the SSDI application on their own? Is that standard practice or did we just call the wrong lawyer. I think I'd prefer to have an attorney in the mix at the beginning.

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SSDI Lawyer

Submitted by The Editor on Mon, 06/20/2011 - 12:09.

Well, I've heard that some disability attorneys will do that, or even ask the potential client to call back after their initial claim has been denied.  I don't really understand that business model for an attorney who does SSDI for a living, but I guess it does happen.  Maybe the lawyer you called has more business than she can handle.  In any case, rest assured that there are many attorneys out there who will help you with your claim, starting at the initial application.  In other posts I have expressed by belief that claimants should hire a disability attorney for the initial SSDI application.   So I agree with you.  Good luck.

Disability attorney (necessary?) for initial SSDI Application

Submitted by Kathy on Mon, 11/21/2011 - 21:54.

For those interested in this area I would offer the following PERSONAL experience *I am not an attorney ...

I have had more than one attorney advise me to simply apply for SSDI (online) and contact them if not successful. I would admit to finding this counterintutive as well. Perhaps for some SSDI attorneys it is simplier and/or more desirable work through the appeal process than to accept the task of generating a comprehensive & complete SSDI application initially?

In my case I did apply w/o benefit of representation but only after extensively educating myself on the SSA processes and requirements. I researched books on the subject (there are several), selected 3 or 4 based on their reviews, and READ, REREAD & took notes! My initial application was approved 3 months later.

Frankly if you have supporting medical documentation and can provide thorough/detailed responses to all application questions there is little reason not to attempt the first SSDI application alone. *Be sure to advise all your supporting physicans that your making the application - their timely response to requests for information/records is also critical. In fact, if you have copies of these medical records submit these as well. (Best done in person @ your local SSA office.)

I can't place enough empasis on the need to research, read and understand the SSA processes in advance however. Its the applications that are incomplete and/or unsubstantiated that tend to be denied. Statisticly only 30+% of applicants get approved the 1st time.

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