When you apply for Social Security Disability, you don't have to have an attorney, but it will definitely help to have one. You can get an attorney from the very start of the application process, or you can get one to help you with an appeal if your application has been denied. Be aware that these lawyers generally work on contingency, which means that they will get part of any settlement that you get when your application is approved. When you are looking for an attorney to help you with your Social Security Disability claim, there are things that you can do to make the search easier. 

Approval Rate

When you are looking for an attorney you should ask them what their approval rate is. When it comes to asking about their approval rate, there are several different places where an application can be approved. For example, some cases may to hearings before they get approved, while others are approved the first time. So, when you ask about their approval rate, you shouldn't only ask about their overall approval rating, but also how many of their cases go to hearings and are approved at that point, and how many of their cases get full or partial benefits. 

Hearing Representation 

While you are talking to the attorney's office before you make your final decision, ask them who will be with you if you need to be at a hearing. Some hearings are rather routine while other hearings are much more important. You want to know who will be with you at those hearings. Your attorney may be the one who appears with you at every hearing, but they may also send a skilled assistant in with you. It will depend on what the hearing is about. 

Ask About Your Circumstances

If you think that your case is going to be one that will be tricky because of your health issues and any comorbidities, you should ask the attorney if they have any experience handling cases like yours, and what their approach to a case like yours would be. 

If you aren't able to work because of mental or physical health issues, you may be able to get Social Security Disability to live on. You can get an attorney to help you get what you are entitled to. You are entitled to representation for help with your application, whether they are an attorney or not. 

For more information, reach out to a Social Security Disability lawyer.