It is always a good idea to get your attorney involved in the Social Security Disability application process as soon as possible.
This gives you an idea of what Social Security is looking for, and what you will need to do to win your case.
However, there is not a point when using a lawyer is no longer helpful.
For instance, if you are denied you can hire a lawyer to help you appeal.
Even at the hearing the Administrative Law Judge is supposed to ask you if you want a lawyer.
If you tell the Judge “Yes”, then the Judge will stop the hearing and reschedule it to allow you to get a lawyer.
Some people get a lawyer after they have been denied at the hearing, in order to appeal to the Appeals Council.
This makes it difficult to find a lawyer because all the evidence has been entered and you are limited in what you can do and argue as a result.
The ideal situation is to go to an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer and get immediate assistance with filing your application, completing the questionnaires from Social Security, appealing promptly, and preparing for the hearing questions. This gives you the best shot at winning.
There are no attorney fees unless you win and you have back benefits awarded so this makes it much easier to get a lawyer to help you.
Questions about Social Security Disability? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.