Tuesday, January 31, 2017

3 Social Security Claims Myths

If you are considering submitting a social security claim, it is important to thoroughly conduct your research on the process beforehand. There are many myths surrounding this area. If you are feeling discouraged about filing a claim due to a rumor you heard about the process, knowing what is and what is not true can mean the difference between receiving the compensation that you deserve, and not.

1. Everyone will be Denied the First Time they Apply


This is not the case. There is no such formula in the Social Security Administration (SSA) that deems all first-time claims deniable. However, still about 70% of all claims will be denied the first time around. To get what you want, you must fight for it. The most successful way of being approved for your claim is to file an appeal and have your case heard by a judge.

2. Lawyers Need To Be Paid Upfront


If you think you cannot afford to file a disability claim due to lawyer fees, do not fret: lawyers who work on social security claims are paid only on a contingency basis. This means that the lawyer is only awarded payment if the claim is successful. The amount that your attorney collects depends on the individual lawyer, but generally they receive about 25% to 40% of your settlement or monthly benefits. If you are not approved, your lawyer will not be paid. Learn more about the benefits of legal representation here.

3. You Must be Disabled for One Year Before You May File for Disability

While it is not required that you wait one year before filing for a social security claim, it must be expected that your disability will last twelve months or more. You can apply after one year of being disabled and still be approved, but there is no reason to wait so long to be compensated. So, if your physical or mental condition prevents you from being able to work, it is best to file right away.


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