There are a lot of reasons to work with an attorney before you apply for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA). But if you cannot work and must pursue a disability claim, you may not be sure about what an attorney can do for you. This is normal, especially if you haven’t navigated the disability process before. However, if you want to secure the benefits you are entitled to, you need a full-service lawyer on your side to guide you through the process. You can find a reliable lawyer when you click here. Below are reasons you should not go through the application process without a lawyer:

Understanding Eligibility Requirements is Difficult

Just because you have a disabling medical condition does not automatically mean you qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The SSA has stringent qualifying requirements that are divided into medical and work-related categories. Before you submit an application, call an attorney to help you determine your eligibility for benefits. Your attorney can inform you about the evidence and information needed if you qualify. 

• Medical requirements. The SSA has a specific definition of disability. Your condition should be serious enough to make it impossible for you to work for at least twelve months. Also, non-physical disabilities that involve your cognitive skills and memory are counted. 
• Work credits. To qualify for SSD benefits, you must have worked in jobs that Social Security covers and accumulated enough work credits. Adequate wages allow you to earn 4 credits every year. To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must have earned 20 credits or five years of credits in the last ten years. 

Moreover, applying for disability benefits comes with other complexities such as special rules, age-related allowance, and exceptions. In fact, determining if your disability qualifies for benefits is a big challenge. Getting answers to your questions early on will save you lots of time and effort. A skilled disability lawyer can help you navigate the application process well-prepared. 

You Need a Strong Application

Because of the risk of fraud, each application is viewed with a skeptical eye. It’s important to file a detailed application, with several forms, as well as a list of documents and medical reports. To convince the SSA that you have a genuine disability, you must submit an accurate application. Also, you need to back this application with solid evidence. Lastly, you should apply for disability benefits as soon as you cannot work. A disability lawyer will help ensure you have a strong application.