Yes, a lawyer can help with your disability appeal. Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if your initial claim was denied. The appeals process can feel complicated, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Working with a lawyer can make a real difference, helping you understand your options, meet important deadlines, and present the strongest possible case.
At National Disability Alliance, we’ve guided countless people through the disability appeal process, helping them secure the benefits they’ve earned. Backed by former Social Security Administration (SSA) professionals, our team understands exactly how the system works and how to navigate it efficiently. We combine insider experience with compassionate, client-focused support to help you move forward with confidence.
Why You Should Consider a Lawyer for Your Social Security Disability Appeal?
A disability appeal is the process of asking the SSA to review your case after your initial claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is denied. Most people are denied at least once, but appealing gives you another opportunity to prove your eligibility.
Having a lawyer for a Social Security Disability appeal can make all the difference. Attorneys understand the complex rules that govern SSDI and SSI programs, how the SSA evaluates evidence, and the deadlines that must be met at every stage. They can identify weaknesses in your application and fix them, allowing your case to move forward.
How a Lawyer Can Improve Your Chances of Winning a Disability Appeal
Navigating a disability appeal takes more than persistence, it requires strategy, organization, and a clear understanding of how the Social Security Administration reviews claims. That’s where National Disability Alliance stands apart. With a team that includes former SSA professionals, we know what evidence matters most and how to present it effectively to decision-makers. A lawyer can help by:
- Collecting and organizing medical evidence that supports your claim
- Completing and filing SSA forms and documentation accurately
- Preparing you for your hearing and representing you before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Ensuring all deadlines and appeal requirements are met
Understanding the Social Security Disability Appeal Process
The Social Security Disability appeal process involves several stages, each with its own rules, deadlines, and evidence requirements. For many people applying for Social Security Disability benefits, understanding how these stages work is key to building a stronger, more effective case. Here’s what to expect:
- Reconsideration: Your claim is reviewed by someone who wasn’t involved in the first decision. You can submit new medical evidence or correct errors.
- Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing. This is your best opportunity to present evidence in person. Having a lawyer at this stage is crucial, as they can question witnesses, explain medical details, and argue your case directly to the judge.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, your lawyer can ask the Appeals Council to review the judge’s decision. They will determine whether any mistakes were made in applying the law or reviewing your evidence.
- Federal Court Review: If the Appeals Council also denies your claim, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. At this level, experienced legal representation is essential.
How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost?
Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer because they’re worried about the cost of a disability lawyer, but with National Disability Alliance, getting help is completely risk-free. You pay nothing out of pocket, and we only get paid if we win your case. If your claim is approved, the SSA pays our fee directly from your past-due benefits, not your future monthly payments.
Our fee is 25% of your past-due benefits, capped at $7,200 for decisions issued before November 30, 2024, and $9,200 for decisions on or after that date. The SSA sets these limits, ensuring transparency and fairness for every client.
How Long Does a Disability Appeal Take With a Lawyer?
Every disability appeal is different, but having a lawyer can help keep your case on track and avoid unnecessary delays. On average, disability appeals tend to move more efficiently when handled by a lawyer. Cases can take significantly longer without legal representation because unrepresented applicants may miss deadlines, submit incomplete records, or struggle to present the right evidence to the SSA. Working with National Disability Alliance helps you navigate the process efficiently, ensuring your appeal moves forward as smoothly as possible.
- Reconsideration stage: Lawyers ensure all new medical evidence is submitted properly and deadlines are met, potentially speeding up review times.
- Hearing stage: Thorough preparation helps prevent rescheduling and delays. Your lawyer ensures records are complete, you’re ready to testify, and the judge has everything needed to make a timely decision.
- Appeals Council review: A lawyer can quickly identify legal or procedural errors in your denial and file the appeal correctly the first time, avoiding backlogs caused by incomplete or inaccurate submissions.
Get Help With Your Disability Appeal With National Disability Alliance
If your disability claim was denied, you still have options, and you don’t have to handle the appeal alone. National Disability Alliance has the SSA experience and insider knowledge needed to help you fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
We’ve guided thousands of Americans through the Social Security Disability appeal process, answering their questions, helping them gather strong evidence, and present compelling cases.
If you need help with your disability appeal, call 833-693-4722 or reach out online for a free consultation.
