Social Security Lawyers

Social Security is a program run by the US federal government that provides a monthly stipend to retirees and people who cannot hold a job due to mental or physical infirmity. Social Security lawyers have detailed knowledge of the regulations and rules of filing for Social Security disability; they advise individuals seeking the benefit, but they spend the bulk of their time helping those whose claims have been denied.

To get Social Security disability benefits, a person has to prove beyond a doubt that they are disabled and cannot work. The SSA (Social Security Administration) uses a comprehensive process to arrive at a decision; the process includes a review of the applicant's work history and medical records, and then a decision as to whether or not they can continue functioning at the same level. It is the Social Security lawyer's job to advise their client on how best to prove their disability.

Although these lawyers are there to help people apply for disability benefits, they work more frequently with people whose legitimate claims have been denied. Social Security lawyers will ask the SSA to reconsider the person's claim or they will file a motion to have a judge review it.

In court, the Social Security lawyer will argue the case by providing hard proof of a mental or physical disability. They may bring in experts to testify as to what skills are needed to do a certain job, and to testify how the client's disability prevents them from utilizing those skills.

If a disability claim is denied, the lawyer can file an appeal with the Social Security Appeals Council, which will review the administrative judge's findings and the claim itself. The lawyer may also file a suit against the SSA if the SSAC appeal is denied, and request that the US District Court review the claim and the lower decisions. In rare cases, disability claims denied by the district court can be taken all the way to the US Supreme Court.