Social Security Disability Filings Increase by Twenty Percent

October 2011 - The Social Security Administration has reported that applications for social security disability insurance have increased almost 20% this September as compared to September 2010. In fact, according to the SSA, the higher number of filings was more than even the past two years. With this increase, claimants applying for SSD should consider how to present the best case to the SSA so that they increase the chances of receiving benefits.

The first step for people with severe disabilities is to file an application. You can file one on your own or hire an attorney to help. Since the SSA is dealing with so many applications, hiring an advocate, even at the application stage can help in many ways. An experienced attorney can help you:

1. Better document your claim - An experienced social security attorney can, using the experience and knowledge of SSA policies, make sure that you include the most relevant information in your application.
2. Receive your benefits faster – As reported by the SSA Office of Inspector General, people with a representative helping them could save months of waiting for a decision.
3. Determine what impairments you have that the SSA recognizes – An experienced social security lawyer, will know what impairments and disabilities are recognized by the SSA and can help better document your inability to work.
4. Track your claim – An attorney at our firm will help make sure that your claim is moving through the "red tape" of the government so you don't have to.
5. Draft your appeal – If your application is denied, as the vast majority are, an experienced social security disability attorney will help gather appropriate medical evidence and put together a case. In some cases, the appeal may be decided "on the record" with no hearing.
6. Attend the Hearing - If there is a hearing, the attorney will accompany you, put on the evidence, and question any expert who may be present, such as a vocational expert.