What if I told you that you could triple your chances of getting approved for Social Security disability benefits—and that doing this one thing not only dramatically increased your chances of getting approved, but it also would free up more of your time, take pressure off you, and possibly change your life.
That might sound like an exaggeration, but this is exactly what a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found.
So, what is that one thing? Hiring a Social Security disability attorney.
I get it… you may be thinking, but you are a Social Security disability attorney, so of course you are going to say that. Fair enough! But I’m going to explain how this governmental study confirmed what we have seen to be true in over 20 years of representing Social Security disability claimants – that the single most important thing you can do to help your chances of getting approved for disability benefits is to hire an attorney to help you.
Here’s What the GAO Found
What is the GAO? That is important to understand the significance of the study’s findings.
The GAO is the U.S. Government Accountability Office. According to the official GAO website, the GAO is an “independent, non-partisan agency that works for Congress….GAO provides Congress, the heads of executive agencies, and the public with timely, fact-based, non-partisan information that can be used to improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars.”
Independent. Fact Based. Non-Partisan. That is what makes this study reliable and important for disability applicants.
This GAO study on Social Security disability analyzed Social Security Administration data on adult disability decisions made by administrative law judges. Specifically, the GAO looked at disability appeals and found a significant difference in success rates depending on whether claimants had an attorney. Here is what they found:
Disability claimants with legal representation were almost three times more likely to get their benefits approved than those who did not have representation.
Think about that. Hiring an attorney could be the difference between getting the benefits you need and facing another frustrating denial.
Worried About Cost? Here’s the Good News
Maybe you are convinced of the importance and value of an attorney, but you are worried about the cost. You are not alone. One of the biggest concerns people have about hiring an attorney is the cost. But when it comes to Social Security Disability cases, there’s good news: you only pay if we win.
Most disability attorneys, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t get paid unless you do. There’s no upfront cost, and our fees are regulated by Social Security, so there are no surprises. I have written an article on attorney fees in Social Security cases here that you might find helpful.
Why Having an Attorney Matters
So, why is there such a big difference when you have an attorney? Well, the Social Security Disability process can be complex. It’s loaded with rules, paperwork, and technicalities that can trip up even the most determined person. But attorneys who specialize in disability claims know exactly how to handle and navigate all of that.
Here’s why having an attorney improves your chances:
- They know the system: A disability attorney understands the ins and outs of Social Security law and how to present your case in the best possible way.
- They’re familiar with how judges evaluate claims: A disability attorney understands what judges put the most value on, and what the pitfalls are in cases that are known to be damaging to claimants’ cases.
- They manage everything: From gathering medical evidence to meeting deadlines, an attorney keeps your case on track and avoids mistakes that could hurt your chances.
- They ease your burden: Navigating this process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with health issues. With an attorney, you don’t have to carry the weight alone. We handle the tough stuff so you can focus on taking care of yourself.
It’s Not Just About Paperwork—It’s About Peace of Mind
We get it—applying for SSD benefits can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you've already been denied. But you don’t have to face it alone. With an attorney, you’ll have someone in your corner who understands the system and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything is being handled the right way.
Don’t Do This Alone
Going through the Social Security Disability process can be stressful and overwhelming. And when your financial future is on the line, you want to make sure you’re giving yourself the best shot at success. With the GAO showing that hiring an attorney makes you three times more likely to be approved, there’s a clear advantage to having legal help. And it doesn’t cost you anything if you aren’t approved for benefits, so you have no risk.
There is too much at stake to not give yourself the best chance for approval. The difference between getting approved and obtaining lifelong financial and health benefits or missing out because you weren’t aware of a deadline or technicality is life changing.
If you're thinking about applying for SSD benefits or need help with an appeal, let's talk. Our experienced team here at The Injury and Disability Law Center is here to help you.
Schedule your free initial consultation today by calling our office at 575-300-4000, starting a chat, or filling out our online form.
