Getting benefits from a disability claim is easy when you have a qualified and knowledgeable lawyer to help you. A lawyer can help you with the paperwork and filing process, secure expert witness testimony, and help you appeal promptly. A lawyer will also help you avoid common traps and loopholes.
1. Assist you with claim forms
Whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or disability benefits under the Aged, Blind or Disabled program, you will need to know how to complete claim forms. If you have questions, you can call the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations or your local Social Security Administration field office. You may also file a claim online or by mail.
To apply for disability benefits, you need to have a medical condition that is severe enough to prevent you from working. The disability must also last at least a year. If you are unsure of whether or not you qualify for disability benefits, you may wish to check out the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool.
You will also need to be under the care of a licensed physician, osteopath, registered nurse, licensed chiropractor, or other licensed healthcare professional. Alternatively, you may be able to get your health care services covered by your employer’s health insurance.
You may also qualify for disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program. The program provides benefits based on your financial needs.
2. Secure expert witness testimony
Getting the right expert witness testimony in a disability case is important. The testimony of an expert witness can have a huge impact on the outcome of your case.
An expert witness has experience in courtroom testimony and depositions. He or she may also have expertise with the Social Security disability process. They will be able to tell you what questions to ask. This will help to prepare you for your hearing.
Expert witnesses are used to providing opinions on liability, causation, and damages. These opinions may also be used to provide possible avenues of attack.
An expert witness in a disability case will usually be called in by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In addition to providing testimony, a vocational expert will also provide evidence of the claimant’s ability to work. The expert will review the claimant’s work history and evaluate the claimant’s ability to do past relevant work.
The expert witness should have a good grasp of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires that a job be accessible by a wheelchair.
3. File your application
Having the benefits of a Disability Lawyer Toronto on your side can help you get through the claims process promptly. This is especially true if you have a medical condition. They can help you get the right paperwork in order, gather medical records, and even recommend a doctor for you.
The Social Security Administration uses a strict definition of disability. A person qualifies for SSI if he or she has been disabled for at least two months or has a total disability. This definition includes a variety of factors, including physical fitness, mental health, and safety risk. You will need to follow the guidelines in Publication 907 if you are eligible for benefits.
The Deputy (sometimes called a hearings officer) will decide on your application. He or she will also ask you to select an electronic payment method, such as direct deposit or an electronic debit card. You will also be required to provide your bank account number.
Having the benefits of a disability lawyer on hand can also help you get the right information to support your claim. You might be surprised to learn that the most important thing you need to submit to get approved is not an application, but a questionnaire from your former employer. You will also need to provide a reason for leaving the company.
