When you realize that the chances of having your claim for Social Security disability benefits approved when you first apply is about 25 percent, you quickly realize that getting what you believe to be your rightful benefits is not going to be easy.
The 75 percent of applications that are denied will invariably end up in a hearing which is held in the presence of an Administrative Law Judge. It is when your application reaches this point that having hired a Social Security lawyer in Santa Ana will prove to be extremely beneficial. Hiring a lawyer cannot guarantee that the ALJ will approve your claim but what it can guarantee is that your case will be put together intelligently and forcefully and it will be presented correctly.
Chance of winning if you go it alone:
It is not unknown for a claimant to win on appeal without the assistance of a Social Security lawyer in Santa Ana. Although this periodically does happen, the chances of winning when you reach the hearing are far less than what they would be should you have hired a lawyer.
If you are concerned about how you will pay for a lawyer, don’t be. Social Security lawyers work on contingency; this simply means that they get paid when you are successful in getting your benefits. Furthermore, the lawyer gets paid a percentage of the back-pay that you are awarded.
What is the legal fee?
The legal fee is set by law. Your Social Security lawyer in Santa Ana can charge a maximum of $6,000 or 25 percent of the past due benefits you are awarded. Rarely would you have to pay the lawyer, the Social Security Administration will pay the lawyer directly and pass the remainder of the first settlement to you. There are no further legal fees once you have been granted benefits.
If you are physically or mentally disabled, you can apply for disability benefits. You should hire a seasoned Social Security lawyer in Santa Ana to help and guide you through the complex process. You are invited to contact The Law Offices of Norman J. Homen.
