A must read before filing your disability claims

Those individuals who are preparing to apply for disability benefits might be wondering how long does a social security disability claim take? Well, it's a difficult question to answer as disability claims may take around thirty days or it may even take over 24 months. An applicant has to begin the process by filing an initial disability claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Once the initial claim is filed, it is forwarded to the particular state disability agency for medical verification. If the individual's claim is approved on the first instance then the entire process can get over anywhere from thirty to ninety days. However, most initial claims are rejected by the SSA and hence, it can take longer depending on availability of medical documents, further consultative examinations etc.

Now, when an individual's initial disability claim is denied, he/she is left with two options: Either file an appeal against the denial or file a new disability claim. But, it is highly advisable not to file a new claim. If you have faced rejection from the SSA, filing an appeal would be the best option.

Filing a disability claim can be very confusing for an applicant because of its technicalities and stringent regulations. Therefore, hiring the services of an experienced disability lawyer is crucial.

Selecting the best lawyer for your case

Like most other claims, getting a successful result for disability claims can be equally difficult. Although, with the help of expertise of a competent legal adviser, you have much better chances of a positive outcome. But the most difficult part of the entire procedure is to select the right disability lawyers for your case.

How to hire the right disability lawyer

You can surf through the Internet and check the webpages of disability lawyers in your locality. Study their experience, past achievements and portfolio. Their webpages will also have the contact details. Hire the lawyer who has fought and won cases similar to yours in the past. Try to contact the lawyer's past clients. They will give you best opinion on the expertise of that lawyer. Even, associations of legal professionals, consumer welfare organizations and relevant online communities can give recommendations, feedback and review of legal services and attorneys in your area. Moreover, before finalizing any law firm or attorney arrange a meeting to ensure that you are comfortable sharing your personal details with that lawyer. Determine the actual fees of the services and whether the lawyer will charge monthly fees, fees per court session or will the lawyer take certain percent from your benefits money.

Hiring the services of a legal expert will ensure that no major or minor mistake from your end can lead to rejection of claims.

A must read before filing your short-term disability claim

Most of us have been insuring our cars, homes or health to reimburse anticipated cost in case of any damage. But have you ever thought you can lose your income as you can no longer work due to injury or illness? If you are amongst those unfortunate people who are forced to be temporarily out of work due short-term disability then you should be aware of certain facts. 

An individual can generally incur short-term disability benefits from 90 days to one year whether it's through their employer or insurance program of their own. So, while your disability blocked you from working and consequently paying your mortgage and other daily expenses, disability benefits will compensate for 60 – 70 percent of your regular earnings. 

There can be number of different types of disability that a person can face for which he may have to file a short-term disability claims. They can be broken bones, spinal injuries, injuries sustained due to vehicle accidents or mental trauma. There are also few factors due to which one's short-term insurance plans vary such as its scope of coverage, benefits included for which the individual is eligible, duration of impairment etc. 

To be eligible for the benefits of short-term disability insurance, firstly you need to duly fill the required claim forms and along with it submit the necessary medical documents with regard to your injury or illness and also the documents from your employer that mention your period of absence from the work. 

Before filing for disability, you must also be aware of the primary parameters on which the cost of your short-term disability insurance depend – 1. Applicant's health: Better the health, lesser you will pay for insurance. 2. Applicant's income: Greater the benefits, more expensive will be your disability coverage. The benefit you qualify for with an impairment insurance plan will be a percentage of your income. 

However, due to somewhat complex procedure of claims filing, in some occasions you may have to wait for a certain period to be eligible for availing the benefits. Moreover, every insurance plan cannot give you equal advantage. But, if you choose the best plan you can get desired benefits. You must also note that more often than not social security disability claims are denied on the first occasion. This is where it is advisable to hire the services of expert law firms or attorneys. 

A professional disability claim lawyer can help you with filing of complicated forms, collecting documents and choosing right policy for you. He/She can thus increase the chances of getting an approval and rightful compensation. A lawyer has sufficient experience, resources and skill to handle your case and even support you emotionally during your difficult times.

How will a disability attorney assist you in getting your rightful benefits?

Majority of the disabled individuals are denied their disability claims due to various reasons. However, don't lose hope and as soon as your claim is rejected, contact a Toronto disability claims lawyer. You must act immediately as most of these legal policies are time bound. A disability lawyer is an expert in legal proceedings with respect to disability cases. He/she efficiently handles complex paperwork, offers sound advice and thereby expedites the cases. Disability lawyers ensure that your case is properly developed and thereby, effectively heard at the hearings. They have the experience and know-how of the elaborate rules and regulations framed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

It is advisable not to attempt to settle your claims with your insurance agency on your own. This is because you might not be familiar with all the categories of compensatory rights that you are entitled to. Research has also proved that the odds of winning a case represented by a Toronto disability claims lawyer are much more compared to those without legal representation.

In case of severe disabilities, social security lawyers will not only come to your house but may as well visit you in hospital if necessary to collect all the required information. They will gather your medical reports, detailed statements from your attending physicians as well as employers before sending them to the SSA. Your lawyer will correctly fill your claim forms and fix an appointment with the SSA which will save your valuable time.

If you are facing long term disability, your mobility as well as mental or physical processing might be adversely affected. So, your disability lawyer must have experience in defending such client cases. He/she should be able to comprehend the entire legal process and your rights to you. In many instances, there can be sub-clauses in your insurance policy which you might not be aware of. These clauses are formulated to deter your injury or illness claims. At this juncture, your disability attorney will make sure that all the involved parties meet their obligations.

You must not accept the denial of an insurance company or your employer's compensation group. Consult your disability lawyer to determine whether you have a case in your favor as these cases can be complex. Remember, you and your family are entitled to disability benefits under the Federal Laws and with the assistance from a professional lawyer he/she can help you to get your rightful benefits.