It’s nice to know there is a government agency that will help you if you are disabled and cannot work. Still, because Social Security is a government agency, there are some procedures and protocols you must observe to access that help.

Although it isn’t true that the Social Security Administration denies all first-time disability claims, they do reject nearly seventy percent. That’s hard to hear if you are applying for benefits because you cannot work. The application process is a lengthy one and that denial, on top of months of waiting, can be devastating when you need the income. Sometimes claims are denied because your disability isn’t long-term, and you will soon return to the workforce anyway, or while you cannot do the work you were performing at the time you became disabled, you can still do other jobs. The fact is the SSA has written criteria for conditions and for levels of disability. Still other claims are denied because the procedures to apply were not followed.

You need someone to help you navigate the system and who understands the “language of disability.” More than that, you need someone who can prove that your disability fits into that designation. Legal advisors such as the professionals at the Parmele Law Firm deal with disability and understand its legalities and limitations. They know, for instance, that just re-filing your application will not help your case. You must appeal the denial, and the appeal must happen within a limited time frame. Appealing a denial is advantageous to you because you want to get your case before a court, where it will be heard by a judge. Legal professionals who are versed in Social Security Disability can argue your appeal and have the best chance of winning.

Lawyers, and professional Disability Advocates, usually charge on a contingency basis, which means if they aren’t successful in getting benefits for you they are not paid. In addition, they can charge no more than 25% of back benefits, with a maximum of $6000. That means you can truly afford the professional help you need. Although there are advocates who are not lawyers, legal professionals like the Parmele staff have the best understanding of cross-examining witnesses and court protocol.

Beyond understanding procedures, you need someone who understands pain and empathizes with clients. You want someone who believes in your case, and who believes in you.