Following up on Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits while a patient is ailing can be arduous. Therefore, rather than suffer the long, complex process with little chances of success, applicants should contact a qualified Social Security attorney to undertake the process. Social Security attorneys have experience in handling benefits claims and reducing claimants' burden of dealing with the SSA without adequate representation or preparation. Any Social Security claim must satisfy a strict legal criterion that most patients do not know. Thus, having an experienced Social Security attorney take the lead eases the pressure on the claimant. Once hired, a Social Security attorney prepares a case and collects the relevant supporting evidence in the following ways:

Building a Strong Case for the Claimed Benefits

All claims against SSA need to be meticulously structured for compensation. SSA thoroughly screens any claims to ensure compliance with legal stipulations. Therefore, claimants require an expert who understands the procedure for guidance. First, a Social Security attorney collects all relevant medical documents to submit to the SSA to support a claimant's complaint. Medical reports provide the best-supporting evidence when claiming Social Security benefits. The claimant first signs a medical release form that allows the Social Security attorney legal access to all relevant, confidential medical reports. Upon reviewing the claimant's medical information, the Social Security attorney may ask for additional testing and consultation exams if necessary. 

Recruiting and Preparing Expert Witnesses

Besides the claimant's medical history reports, a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment from a certified medical practitioner is required to show how the claimant is limited in their capacity to perform everyday activities. The RFC statement must confirm if the patient is incapacitated because of a disability, mental illness, or other recognized illnesses under the SSA regulations. A Social Security attorney helps claimants source for experts to testify in support of a claim. Selecting expert witnesses is vital because of the weight afforded to expert testimony in successfully proving claims against the SSA. Therefore, claimants should hire reliable Social Security attorneys to screen for unimpeachable expert witnesses.

Finalizing the Application Process

A significant challenge that results in most unsuccessful social benefits claims entails incomplete applications. Many applicants omit essential details or provide inaccurate information, leading to automatic rejections. Hiring a competent Social Security attorney who is well-versed with the application procedures will reduce any chances of an application failing for minor errors. Given the importance of a Social Security attorney to SSA applicants, every claimant should consult a qualified professional for guidance through the application process.