I often get calls from people who want to apply for Social Security disability benefits who think they should hire me to do the application for them. I always turn down such requests and tell people to apply on their own and call back after Social Security denies them. I have never applied for anyone in decades of doing this work.
Why not?
The Five Reasons Why Not
First, you don’t need a lawyer to apply. There is nothing a lawyer can do to improve your chances of getting Social Security to approve your initial application. There are no magic words or secret shortcuts that only lawyers know. The simple fact is that Social Security is virtually certain to deny your application no matter what. As in, no matter what is wrong with you and definitely no matter if you have a lawyer.
Second, there is nothing I can do to assist you while your application is pending. Social Security will investigate your case and deny it. They will do this with or without me.
Third, Social Security wants people to file their own applications out of fear of fraud. Think how easy it would be for a dishonest lawyer to file hundreds of applications for people in the hope that Social Security might approve some of them.
Fourth, if a miracle occurs and Social Security approves your application, you will owe me 25% of your past-due benefits. You will be paying me for sitting around and waiting for a decision. Does that seem wise?
Fifth, having you file your own application proves to me you are willing to make some effort in the pursuit of your claim. It tells me you are serious and will work with me as we move forward.
There are good, competent, and ethical lawyers who file Social Security disability applications for clients. If you really want this, look around for such a lawyer. Otherwise, file your application and call me when Social Security denies you.
