Q: What should I look for when hiring an Arizona disability benefits attorney?
Most people go through their working years focusing on when they will retire and begin collecting those Social Security retirement benefits that were accruing over the decades through their payroll deductions. But sometimes life cuts that plan short unexpectedly.
At any moment, regardless of age, someone could find themself mentally or physically disabled and unable to work due to an accident, illness, or injury. If they are no longer able to work, they may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, or “SSDI”, benefits.
Sobering Disability Benefits Statistics
While many people think this won’t happen to them, these sobering disability benefits statistics may suggest otherwise:
- 8 million adults can’t work due to a disability
- 475,000 Americans become totally disabled each year
- 46% of mortgage foreclosures are due to a disability
- an application for benefits takes an average of nine months
- more than 75% of initial applications are denied.
In addition to dealing with the physical pain and/or stress of a disability and the financial fallout and fear that comes with it—especially if the disability was sudden onset– the complex disability benefits application process is too much for many people to handle on their own. That’s why many people seek a skilled Arizona disability benefits attorney to handle the initial application or appeal a denial of disability benefits.
What should I look for in a disability benefits attorney?
Specialization in the area of disability benefits law, ideally to the exclusion of other areas of practice. You don’t want a dabbler.
Experience and a proven track record of success in disability benefits law. Someone may specialize in only this field, but if they just started out, you may not want them learning on your case. Testimonials are often helpful.
Credentials count, too. Membership in Social Security disability law organizations, like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) give clients added security that the attorney knows their stuff.
If you or a loved one need assistance with a disability benefits application or an appeal of an initial denial of benefits, the disability attorneys of Arizona at Roeschke Law can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
From our offices in Tempe, Tucson, and Phoenix, we help disabled clients and their families throughout Arizona access the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits they need and are entitled to, so they can focus on healing and get on with their life.