People who are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If accepted, the disabled person will receive monthly payments from the government. However, the standards are quite high and about 70 percent of initial child support applications are denied. In the vast majority of cases, applicants are rejected because they did not provide sufficient medical evidence to substantiate their disability.

What constitutes a disability?

For SSDI purposes, a person is considered to have a disability if he or she has a medical or psychological impairment that is so severe that it prevents him or her from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least one year. Currently, the monetary threshold for SGA is just under $1,100. So, if an applicant cannot earn more than that amount from her work, he can apply for SSDI benefits. That does not mean, however, that it will be approved.

Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help?

It may be disappointing, but having your initial claim denied is not the end of the world. Many applicants successfully pursue their claims through the appeals process. Of course, it helps to have someone familiar with the process on your side. According to official data, more than two-thirds of applicants who appeal their denial eventually receive benefits. But that can only happen if they have the information and evidence they need to prove their case. That is where a Social Security disability attorney can be invaluable.

It is important to note that not all claims for SSDI benefits must be made. If the Social Security Administration (SSA) had a valid reason to deny your application, a licensed attorney may not take your case. He or she may peruse her denial notice and inform her that her chances of winning are slim. However, if your application was denied because you did not provide medical evidence of your disability, an attorney may accept you as a client. As such, she may present new evidence for reconsideration on appeal.

The odds are in your favor

According to the SSA, more than two-thirds of cases that come before an administrative law judge on appeal are approved. Why? The most obvious explanation is that most applicants at this stage of the appeal process have a licensed Social Security disability attorney on their side. These knowledgeable legal professionals know how to present your case favorably, providing proof of your disability and the effect it has had on your life.

With results like that, you may be wondering why not everyone hires an attorney to represent them. An obvious explanation is the price. Although their fees are usually quite reasonable, usually less than 25 percent of back wages, not all applicants are owed a sizeable sum. Only those who have not worked for quite some time and have been pursuing their case for many months may be eligible for back payments for substantial disability. That said, if you are unable to work and do not expect to return to work for more than a year, you should seriously consider hiring an attorney.

A Social Security disability attorney can help you win your claim for SSDI benefits.