In the event you have become injured or ill and are unable to work for a living, Social Security disability benefits can provide the help you need to overcome financial hardship. However, a large percentage of applicants are denied during the initial stage of the claims process. Should this happen to you, there will still be an opportunity to overturn the decision by pleading your case at a disability hearing. If you have yet to hire a disability representative, consider doing so before your hearing date. Here are some of the top ways you will benefit from being professionally represented.

What Are the Advantages of Having a Disability Representative Handle Your Claim?

They Will Gather Updated Medical Records 

One of the most common reasons claims are denied is because the applicant failed to show sufficient medical evidence of their disability. An experienced disability representative will know exactly what the Social Security Administration needs to see before they will approve benefits. Thus, they will gather all your updated medical records to ensure you have the proof necessary to support your claim. This is a vital step in the appeals process because by the time your hearing date arrives the updated medical evidence and restrictions from your treating physicians will give the judge a clear understanding of how your conditions affect your ability to work.  

They Will Prepare You for the Hearing 

A disability representative will also ensure you’re properly prepared for the hearing. They will go over the questions the judge is likely to ask you, provide you with a overview of the information contained in your medical records, and make sure you know the theory of your claim and how it will be presented to the judge.  The representative will gather any additional information post-hearing that the judge requests in order to fully and fairly evaluate your claim for disability.  

Having a disability representative handle your claim will greatly improve your chances of getting approved for benefits. The team of professionals at Disability Claim Consultants offers more than four decades of combined experience advocating on behalf of those who are incapable of earning an income due to an injury or illness. They have been successful at helping thousands of Nebraska and Iowa residents collect the SSD benefits they deserve. Call (402) 422-1000 to schedule a review of your case, or visit their website for more information on the services they provide.