Social Security Disability
Frequently Asked Questions

[Q] Why do I need someone to help me with
this process?

[A]
The specific definition of what it means to be
disabled changes at various times of your life. Your
claim may also take years to work through the system.

Proving you are disabled requires a number of tasks,
including filling out forms, dealing with healthcare
professionals, and presenting your case to a Judge.

[Q] Why is it important for an attorney to
help me?

[A]
Individuals who help claimants with disability
claims are referred to as representatives. If you
retain an individual to help you who is not an
attorney (a non-attorney representative), you
should be aware that these representatives might
not be able to handle all aspects of your case.

Your claim involves legal issues. Lawyers are
trained in how to read and interpret case law,
regulations, and statutes in the light most favorable
to their clients.

Representatives who are not attorneys are not
similarly trained and are not able to handle all
aspects of your case. Only a licensed attorney
who is admitted to the Federal Bar can handle your
claim at all levels of appeal. You should also realize
that the Judge who decides your claim is an
attorney. In a close case, a lawyer's knowledge
and training can make all the difference.

[Q] My employer’s insurance company is hiring an out-of-state representative to
help me for free. Is this a problem?

[A]
If you retain Levine Benjamin, your insurance
company will often give you a credit for the attorney
fee that is paid to us, so any potential cost savings is
negated. We recommend retaining a local attorney.
Having familiarity with the judge who is assigned to
your claim can be crucial in obtaining benefits for you.

Lastly, you should ask yourself if the representative who is assigned to you from the insurance company
is working for your or the insurance company’s
best interest.

[Q] How long does it take to go through the
disability process?

[A]
It can take four to five months to more than two
years before you know if you will be successful in
obtaining benefits.

[Q] How do I pay a lawyer?
[A] All claims are accepted on a contingency basis. If you don’t receive benefits, then you do not owe a
fee.

If we are successful in obtaining benefits for you
through the hearing level, our fee is the
government approved 25% of retroactive benefits
capped at $6,000.

 

AREAS OF PRACTICE

1- Social Security Disability
2- Workers Compensation
3- Civil Personal Injury

 

 

 

 

 
The content on the Levine Benjamin website is intended as
general information and should not be considered legal advice.
Readers should not act on this information and should seek
professional legal counsel to determine a course of action.
 

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Levine Benjamin • Southfield, Michigan ©2008