- Michael Burry
- Jun 17, 2025
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) is complex. If you do manage to get through the application stage alone, there is still much that lies ahead.
If you are still contemplating whether or not to seek help from a disability attorney, or you’re curious to learn how an attorney would represent you, then you have come to the right place.
Do I need a lawyer to Apply for Disability?
The SSA does not mandate obtaining legal representation. However, a disability attorney will help you through the legal process and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
Role Of a Disability Attorney In The SSDI Process
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) is stressful. Many applicants’ claims are also rejected due to the provision of inaccurate information or failure to meet deadlines. However, incomplete applications are a common reason for denial, so having a lawyer help you file all necessary documents and navigate the application process is crucial.
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Reviewing disability case
A legal professional can review disability cases in a better way. They can suggest when you need to apply or when to appeal in case of a denial. The denial reasons can be used to prepare for the appeal.
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Developing an appropriate theory about your case
Your lawyer may create a story or theory about the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability after reviewing the case. Some of the theories that a lawyer can use are as follows:
- Your condition meets the disability listing
- You are unable to do any type of work and are gridlocked
- Your impairment meets the disability listing
After understanding the theory, a lawyer can help you by arguing better.
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Social Security Disability Listing
The SSA has specified all the impairments in its Blue Book, which provides eligibility criteria for the disabling conditions that qualify for benefits. If you have a disability condition mentioned in the Blue Book, the SSA will analyze your impairment for eligibility.
Your attorney will help you by comparing the information that you are providing and the evidence surrounding your condition. They might even guide you on what you may experience with the SSA’s doctor and specific tests you may undergo.
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Utilizing The Grid System
If an applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria of a particular listed impairment, the SSA will use the grid rules to determine whether you are disabled. Some factors that are mentioned in the grid rules are
- Age
- Residual functional capacity (RFC) level
- Work history
- Job skills
- Education
Your attorney may use all of these factors, along with Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), to determine that you are unable to do the work. However, if the medical condition is not based on physical disability, there will be no grid rules, as they are helpful for older applicants associated with limited work.
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Less Than Sedentary Work
Suppose the above-mentioned two options do not work; your attorney may work to prove that you are unable to do sedentary work. They need to have sufficient evidence to prove their point, which includes
- Applicant’s personal testimony
- Opinions from your doctors
- Applicant’s medical records
If they establish and prove that you are unable to do any work with light objects, SSA may consider that you are disabled.
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Filing with accurate and complete information
One of the reasons for the denial of disability claim applications is a lack of information. This is one of the fundamental reasons to hire a disability lawyer who can let you fill in the complete information in the application form and do a claim evaluation. Without using a legal eye, it may be impossible for you to present the information correctly, such as work credits required in SSDI.
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Gathering Medical Records and Evidence
The applicant who is struggling with a disabling condition must have sufficient medical evidence to prove their disability. The SSA will check and review all the records and evidence. A lawyer may help you collect the appropriate evidence that will be good for your social security disability claim.
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Representation in Appeals
The initial application of many people gets rejected due to a lack of evidence or an incomplete application. Therefore, a lawyer may represent you in appeal hearings in all four stages, including:
- Request for reconsideration
- An administrative law judge hearing
- Appeals Council review
- Federal Court review
What Value Can A Disability Attorney Add To Your Claim That You Can’t?
A disability lawyer can help clients navigate the complex Social Security Disability process. They act in the best interest of their clients throughout the process, ensuring your disability application form is submitted with complete information and meets all deadlines.
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Lawyers Can Access The SSA’s Electronic Records Express
Attorneys and SSA representatives have direct access to the Electronic Records Express (ERE). It includes all the applicant’s case details that comprise medical records, along with a work history report. They ensure that SSA has access to all crucial case information. Moreover, they will follow up with the SSA for any missing documents from the Electronic Records Express (ERE).
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Lawyers Can Write On-The-Record Briefs
Disability attorneys and SSA representatives may provide additional documents that will support your disability claim application. One such document is an on-the-record brief that summarizes all medical records of all years in a few pages. It will help the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to grant disability benefits without going through the hearing process.
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Lawyers Are Familiar With Social Security Codes and GRID Rules
The Social Security Administration tries to use its own methods to segregate vocational abilities and medical conditions, which are known as GRID rules. These guidelines will help to differentiate how healthcare providers categorize different medical conditions.
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Lawyers Keep SSA Representatives Honest
The SSA’s representatives may, at times, make mistakes as they are human. Therefore, if you have a lawyer by your side, they will keep the representatives alert on meeting the deadlines and submitting all the correct information about the applicant. In case they make a mistake, the lawyers are there to correct them.
When to Seek Help from a Disability Lawyer?
Working with a disability attorney by your side will help you understand the complexities of Social Security Disability cases, and they are dedicated to helping you receive the disability benefits you deserve. Whether you are filing an initial application or navigating the appeals process, the right legal support can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome.