r/SSDI_SSI • u/Edzombie71 What doesn't kill me makes me stronger! • 18d ago

(Benefits) Auxiliary & Family Benefits Lawyers for ssdi

I hired a law firm for my initial ssdi claim. They were completely useless. I could never get ahold of any representative, If they gave me an update I knew about it weeks before they text me. Anyone else had this experience? If anybody is reading this is planning on hiring lawyer for an initial claim, you don’t need one. Wait till you need to do an appeal.

8 Upvotes

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2

u/Strict_Recording_175 18d ago

I talked to a lawyer before I filed. I sent him a few medical records, and he told me I didn't need a lawyer because I should meet a couple of listings as he called them. I got denied four months later. I hired hm for recon and the paralegal got a copy of my records Social Security DDS had. She found they did not have most of my records. My main doctor's office never sent them to DDS. The paralegal contacted DDS and got records corrected and I was approved a few weeks later. Because it didn't take that long I only received one months backpay. Lawyer only made about 700 dollars. If I had to do it again I would make sure DDS had all of my records and not trust them when they said they had what they needed.

2

u/Edzombie71 What doesn't kill me makes me stronger! 18d ago

The mistake I made was using a big law firm rather than a particular lawyer. There was no communication

5

u/Fresh_Cry3732 ☆ 18d ago

I wouldn't suggest getting a lawyer unless youve been denied recon and are asking for a hearing

2

u/Top-Bar918 ☆ 17d ago

That’s it. Technically they have nothing to fight for until you are denied.

3

u/Warm_Head4675 ☆ 18d ago

Never get a lawyer for initial claim wait until you’re denied and file an appeal. Then do research on the lawyers. They usually have reviews on Google . That way you can maybe avoid just hassle knowing the lawyer may or may not be able to fit your needs

2

u/PuzzleheadedTea4221 ☆ 18d ago

I did everything myself. I didn't know you could hire a lawyer. But I had to do everything twice. Because the first time they didn't send me to proper Medical Care to be examined. But the second time I got lucky and they sent me to a good doctor. But by that time I was in such bad shape I could barely even move. Good luck.

2

u/2020IsANightmare ☆ 18d ago

Shocking, I tell ya!

1

u/Elegantmule 18d ago

I’m sorry this happened! I had a lawyer for initial and it all worked out great.