When filing a disability claim in Louisiana, it is helpful to have an attorney who understands the process. Applicants who hire a social security lawyer are more likely to have their claims approved. However, you may wonder: What does a Supplemental (Social) Security attorney do?

• Disability attorneys understand the ins and outs of the Supplemental Security Income claims process, improving your chances of approval.
• A Social Security disability lawyer helps you get the documents you need to prove your medical condition, file your application for benefits, and prepare for a hearing if necessary.

What Is a Social Security Attorney?

A Supplemental Security lawyer acts on your behalf when you file for disability benefits. At Leavitt & Meunier Law, we help you with your case by:

• Obtaining your Social Security information
• Getting supportive evidence from your doctors
• Requesting a hearing, appeals review, or reconsideration
• Preparing you for a hearing
• Attending hearings and conferences with you
• Questioning witnesses

How Do Disability Lawyers Get Paid?

Social Security attorneys work for you on a contingency basis, which means they collect a fee only if you get approval for your disability case. Written fee agreements between you and your representation must get approval from the Social Security Administration. The lawyer’s fee is typically no more than 25% of your back pay amount. If they approve your arrangement, you pay your lawyer once you receive the back pay money.

Why Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?

Our experienced, licensed team works to ensure you get the assistance you need. When you hire our disability representation, you gain the advantage of our extensive knowledge regarding SSI benefits.

Medical Evidence

To secure Social Security disability benefits, you need sufficient medical evidence to prove your case. Often, people seeking supplemental income do not know the requirements and may not submit the correct information. Disability attorneys know which medical records are necessary and helpful to your case. They work with you to ensure you get the proper documentation and tests. They also review your medical paperwork to make sure you submit only relevant information.

Physician Communication

Sometimes doctors are not willing to help you with your disability application. There are various reasons you may have trouble getting the documents and procedures you need. Supplemental Security lawyers often have better luck communicating with medical professionals since they have experience dealing with these matters.

Appeals Hearing

When you have representation, you are more likely to have a successful appeal. As specialists, we understand the hearing process and have extensive experience with local Social Security judges. This knowledge allows us to help you adequately prepare for your case.

Why Choose Leavitt & Meunier Law?

Our firm believes in a hands-on approach. You gain many advantages when you select us to represent your claim, such as:

• We are a local law firm familiar with disability examiners, judges, and other professionals involved in your case.
• We personally handle your claim to help you get results.
• We thoroughly examine your medical records to resolve any issues before your hearing.
• We have experience working with local doctors.
• We have handled thousands of hearings before judges in the area.
• We have three locations to serve you in the Baton Rouge, Mandeville, and New Orleans, LA areas.
• We have extensive local experience representing clients.

Contact a Disability Lawyer Today

Get in touch with the attorneys at Leavitt & Meunier Law at 504-834-2075 or 1-800-256-4345 to find out about your eligibility. Learn what information you need to file your claim and how you can improve your chances of success.

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If you plan to file for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in Louisiana, you may want to work with an attorney specializing in this area.

• When you hire an attorney to help you with your case, you will dramatically improve your chances of getting approval from the Social Security Administration.
• An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help you prepare and communicate on your behalf to ensure a smooth process for your claim.

What Does A Social Security Disability Attorney Do?

The application requirements and process for filing a disability claim can be overwhelming. There are many rules to follow to guarantee a successful outcome. Hiring professional representation is a good idea to help your case, but what is a Social Security disability attorney? This type of lawyer understands the complexities of the claim process and the potential issues with your case. An attorney who practices in this specialty can help you each step of the way.

Initial Review of Your Case

Disability lawyers review your case to determine if you have enough evidence to support a strong case. Often, claims do not have sufficient supporting documentation or medical evidence to confirm the need for benefits. An experienced attorney helps you gather and complete the needed paperwork to improve your chances of approval.

After you file your claim in Baton Rouge, Mandeville, or New Orleans, LA, the Social Security office decides if you meet the requirements to receive disability benefits. If you qualify, your application goes on to the Disability Determination Services department, where they conduct a full review and approve or deny your claim. An attorney helps you fill out the proper forms, collect needed proof, and submit your application correctly.

Medical Records for Your Claim

If you sign a medical privacy release, your attorney can contact your medical providers to obtain the necessary documents to prove your case. They understand which records, written statements, and relevant medical evidence show that you cannot work due to your medical condition. Your lawyer can also sift through a large number of medical records to determine which information to use.

Your attorney may also request a consultative examination to provide comprehensive information to the SSA. Typically, your primary medical professionals conduct this examination to offer proof of your medical conditions.

Preparation

In addition to the necessary medical records, your disability attorney may request statements from co-workers, medical experts, and caregivers who are familiar with the circumstances of your case. Often, you have a hearing before an administrative law judge before you get approval. Experienced attorneys will have a pre-hearing meeting with you to prepare. Attorneys who practice in this field understand the process and know what type of questions the judge will likely ask you.

Disability Hearings

Attending a disability hearing can be a stressful experience if you are not familiar with the process. A Social Security disability lawyer can: 

• Prepare everything ahead of time
• Represent you at the hearing
• Help you understand the requirements
• Ask questions of witnesses

Reconsideration of Your Application

The DDS denies many claimants, but your lawyer can help you file a reconsideration appeal. A professional attorney knows the proper procedures and deadlines to file. When you utilize this option, a new DDS examiner reviews your disability case.

Appeals Process

If the SSA denies your initial claim, you may appeal the decision. This process has many specific steps and deadlines. A Social Security attorney can ensure you file the appeal correctly to optimize your chances of approval.

Improve Your Chances for Success With our Experts

If you are filing a claim in Mandeville, Baton Rouge, or New Orleans, contact the law offices of Melanie Leavitt. We dedicate our effort and time to making sure you get the assistance you need. Our local experience, professional qualities, and hands-on approach make us the clear choice for your legal representation needs. Call us at 1-800-256-4345 to schedule your free consultation today.

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When you apply for Supplemental Security Income, it is crucial to meet the courts’ requirements to get the results you need. Hiring an attorney can ensure approval of your claim, but how much will a supplemental security attorney cost?

• A disability lawyer works for you on a contingency basis. This type of arrangement involves fee agreements that state you pay the attorney fees at the end of your case from your past-due benefits award.
• An experienced legal representative helps you navigate the Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements for filing a new case or going to an appeals council. Your attorney’s fee is not due until you have won your case.

If you have physical or mental disability issues that prevent you from working full time, you may qualify for federal compensation. Social Security benefits can help you with living costs. Enlisting the aid of an experienced attorney can help you get the assistance you need to provide for yourself and your family.

The Law Offices of Melanie Leavitt helps clients in Metairie, Mandeville, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, apply for benefits and file appeals claims. We are a local law firm with experience working with offices and officials in Southern Louisiana and Mississippi. We provide you with navigation guidance during the application and filing process to help you get the results you need.

How Much Will A Supplemental Security Attorney Cost?

Hiring a lawyer to assist you with filing a disability claim has many advantages. However, you may be wondering how you can afford to pay an attorney when you are trying to get approved for benefits.

How much is a supplemental security attorney?

Social Security disability attorneys do not require upfront fees to take your case.

• Disability attorneys work for you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay your attorney until your claim is successful and your case is over.
• Disability lawyers typically receive 25% of your Social Security backpay award if you win your case.
• Social Security lawyers have you sign a fee agreement when you hire them.
• Social Security law states the fee cannot exceed 25% of your back pay or $6,000, whichever is less.

You and your Social Security disability lawyer sign a contingency fee agreement when the law firm takes on your case. The Social Security Administration must review all fee agreements to ensure they meet the fee agreement guidelines. This process ensures that your attorney does not receive more than legally allowed.

Your disability attorney only receives payment from the past-due compensation award, known as back pay. At the end of a successful case, you pay 25% of that amount, if it is less than the $6,000 maximum. If the court does not award you back pay, your lawyer will not collect a fee. Your attorney can file a fee petition to request payment from your first disability check.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Melanie Leavitt?

As a local law firm, we work with area claims representatives, disability examiners, judges, and hearings offices in Louisiana all the time. We have locations in Metairie, Baton Rouge, and Mandeville to serve you. We know the local court system well and can stand with you in court to fully support you throughout the case.

Applying for Supplemental Security benefits can feel overwhelming. The SSA denies many claims due to missing or incorrect information on the required forms. We ensure there are no technical issues with your claim. Our lawyers can also assist you with filing an appeal if you have already had a denial. Contact our experienced professionals for a case evaluation and more information regarding our services.

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What you will learn:

• Disability attorneys help clients on a contingency fee basis. The government reviews and regulates the fee agreement guidelines, so you do not pay an attorney fee unless you receive a disability check.
• Disability lawyers assist you with the navigation of your case.

You have a disability claim you need to resolve, but you wonder how much will a Social Security disability attorney cost? While there are fees involved, there are many financial benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer to assist you. When you choose the Law Offices of Melanie Leavitt, we handle your case by working with you to resolve the issues at hand. We pride ourselves on our hands-on representation approach.

Serving Louisiana in the Mandeville, Metairie, and Baton Rouge areas, our experienced team can discuss your situation and help you understand the steps of the process. Our law firm can save you time and money on your claim by advising you how to apply, organize your information, and present your case to ensure you get the outcome you require.

How Much Does Security Disability Filing Assistance Cost?

You may have concerns about the expenses associated with hiring a lawyer. However, a disability attorney knows the ins and outs of navigating your case, which helps you achieve your intended goal. You do not have to pay out-of-pocket costs for the attorney fees.

How Much Is A Social Security Disability Attorney?

Social Security disability lawyers provide services on a contingency basis. The contingency fee agreement guidelines detail the terms of your payment, such as:

• You do not pay upfront costs to obtain representation.
• Your attorney only gets paid if you receive disability benefits.
• You do not pay your attorney if the judge does not approve your claim.
• Social Security pays you out of your backpay.
• According to the law, the fee you agree upon cannot exceed 25% of your backpay or a cap of $6,000, whichever amount is less.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) must review and approve the contingency fee arrangement. It is best if you read everything before you sign a fee agreement.

How Does the SSA Calculate Back Pay?

When you get approved for benefits, the SSA determines how much back pay you receive. You may receive past due payments retroactively from the date of your disability. The date cannot go back further than 12 months from the application date.

How Do Social Security Disability Attorneys Help You With Your Case?

Unfortunately, most people who apply for benefits do not have their cases approved. Some workers may receive approval through an appeals process, but this can be stressful and take considerable time. When contemplating how much is a Social Security disability lawyer, consider the advantages a knowledgeable lawyer brings you. Even though you will pay fees, your chances of receiving benefits are more significant, providing you with cost advantages in the long run.

To help improve the chances of claim approval, contact the Law Offices of Melanie Leavitt for a consultation and case evaluation. Our attorneys support you through the application steps, so you have assistance each step of the way. We make applying for benefits manageable and successful. We help ensure the desired results for your case, giving you more financial stability for your future. Our experience in Louisiana improves your chances of a favorable outcome.

Why Choose Us?

At Leavitt & Meunier Law in Louisiana, we have experience and knowledge in Baton Rouge, Metairie, and Mandeville. We are familiar with the necessary local community resources you require to get your case’s desired results. We work with clients from the start, so we understand your claim and advocate for you to receive Social Security benefits.

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If you’re about to apply for benefits, you might wonder: why should I hire a Supplemental Social Security attorney? In recent years, the Social Security Administration expressed some concern that it might run out of money. This stems from the fact that America has an aging population.

More seniors withdrawing payments and fewer people paying into the system threatens its longevity. For these and other reasons, the SSA tightened its restrictions, making it difficult to obtain benefits even when you qualify.

What Is Supplemental Security Income?

According to the SSA, this program provides monthly payments to qualifying persons who fall into two categories. The first involves either adults or children with qualifying disabilities. Next, seniors over 65, who meet income requirements, may receive benefits. The ability to receive benefits also depends on how long adults paid into the Social Security system.

How Do You Apply for Supplemental Security Income?

How you apply depends on the reasons you qualify for SSI. For example, adults with disabilities may complete the entire process online. In contrast, when filing for children, adults may complete a part of the application online, but the rest needs to be completed by phone. Surprisingly, seniors cannot currently complete the process online at all. Instead, they need to apply at their local offices or call in and do it over the phone. Note that applying via the local office may require an appointment.

When Should You Hire a Social Security Attorney?

The best time to hire an attorney is before you start the application process. While working with a professional does not guarantee success, it reduces the likelihood of making mistakes that could cost you time and money. It is better to take a proactive approach and eliminate these risks before they pose a problem. Another good time to hire a Social Security attorney is after a denial. The SSA reports that when they deny claims, individuals have the right to appeal. Working with an attorney might improve the chances of success the second time around. Here’s why:

• Your disability attorney can investigate and determine what might have contributed to the denial.
• Your disability lawyer might discover additional information to bolster your claim.
• Your Social Security disability attorney might better word your claim to make it more effective.
• Your Social Security disability lawyer is experienced and might have additional information on how to improve your claim.

What Should You Look for When Hiring a Social Security Lawyer?

When hiring a Social Security lawyer, ensure the person is an actual attorney. Many people misrepresent themselves as Social Security Disability attorneys by running ads as advocates. These individuals can often do a world of good for people with simple and straightforward cases, but the risk usually costs much more than the savings.

Should you need to go to court or attend a hearing, these advocates cannot represent you because they are not attorneys. In fact, these professionals likely received no training at all. In some cases, they might partner with a local attorney to attend the hearing on your behalf, but you might never even meet them, and the person might only receive a quick rundown of your case.

At the Law Offices of Melanie Leavitt, you can rest assured that your case will be handled by licensed Social Security Lawyers in New Orleans, Louisiana. Because we are local to your area, we are more familiar with some of the nuances of your situation, the local offices, and the local court system. This allows us to better represent you as true advocates, backed by law degrees. Contact us online or call us at 504-834-2075 to schedule a free consultation.

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Social security disability is a crucial resource for those who cannot work due to physical or mental disabilities and illnesses. The financial support offered by SSDI allows individuals and families impacted by the effects of ongoing illness or disability to maintain some form of financial stability throughout their lives. However, as important as this resource is for millions of United States citizens, getting an SSDI application approved and receiving an award of monthly support is now harder than ever. That’s where the professionals at the Law Offices of Melanie Leavitt come in. Our team of professionals have over 50 years of combined experience in law and takes a hands-on approach to guide our clients through the process of applying for SSDI benefits throughout Louisiana. We know the application process inside and out and how to maximize your chances of being awarded the financial support you need in the face of your disability or the disability of a family member.

How Do You Know When it Is Time?

It’s never too early to hire a social security disability attorney to help you through the application process. If you think you have a valid claim to SSDI, having a disability lawyer on your side from the very beginning can only be beneficial to your case. Filing for disability is an often complicated process, and even a slight error in your paperwork or a single missing document will result in a denial of your award. Furthermore, failure to thoroughly establish your disability with a qualified medical professional’s assistance could result in denial. There are a number of stumbling blocks you could hit on the way to gaining SSDI support, but a professional disability lawyer has the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you around them without fail.

First, an SSDI attorney can help you connect with a qualified doctor who can help you with establishing your disability. This is a crucial first step in the process, as it shows the courts and those who review your application that you or your loved one are truly in need of financial assistance due to disability. Hiring a social security disability lawyer before taking this first step is the best way to ensure your doctor has filled out your paperwork correctly and in a way that adequately purveys the difficulty of your situation to the courts.

If you’ve already submitted an application for SSDI and been rejected, you’ll still benefit from working with an SSDI attorney. In fact, this is the perfect time for hiring a social security disability attorney. If your application is denied, the Social Security Administration will grant you a 60 day period in which you may request a review or appeal of the decision. When you choose to appeal, you’ll receive several more documents to complete along with the opportunity to attend a hearing, either in person or over video. Appeal wait times can be long and stressful. Social security disability lawyers work to keep the process as hassle-free as possible by ensuring your paperwork is complete and standing beside you in any hearings you have scheduled.

Why Choose Us?

Why should I hire a social security disability attorney? How will it benefit me? Will it give me better chances of obtaining an SSDI award? If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, it’s time to call the professionals at the Law Offices of Melanie Leavitt. With decades of combined experience, we’ve been serving disabled individuals in key areas of Louisiana for years and are dedicated to getting financial support to those who need it most. Furthermore, we never leave you to fend for yourself. Unlike long-distance advocates you might find online, we are local, licensed attorneys. We’ll stand beside you in court to ensure your voice is heard and that you’re truly getting the treatment you deserve.

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Within the United States, hundreds of thousands of disabled individuals rely on social security benefits to maintain a measure of financial security. For those who experience a disability that makes maintaining a job impossible, SSDI is often the only chance they have of remaining independent, safe, and healthy. For decades, the professionals at Leavitt & Meunier Law have been here to guide those with disabilities throughout Louisiana through the process of establishing disability and gaining the compensation they need. We’re here to ensure you understand what benefits you could receive and that you’re on the right path to getting the award you need without the stress of stumbling through the complicated, convoluted application process on your own.

What Social Security Benefits Are There for People With Disabilities?

Social security disability benefits are typically awarded to those who have a debilitating mental or physical illness that is either expected to last for a minimum of one year or result in death, leaving them unable to work a regular paying job. It’s worth noting that there are actually two types of social security benefits; SSDI and SSI.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is awarded to individuals (and certain family members) if the disabled individual has worked long enough and paid taxes on the earnings from that work. Your eligibility for this award depends mostly on how much you have paid into Social Security via your income taxes over the years, and those with low or no long-term income may find themselves ineligible for SSDI support.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, may be available to disabled adults who have limited household income and few resources. This acts as an important alternative to those who have been unable to work and pay taxes due to a wide range of different reasons but still require support in the face of a serious disability.

If awarded with either of these social security disability benefits programs, the disabled person in question (as well as children or certain other family members in some cases) will receive a set monthly payment. This payment is subject to review throughout the granted period, and may be raised, lowered, or even withdrawn. It’s a tricky situation, which is why it’s always advised to work with a legal professional when applying for your SSI or SSDI benefits.

Though the programs are slightly different from one another, the medical requirements for receiving them are identical. With the help of a doctor, you must establish that you have a disability that prevents you from receiving reliable financial income. This process can be challenging at the best of times, which it’s why it’s always a good idea to work with an attorney who specializes in dealing with the application and appeal process from beginning to end. The professionals at the Leavitt & Meunier Law know the application inside and out and can walk you through the entire process. From recommending you to a doctor to accumulating and submitting your documents and paperwork, we’re here to ensure you’re getting the financial support you deserve.

Learn More

Contact Leavitt & Meunier Law today to learn more about the benefits you or your loved one may stand to gain after being diagnosed with a disability that leaves you unable to work. We’ll take a personal, in-depth look at your case and guide you through the process of gaining the financial support you need and deserve as soon as possible. The application process can be a tricky one. Still, we’re here with years of experience, dedication, and expertise to make it as smooth and easy as possible so you can find security without the stress.

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Social Security disability is designed to help those who have put in their time and paid into disability during their years of employment, but who are now unable to work because of a physical or mental disability.

While this program is designed to be a safety net for hard-working Americans, going through the process of becoming eligible for Social Security disability can be very difficult, confusing, and time-consuming.

It can make sense to have an experienced guide work with you as you put together your application and seek to receive your benefits. A Social Security disability lawyer can provide guidance, support, and knowledge to help you through the required steps and give you peace-of-mind regarding the Social Security disability request process.

Social Security Disability Lawyers Are Familiar With the Application Process.

With almost any type of assistance program, a host of cumbersome steps are required to request and receive aid. Social Security disability is no exception.

It’s a myth that all applications are denied the first time around. However, more than two-thirds of applications are rejected after their initial review, which means there are a lot of people who are disappointed and stressed about whether they’ll be able to support themselves when their disability coverage doesn’t come through.

According to statistics from the Social Security Administration, more than 30 percent of applicants are denied for a technical (non-medical) decision before a medical determination is ever made. These technical reasons for denial can be big, and sometimes unnecessary, roadblocks – like failing to exempt the value of your car or home from your overall income/asset statement.

Knowledgeable Social Security disability lawyers have worked through the paperwork for disability claims for hundreds of clients and will be able to guide you through the application process to give you a better chance of being awarded your benefits on your first application attempt.

With a Social Security disability attorney supporting you, you’ll risk fewer missteps, like missing a filing date or leaving out critical information, both of which could mean a rejection of your application and a time-consuming appeal process.

A Social Security Disability Attorney Can Guide You Through the Appeal Process If Your Benefits Are Initially Denied.

If your initial benefit request was not accepted, the Social Security Administration will grant you 60 days to request an appeal/review.

During the appeal process, you’ll receive an additional set of documents to be completed and returned, as well as have the opportunity for a video or in-person hearing. While you can complete this process on your own, a Social Security disability attorney can make it easier to ensure you’re compiling all the necessary information.

The appeal process can be lengthy, with 60 days to appeal the initial denial, then 60 days between each subsequent appeal. Each delay means a longer time waiting for financial support, which can be stressful and frustrating.

An Attorney Can Take Your Case to Federal Court If Your Social Security Disability Benefits Are Denied.

The appeal process for Social Security disability can include up to four different levels/separate instances of review:

• Reconsideration
• Hearing by an administrative law judge
• Review by the Appeals Council
• Federal Court review

When you reach the level of federal court review, you’re essentially suing the Social Security Administration for wrongfully withholding your benefits. When you’ve reached this point, you don’t want anything to slow the process down, get in your way, or negatively impact your final appeal.

The process of participating in a federal court appeal includes making court filings and being represented in the federal court hearing. Handling the case on your own may represent to the

court that you have the ability to work, thus negating your case. An attorney’s guidance and support can be invaluable in presenting the evidence required to further your claim and increase your chance at a positive outcome.

The cost of securing an attorney may be a top-of-mind concern for disability applicants, especially because people filing for Social Security disability benefits are unable to work. However, attorneys who take on Social Security disability cases are not allowed to request upfront payment for their time from their clients.

Instead, they may receive a small upfront payment for expenses, then earn their additional payment based on whether their clients are able to secure their Social Security disability benefits.

You can complete the Social Security disability application process on your own; however, the top benefit of working with an attorney is having their guidance and support from the beginning.

With a Social Security disability lawyer supporting you through the process, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect and won’t be blindsided by a denial or a subsequent step in the appeal process.

The most important reason you NEED an experienced SS Disability attorney at the earliest possible stage of the process is for analysis, advice, and counsel as to the facts of your case and what evidence will be necessary to prove your disability. This is essential as otherwise, you could be wasting months of time during which the evidence is insufficient to prove your disability which can cost you the benefits you need so badly. The attorneys at Leavitt & Meunier Disability Attorneys LLC will analyze your case individually and advise you immediately as to what evidence will be necessary to win your case.

If you live in the Baton Rouge,  Mandeville, or Metairie, LA areas and you’re dealing with the pain and frustration of being disabled, don’t try to go through the disability application process on your own. Contact Leavitt & Meunier online or call 504-834-2075 and let our knowledgeable Social Security disability attorneys support you through the disability application process.