Do not get ripped off by law firms when filing for Social Security Disability (SSD). With so many more people filing today, attorney advertisements are non-stop. I wish to share my experience so you may not make the same mistake and lose thousands of dollars you could have had.
Do not get an attorney immediately. Most initial claims are denied. After that, you have a "reconsideration." My claim was awarded in this stage without the help of the attorney I hired.
Attorneys legally can take 25 percent of the back pay up to $6,000, whichever is less. The firm will send you a paper immediately to sign for these monies. Then, they will draw out your claim since the longer it takes, the more money they will make.
I was advised not to make any personal contact to Social Security Administration, but it was apparent to me the firm was doing nothing after contacting them several times about information I submitted to them. After personally submitting the same information to SSD, my claim was awarded during the "reconsideration" stage.
Another thing, you will be lucky if you ever see your attorney except on TV or billboards. I never left my home.
Conclusion: If you have a valid SSD claim, it will be approved. If you feel you need legal help, wait till at least the "appeal" stage of the claim. I lost $2,000 of my back pay claim monies and did not even need the attorney. But I hired legal help immediately upon application and immediately signed the commissioned papers received.
I won my claim, but lost monies - don't you make the same mistake.
Marilyn L. Swart
Parkersburg
