Comments on: MS and Affording a Disability Lawyer http://www.msstrength.com/ms-and-affording-a-disability-lawyer/ Within every Multiple Sclerosis Patient there Lies an Indomitable Strength. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:13:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Jen http://www.msstrength.com/ms-and-affording-a-disability-lawyer/comment-page-1/#comment-539 Jen Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:11:01 +0000 http://www.msstrength.com/?p=1800#comment-539 Hey Erin-- I hated the whole time I was waiting for my hearing: debt out the wazoo, bills piling up, guilt for not bringing in a steady income (no one was pressuring me but myself), and constant trips to the mail box. We're definitely better off, but now I'm struggling to find more part-time work (that I can do from home) to supplement the SSDI. So it's still a battle but at least we're no longer drowning-- just constantly broke! Thanks for stopping by, Erin. I feel like we have a lot in common, especially trouble using our hands for our careers (mine was in ultrasound scanning.) I'm hoping the best for your case, which with the help of a lawyer I'm sure you'll win. Sincerely, Jen Hey Erin–

I hated the whole time I was waiting for my hearing: debt out the wazoo, bills piling up, guilt for not bringing in a steady income (no one was pressuring me but myself), and constant trips to the mail box. We’re definitely better off, but now I’m struggling to find more part-time work (that I can do from home) to supplement the SSDI. So it’s still a battle but at least we’re no longer drowning– just constantly broke!

Thanks for stopping by, Erin. I feel like we have a lot in common, especially trouble using our hands for our careers (mine was in ultrasound scanning.) I’m hoping the best for your case, which with the help of a lawyer I’m sure you’ll win.

Sincerely,

Jen

]]> By: Erin http://www.msstrength.com/ms-and-affording-a-disability-lawyer/comment-page-1/#comment-538 Erin Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:49:22 +0000 http://www.msstrength.com/?p=1800#comment-538 Hey Jen! I'm back, I hope! Anyway, I also hired an attorney for my case. She warned me that it's taking about 2 years to get a hearing (after initial denial), so I'm just waiting, impatiently I might add. They are doing the same thing yours did-waiting until the case is WON before getting payment at the SSDI fees. I know that with them helping I will win, but I don't think I could do it myself. Too much stress, fatigue, and other issues already going on. I am so thankful for the help! Thanks for a great post! Take care! Hey Jen! I’m back, I hope! Anyway, I also hired an attorney for my case. She warned me that it’s taking about 2 years to get a hearing (after initial denial), so I’m just waiting, impatiently I might add. They are doing the same thing yours did-waiting until the case is WON before getting payment at the SSDI fees. I know that with them helping I will win, but I don’t think I could do it myself. Too much stress, fatigue, and other issues already going on. I am so thankful for the help! Thanks for a great post!
Take care!

]]> By: Rebecca Ray http://www.msstrength.com/ms-and-affording-a-disability-lawyer/comment-page-1/#comment-535 Rebecca Ray Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:06:30 +0000 http://www.msstrength.com/?p=1800#comment-535 This is Rebecca Ray, with Allsup (offering non-attorney SSDI representation services), and, yes, it’s true that these fees are set by law and administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Typically representatives are paid only after you have been awarded your SSDI benefits. But be sure to ask your potential representative if they charge additional fees for things like collecting your medical records, for example. Also, check into getting assistance when you first begin your application. You may find while looking for attorneys that some help only after you’ve been denied benefits. Companies like Allsup help at the early stages, handling the time-consuming task of collecting your records, completing paperwork for you and getting your initial application started (saving you time and energy), and possibly getting your benefits earlier in the process. Keep in mind that lawyers are not your only option. Non-attorney representatives have years of experience working with SSA (often as former employees) and provide firsthand knowledge and expertise with SSDI. This is Rebecca Ray, with Allsup (offering non-attorney SSDI representation services), and, yes, it’s true that these fees are set by law and administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Typically representatives are paid only after you have been awarded your SSDI benefits. But be sure to ask your potential representative if they charge additional fees for things like collecting your medical records, for example.

Also, check into getting assistance when you first begin your application. You may find while looking for attorneys that some help only after you’ve been denied benefits.

Companies like Allsup help at the early stages, handling the time-consuming task of collecting your records, completing paperwork for you and getting your initial application started (saving you time and energy), and possibly getting your benefits earlier in the process. Keep in mind that lawyers are not your only option. Non-attorney representatives have years of experience working with SSA (often as former employees) and provide firsthand knowledge and expertise with SSDI.

]]> By: Jen http://www.msstrength.com/ms-and-affording-a-disability-lawyer/comment-page-1/#comment-534 Jen Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:06:37 +0000 http://www.msstrength.com/?p=1800#comment-534 Yes-- my fee had to be approved also. A whole contract was drawn up prior to the lawyer taking on the case. Then the fee was written into the final decision by the presiding judge. I feel like this was well-worth it, because I don't know if judges take people who represent themselves very seriously, which is a shame. Almost like a lawyer is needed just to be heard loud and clear. I have to say though that the lawyer had three cases within that time I was there. Dollar $igns!.... Yes– my fee had to be approved also. A whole contract was drawn up prior to the lawyer taking on the case. Then the fee was written into the final decision by the presiding judge. I feel like this was well-worth it, because I don’t know if judges take people who represent themselves very seriously, which is a shame. Almost like a lawyer is needed just to be heard loud and clear.

I have to say though that the lawyer had three cases within that time I was there. Dollar $igns!….

]]> By: Joan http://www.msstrength.com/ms-and-affording-a-disability-lawyer/comment-page-1/#comment-533 Joan Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:14:59 +0000 http://www.msstrength.com/?p=1800#comment-533 When I applied for SSDI, I also used an attorney (out of Boston). Their fee had to be approved by Social Security so I knew I wasn't being taken. Although people told me I could do it myself, I was too tired and fatigued to attempt this alone. I'm glad I used an attorney because they were easy to talk to when I had questions. When I applied for SSDI, I also used an attorney (out of Boston). Their fee had to be approved by Social Security so I knew I wasn’t being taken.

Although people told me I could do it myself, I was too tired and fatigued to attempt this alone.
I’m glad I used an attorney because they were easy to talk to when I had questions.

]]> By: Nadja Tizer http://www.msstrength.com/ms-and-affording-a-disability-lawyer/comment-page-1/#comment-532 Nadja Tizer Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:50:04 +0000 http://www.msstrength.com/?p=1800#comment-532 Thanks for this great article. This info is really helpful. Thanks for this great article. This info is really helpful.

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