An Albuquerque disability attorney can walk you through the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits. The process begins with an application that you complete and sign. This application may be submitted online for Social Security disability benefits, but many claimants choose to apply over the phone. While a lawyer may help with the application process, he or she cannot sign the application on your behalf.
Medical Determinations
The Social Security Administration does not make medical determinations of a particular claimant’s disability. Rather, the claim is referred to a state government agency that is in contract with the Social Security Administration. A physician and a disability examiner are tasked with the responsibility of evaluating the claim. In return, the Social Security Administration adopts those determinations made at these levels.
Request for Reconsideration
An Albuquerque disability lawyer can explain that a claimant can make a request for reconsideration if he or she is not satisfied with the Social Security Administration’s initial determination. If a claimant request reconsideration, the same group of individuals who made the initial determination does not work on the reconsideration determination. However, in many cases the initial and reconsideration determination yield the same result. Very few reconsideration determinations end up with an award of benefits. Claimants can request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge as their next step in the appeal process.
Legal Assistance
If you would like more information on this process, contact an Albuquerque disability lawyer from the Law Office of Michelle Baca and Associates by calling (505) 872-1142.
