Reply #23: Yeah, she needs to get an attorney who specializes in SSDI.

[zann725]

They do it on a "contingency"...so if she doesn't prevail, they won't charge her. "Binder & Binder" is a large national SS firm, and if she has good medical documentation, they'll take it.

An honest judge's clerk will discourage a Claimant from even going through with a Hearing UNLESS the Claimant has an attorney. Because due to the "pressure" for the Judge to dismiss as many claims as possible...it's much easier to do so when a Claimant appears alone. Plus the attorney knows just how to arrange a Claimant's "Meds"...and also can easier get from your doctors EXACTLY the documentation you need to win your claim. One of the most important forms I saw was a "Limitations" questionnaire, which gets each doctor to answer IN DETAIL how you would be limited from performing your old job and/or ALL work at this point.

Good luck to your Mom. If she waits too long to get an attorney, the final phase of the appeal is NOT heard before a judge...but ONLY the paperwork is reviewed by a panel (WITHOUT the Claimant present).

And even once her claim is approved, it can take up to another 6 months to begin receiving benefits. Very long and gruelling!

Wish her luck. Tell her to get an attorney NOW. And do NOT give up.