General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: DUer has nowhere to turn for help (SEX OFFENDER) [View all]mackerel
(4,412 posts)There is no reason to need an attorney until you get to the hearing level.
1. You do your initial application and 33% get approved at that stage. If you get denied on your initial then you go to step two.
2. You appeal (aka Request for reconsidertation) again 33% get approved at this stage. If you get denied then you to step three.
3. Request for hearing. It takes about 12 months to get a hearing scheduled. This is the stage to start searching for an attorney. You need supportive doctors who will support your claim that you cannot work.
It's a process and stick with you it. If you believe you can not work and will not be able to do gainful sustainable activity then go through the whole process. If you drop it and decide to re-apply later you can not claim back benefits from the original onset date. You have to do all of this with in five years of having last work or you lose your date last insured date.