Questions to ask SSDI attorney before filing at 61 with neurological condition?

Here are some essential questions to ask your attorney: 1. What percentage of your practice focuses specifically on SSDI cases? 2. What is your success rate with clients in my age range (60+)? 3. How will my age affect my application compared to younger applicants? 4. With my neurological condition, what specific medical documentation should I prioritize? 5. Will you handle all communication with SSA or am I expected to manage some aspects? 6. How do you structure your fees? (Should be contingency-based - no win, no fee) 7. If denied initially, what's your specific strategy for the appeals process? 8. How frequently will you provide updates on my case? 9. What specific timeline should I expect from application to decision? 10. Do you have experience with accelerated applications under Compassionate Allowances? At 61, you're actually in a somewhat better position than younger applicants, as SSA recognizes it's harder to transition to new work at your age. Make sure your attorney understands the grid rules that apply to applicants over 60.

Been there done that! Got denied twice before winning on appeal. Biggest advice: ask if THEY will help gather your medical records or if that's on you. My first lawyer made ME do all the work collecting records which was a nightmare when I was already sick. Also ask how they handle the ALJ hearing prep - good ones do mock questions with you before. And DEFINTELY ask if they'll handle any overpayment issues that might come up later! Most won't and thats a nasty surprise

I successfully navigated the SSDI process for my neurological condition three years ago. The most important questions I found were: - Ask about their experience with your SPECIFIC neurological condition. Some attorneys specialize in certain disabilities. - Request clear explanation of all potential costs beyond their contingency fee (copying records, travel expenses, medical evaluations) - Ask how they'll handle the 5-month waiting period and 24-month Medicare waiting period - there are strategies to maximize benefits here. - Important to understand their communication style. Will they call? Email? How quickly do they respond to questions? - Ask if they'll help with concurrent SSI application if appropriate for your financial situation. Lastly, don't sign anything during your first meeting. Take their answers home, compare with other attorneys if possible, then decide. A good attorney won't pressure you to sign immediately.

i applied for ssdi last year (im 59) for back problems and the whole thing is a NIGHTMARE. still fighting. make sure u ask if they will go to the hearing with u or if they send some junior person who doesnt know ur case!!! happened to me and we lost because the guy they sent didnt even know what meds i was on!!!!!

From my experience helping clients with SSDI applications (I'm not an attorney but work in healthcare advocacy), here are some additional questions you might consider: 1. How will you help me document the specific ways my condition prevents me from performing substantial gainful activity? 2. What strategies do you use to address any gaps in medical treatment history? (Important if you've had periods without insurance or regular care) 3. If I've had multiple diagnoses, how do you approach presenting these as a cohesive case? 4. How do you handle the presentation of good days/bad days with neurological conditions that may fluctuate? 5. Will you help prepare my doctors to complete functional capacity assessments effectively? Also, given your age (61), definitely ask about how the attorney approaches the intersection between SSDI and regular retirement benefits. There are timing considerations that become important as you approach Full Retirement Age.

Have you tried calling the SSA directly to ask these questions? I tried for WEEKS to get through to someone at Social Security about my disability application and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a real SSA agent in under 10 minutes. It was honestly a game-changer. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I was able to ask all my questions about the SSDI process directly to SSA rather than relying only on my attorney (who wasn't very communicative). The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Much less frustrating than trying to call SSA directly.

ask them about there backlog my sisster filed for disability took her 3 YEARS to get approved!!!! they will tell you its faster now but its not dont believe them. ask the laywer how long average case takes RIGHT NOW not what ssa website says. also ask about if u need to bring anyone to hearing with you as a witness my sisters lawyer didnt tell her to bring anyone and the judge asked why nobody came to testify about her limitations

One more important thing to ask: Whether they recommend you file for SSI concurrently with your SSDI application. While your work history likely qualifies you for SSDI, depending on your current financial situation, you might also qualify for SSI during the waiting period. Some attorneys automatically file both, others don't unless you specifically request it. Also ask about their approach to the Activities of Daily Living questionnaire - this form can make or break your case. A good attorney will help you complete it accurately without accidentally undermining your claim.

One more thing! Ask them what happens if you get denied and THEY want to drop your case. My friend had a lawyer who dumped her after the first denial because her case "wasn't strong enough" and she had to start all over with a new attorney. Get that policy in writing!