The most important question to many of you is what are my chances of winning my claim.  In Colorado the percentage of those who won at application for the year 2006 was 30.5%.  At reconsideration that number drops to 17%.  Therefore, 69.5% of the people who applied in CO were denied at application and 83% of those who appealed to reconsideration were denied.  It usually takes about 3-6 months to get a decision at application and the same amount of time to get a decision at reconsideration.  If you lose at reconsideration the wait time for a hearing is substantially longer.  The average processing time at hearing for each of the hearing offices in Colorado is listed below under each ODAR address.  This is one very good reason you should get a lawyer as early in the process as possible.  If you don't win early you could be looking at 2 to 3 years before you see any benefits.  If you decide not to get a lawyer make sure to read as much of this site as possible so you understand what you have to prove to win your case and how to go about doing it.

If you are looking for a lawyer we handle cases nationally but I can also help you find a local lawyer.  Just click on the link to the right of this page and fill out the form and whether you are looking for help from our firm or a local lawyer.  Most lawyers charge 25% of past due benefits not to exceed $5,300.  They only get paid if you win the case and it is the lesser of the two amounts.  The fee will be deducted from your past due benefits automatically by SSA and paid to your lawyer.  How does an Attorney help with your Social Security Disability or SSI case?  An experienced lawyer who has handled many cases will know the law and how it applies to your particular case.  They will gather evidence with your help and apply the facts and medical evidence to the law to come up with a winnable theory of your case.  They will then present this theory to the decision maker of your case at the different stages of the process.  You might be wondering if you need a lawyer for your particular case.  You should consider a few things when deciding if a lawyer or representative is right for you.  Ask yourself the following questions.  Do I understand exactly what evidence SSA is looking for and do I understand the law that pertains to my case?  Will you be able to articulate your position in a way that will help Social Security understand why you are disabled so you can win?  Will you be able to properly cross examine any medical or vocational expert at your hearing?  To help you answer these questions I encourage you to read this website.  I share with you my knowledge of the process and give some tips on how to win.  Whether you decide to go it alone or get an attorney you will still want to read the information provided here as I am sure you will find it helpful in your case.

The next question you may have is how do I apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?  If you are applying for SSI you will have to apply in person.  You can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an appointment at your local SSA office.  If you are applying for SSDI you have several options.  You can apply online at the SSA website.  You can also apply in person.  Or you can get a lawyer and they can help you apply and they will send in the paper work.  If you want to know what you will need to apply for benefits you can read my page Application for Social Security Disability.