MrsFlameThrower

It absolutely can be done without an attorney at the early stages. In fact, attorneys really don’t do anything of substance until and unless the claim reaches the level of a Hearing in front of an administrative law judge. The main problem is lack of knowledge about the criteria, where the system breaks down, and your responsibilities for proving your claim. SSA has decided to push people into filing online because it saves the agency a ton of money. However, in my opinion, this is very disadvantageous to claimants. These benefits are complicated and people need assistance to navigate the process.

As far as SSDI goes, I really didn’t see much fraud. Proof is required for disability so unless someone is getting doctors to make false statements, you really can’t fake it. Of course it is a little trickier when it comes to mental health as that is more subjective.

Personally I think that someone that’s puts out the effort to commit fraud when they can make more money working probably has mental health issues. But I hear you.

Not at the initial claim level. And not at the first level appeal (Reconsideration). If you get denied twice and have to go in front of a judge, that is where a good lawyer can come in very handy. At the early stages there really isn’t anything for a lawyer to do that you couldn’t do better yourself.

Bingo!