Hiring a Qualified Disability Lawyer in Kansas Claimants who are represented on disability claims in Kansas tend to have a higher rate of approval, a need for fewer appeals, and more favorable "dates of onset" (the date the disability is proven to have begun) that lead to higher back pay benefits. Representation may be through a disability lawyer or a specialized non-attorney disability representative. Many non-attorney reps are former Social Security Administration Claims Specialists and Disability Examiners with an extended history of working from within the federal system. A qualified disability representative will have a knowledge of Social Security administrative law, particularly with regard to how claims are approved through the Social Security listings and the medical vocational grid rules. A qualified and competent disability representative or lawyer will also be skilled in the ability to obtain the most relevant case evidence, analyze it correctly, and incorporate it as part of a winning strategy for a claim. To learn about fees for representation, see: "How do disability lawyers get paid?" Additional information Most Kansas state residents filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI) find that filing for disability benefits is a time-consuming, frustrating process. It is no easy task to win SSD/SSI benefits. In fact, less than one third of all applicants filing for disability in Kansas were approved in recent years, and more than 8 out of 10 reconsideration appeals filed with the Kansas state disability determination services (DDS) were successful. While these figures may seem disheartening, they are not provided here to discourage those who are physically or mentally unable to earn a living from filing for SSD/SSI assistance. Instead, those filing for disability benefits in Kansas should keep in mind that, while there are those who are quickly approved for benefits (within three to four months of the initial application), these cases are in the minority, and it is even less likely that DDS will overturn a decision of one of its disability examiners. If you live in Kansas, and your application for disability has been denied, and you have had no success with your reconsideration appeal, you should definitely meet with an attorney or non-attorney representative (a non-attorney representative is someone, often a former employee of the social security administration, who, though not an attorney, is qualified to advocate for disability applicants). Therefore, if you are filing for SSD or SSI in New York, it is definitely worth your time to consult a disability lawyer before your case is heard before an administrative judge, if not sooner. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI?