Weigh the value of your benefits against your estimated legal expenses. If you can't afford an attorney, look for a paraprofessional trained to advise disabled claimants. Obtain legal advice early in the claims process. Strengths and weaknesses in the initial application can have a major impact on the outcome of your claim. If your insurer offers you a cash settlement in exchange for relinquishing your rights to future benefits, insist on being allowed time to review the offer in written form, weigh its merits and obtain qualified legal advice before signing away your rights.
Many offers are ridiculously low, never put in writing or withdrawn after a short time.
Be sure to appeal denials within the stated time limit. Also consider obtaining functional capacity evaluations or vocational appraisals by persons trained to assess your ability to work full or part time if you have not done so already Any of these strategies will also strengthen initial applications for benefits. Ask if you can bring an observer or tape recorder to the examination. Avoid appearing antagonistic, but be prepared to document any irregularities in the examination or indications of obvious bias by the examiner. Expect difficulties after the first two years of your claim.