If you've been injured or become ill and can no longer work for medical reasons, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Applying for benefits can be tedious and time consuming, so it's a good idea to hire a lawyer to help you through the process. Here are five good reasons to hire an experienced attorney when it's time to apply for Social Security disability benefits:

You'll Increase Your Chance of Initial Success

On average, 65 percent of the Social Security disability applications that are submitted are initially denied for one reason or another. Sometimes people get denied because medical claims haven't been proven to the satisfaction of the Social Security department.

Sometimes denials are received because incorrect information was accidentally provided during the application process. Other times, applicants simply haven't provided all the information needed to approve their requests.

An experienced lawyer understands all the reasons you may be denied Social Security disability benefits and can help increase your chance of getting an initial approval so you can maintain some peace of mind in knowing that you'll be able to make ends meet while you can't work.

You Can Feel Confident About the Appeal Process

If for some reason your initial application is denied, you'll have an opportunity to appeal the decision. But the appeal process can be just as grueling and confusing as the process of filing the initial application. With a reliable attorney who specializes in Social Security disability by your side, you can feel confident about the appeal process and know that everything that can be done to win your case has been put into motion.

You Don't Have to Worry About Any Paperwork

One of the best things about working with a lawyer to file for Social Security disability benefits is the convenience you'll enjoy. There is typically quite a bit of paperwork that has to be filled out, cross-referencing to do, doctors to consult with, and general administration work that has to be done when applying for benefits, and your attorney will do all of the legwork for you, while keeping you informed along the way.

You can maintain as much control over the process as you'd like. Your lawyer should be able and willing to provide you with copies of all the paperwork as they complete it, and they can explain each step they will take, from beginning to end. This is your case after all, so you need and deserve to know exactly what information is being provided to the Social Security department on your behalf.

You Won't Miss Any Important Steps

Because the process of applying for Social Security disability and possibly appealing a denial is complex, it can be easy to overlook important steps that need to be taken to make sure that your application isn't thrown out or automatically denied. If a piece of paperwork is missing from your application or if a signature wasn't provided where required, your chance of being denied goes up dramatically. Hiring a Social Security disability lawyer will help ensure that nothing important is overlooked and that your application will be fully processed so a decision can be made quickly.

You Never Have to Represent Yourself

Your attorney can take a lot of stress off your shoulders by representing you on the phone, through email, and via various other communication methods when needed. If the Social Security office has a question about your application after it's been filed, they can call your lawyer to have them addressed. If an interview is requested, your lawyer will set it up and be there to represent you in person. You'll have an ally to rely on through every step of the application process.

For these reasons and more, consider scheduling an initial consultation with a lawyer like Glen Cook Social Security Attorney in your area who can help you get the Social Security disability benefits you deserve.