By Lesa 
The employment rate for people with disabilities in the U.S. increased from 40.5% in January 2024 to 42% in January 2025 (up 3.7% or 1.5 percentage points). For people without disabilities, the employment rate also increased from 77.3% in January 2024 to 77.7% in January 2025.
You might not be able to work as much if you get seriously harmed at work. It will be hard to pay your bills if your disability prohibits you from going to work. If you qualify, you might be able to collect unemployment or disability benefits to help you make up for the money you lost.
States have varying rules about who can get these benefits. For instance, the California unemployment benefits eligibility requires you to have lost your work or had your hours cut through no fault of your own. Valid reasons for unemployment include layoffs, business closures, or furloughs.
Reach out to a lawyer if the benefits you have received are not enough or you had your claim denied.
Let’s dive into the signs that you might need a lawyer.
Understanding the Disability Benefits Process
When you apply for disability benefits for the first time, you may have questions. You will be facing tons of paperwork and forms. You need to provide details regarding your medical condition, work history, and general limitations in daily activity.
The process demands documentation of all records and details in support of your claim, and these include medical, employment, or other records. Familiarize yourself with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each has its eligibility and benefit duration criteria.
You could hook up with your local resources or organization groups for some advice. These steps might seem to make the process easier and more comfortable as you advance toward the objective of obtaining the benefits you require.
Signs You Should Consider Hiring an Attorney
Are you uncertain about sorting yourself through the disability benefits process?
If you are being denied claims repeatedly or facing a complicated medical problem, it is clear that you need legal assistance.
If you’ve got difficulties obtaining the necessary medical evidence or requirements, an attorney can guide you and put you on the right path.
If you don’t know how to meet deadlines, it may be time to get help. Are you experiencing feelings of overwhelm or stress during the process? You can address all of these problems by hiring a skilled permanent and partial disability attorney.
If you’re unsure of your rights or how to appeal a decision, it’s a good time to speak with a legal professional in disability benefits.
How an Attorney Can Strengthen Your Case
Having a lawyer greatly enhances your chances of getting paid for the disability. A skilled attorney in disability law will fill out your application correctly and thoroughly.
They can obtain and provide compelling medical records to back your claim, making it difficult for the insurer to deny it. They can also help you with glossaries of legal terms and procedures, saving you much time and stress.
An attorney will fight the insurance company on your behalf, making you feel safer and prepared. Their support means you have a stronger case for obtaining the benefits.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Appeals
If an applicant’s first claim for disability benefits is turned down, someone must be there to represent them. The appeals process is complicated and scary, so trying to manage it on your own might lead to terrible results.
The attorney will know the exact legal requirements and will have you seek better evidence to support your case. They will find flaws in your original application and revise the appeal so it contains correct information.
Legal representation means having someone speak for you in hearings requiring effective advocacy. An investment in competent counsel will give you a better chance of a favorable outcome, relieve some of the stress on you, and allow you to focus on your healing.
Cost Considerations When Hiring a Disability Attorney
It is important to know the cost of hiring a disability attorney since your financial problems may have been largely affecting your health.
Most disability attorneys charge by contingency. They earn only if you win your case, and this fee is usually 25% of any back pay.
You need to realize that there are other costs, such as court fees and the processing of medical records. These expenses should have been made clear early on and in writing to avoid any disappointments in the future.
Some attorneys will give a free consultation, whereby you are able to talk about your case with no investment.
In weighing the costs of hiring an attorney, assess how having professional representation can significantly improve a person’s chances of obtaining the benefits they deserve.