Before you sign on the dotted line with any Social Security law professional, ask yourself this: what are their credentials? Do they specialize only in Social Security law? Where did they go to school? What kinds of degrees do they have? Can they give you references?

Did you know that more than half of the people originally turned down by Social Security win their cases on appeal? That being the case, you shouldn't give up right away, especially if you have access to a Social Security law attorney who can help you through the process.

Social Security law limits the amount of time you have to file an appeal, whether you were denied in your initial filing or somehow had your benefits reduced or terminated. Your appeal has to get there within 65 days, so don't delay -- file the appeal as soon as you can.