Social Security Disability Representation and Falling Short   I was speaking to someone I know who works as a field office CR, or claims rep. Claims reps--for those who are unaware--are the individuals who take in disability applications at social security offices and then transmit them to the state agency that actually does the medical evaluation of the claim (usually called DDS, or disability determination services, this is where the case is assigned to a disability examiner). This particular CR was telling me that they had begun to receive some claims from a newer non-attorney representation company that takes cases nationally and their "take" on the company was not favorable. In what way? Well several, actually. 1) The paperwork they turn in to social security tends to be shoddy and somewhat incomplete. 2) They are difficult to get return calls from. 3) They make it very difficult for the social security administration to contact the claimant. Number 3 is what I want to focus on. Individuals who obtain representation on a Social Security Disability claim or SSI disability claim sign something known as form SSA-1696. The 1696 is used to notify the social security administration that a claimant is being represented. Once the 1696 is received by SSA, SSA is put on notice to A) send copies of all correspondence to the representative (so that the claimant and the representative each stay on the same page) and B) to (theoretically) get permission from the representative prior to contacting the claimant. This particular company apparently makes it impossible for the social security administration to contact the claimant. Now, there is a reasoning behind this. Protecting the claimant's interests can be facilitated by making sure that the representative is the first line of contact. However, blocking social security's access to the claimant only makes sense if the representative actually stays on the ball. In other words, if social security needs information about the claimant's work history and the representative won't allow social security to get the information directly from the claimant, then the representative needs to quickly obtain this information themselves so it can quickly be returned to social security. Sadly, that is not what this company does. At the same time that they impede contact between SSA and the client they also take far too much time to respond to information requests. In other words, they fall short of what they should do to make sure the processing of the claim is not delayed. Suffice it to say, this is not a standard to conform to. 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? Related pages: How to file for disability in Kentucky Social Security Disability Activities of Daily Living Questionaire How Much Does Social Security Deduct From my Benefits if I work? Reasons not to go to a Social Security Disability Video Hearing Winning at a Social Security Disability Hearing What is usually the status of your Social Security Disability or SSI case? Forms to appeal a Social Security Disability denial Forms to complete when filing, applying for disability Eligibility for disability and who qualifies Can if I win disability if I file for back problems? How much SS backpay do you get? Disability approvals over age 50 How to file for disability in Arkansas Filing for disability with alcoholism Filing for disability with hypermobility How to file for disability in Delaware Can You Get Disability Benefits If You Were Self-Employed? Developmental Delay and Filing for Disability