What kind of Social Security Disability representative should I use?Basically, there are two types of Social Security Disability representatives: attorneys and non-attorney representatives. Both attorneys and non-attorney representatives may be able to provide quality representation for your Social Security Disability claim or SSI disability claim. And since the same function is provided by each, the Social Security Administration allows the same fee to be paid to both. Currently, the fee payable to a disability representative is 25 percent of whatever disability backpay an SSD or SSI claimant is entitled to, up to a maximum of $6000.00 Is an attorney categorically better than a non-attorney? Not at all, because when it comes to choosing the individual who will handle and represent your claim, the issue of competency is not synonymous with legal expertise. Social security adjudication is actually an administrative process. And this is why disability cases at the initial claim and reconsideration levels are determined by disability examiners (who, obviously, are not attorneys). And this is, further, why non-attorney claimant's representatives handle cases for claimants at the initial claim level, reconsideration, and disability hearing levels. Many non-attorney representatives, in fact, are former disability examiners, such as myself, and many are former Social security claims reps (CRs, or claims reps, are the individuals who take retirement and disability applications at social security offices). In fact, you might receive superior representation from a non-attorney representative who regularly attends administrative law judge disability hearings than an attorney representative who primarily handles traffic or real estate cases and only sporadically goes to hearings. 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: Filing for retroactive disability benefits Can I qualify for SSI benefits due to having angina? Winning a disability case for a child Appealing a disability denial by a judge Different types of Social Security Disability denials Social Security Attorneys and Disability Representatives Disability lawyers - basic questions for Social Security help Social Security Disability benefits for stroke Social Security Disability Approval and Denial Rates How to file for disability in New Jersey NJ Filing for retroactive disability benefits Can I qualify for SSI benefits due to having angina? Social Security Disability Approval and Denial Rates Filing for disability with HIV Basic Facts about the Administrative Law Judge Social Security Disability Hearing How much does disability pay? How long will you get disability after an award notice? If Social Security sends you to a psychiatrist |
