Disability Attorneys- Will they do your forms for you?What services do Social Security Disability attorneys and non-attorney representatives provide for their clients? Some Social Security Disability attorneys and non-attorney representatives help their clients file their initial claim. However, most attorneys and non-attorney representatives do not get involved with Social Security Disability claims until the appeal process. What do I mean by disability appeals process? If your initial disability claim is denied, you can file an appeal to disagree with the decision made by the state disability-processing agency. This is the agency that handles decision-making on Social Security Disability and SSI claims (usually called DDS, or disability determination services) and this is where your claim is sent after it is has been taken in a local social security office. The state disability agency is also where disability examiners, the individuals who are assigned to process disability claims, are located. There are three levels of appeal within the Social Security Disability process; reconsideration, hearings appeal, and appeals council review (there is an appeal step that involves federal district court but this is not part of the social security administration). Your attorney or non-attorney representative generally fills out all of the appeals forms for you. However, your representative may send you disability medical forms and medical release forms to fill out and return to them. Of course, some attorneys and non-attorney representatives fill out the paper work for their clients, if necessary. Since Social Security is moving towards a total electronic disability file, it may be more advantageous for you or your representative to file your Social Security Disability forms online on the Social Security Administration website. In the future, entire initial disability claims and disability appeals may be done online, although that is not possible at this time. 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: Social Security Disability Medical Evaluation Form, Can A Doctor Be Forced to Complete One? Disability Attorneys- Will they do your forms for you? What to do (forms to complete) if you receive a Denial on a Social Security Disability or SSI Case How does a Medical Source Statement (RFC Form) help win a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim? What Forms will I need to Complete when I apply for disability? Applying for disability based on stroke, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and fatigue Getting a Disability Lawyer in Georgia Denied Disability Appeal Georgia |
