This information may help claimants with representation, as well as claimants who are not represented by an attorney or non attorney representative. Understanding how the Social Security Disability system works can make the difference between winning or not winning the continuing ssd or ssi disability benefits and backpay to which a person is entitled. |
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It is true that most of the work done by either a social security disability lawyer or a non attorney claimant's representative will be done at the ALJ hearing level (this includes the presentation of the claimant's case as well as all necessary preparation prior to the hearing). However, though this is the case, it is often beneficial for claimants to obtain representation earlier in the process. This has several advantages. First, it relieves the claimant of having to file--and follow up on--appeal paperwork that must be submitted to SSA. Second, since a representative must be sent copies of all paperwork mailed to a disability claimant, it helps to ensure that deadlines are not missed. But thirdly, when a representative is involved prior to the hearing stage level, it allows an ssd or ssi claimant the opportunity to receive advice and counsel that may be beneficial. The social security administration, as anyone who has gone through the process well knows, is not particularly adept at explaining the disability application and appeal process. This is further complicated by the fact that most SSA claims reps do not have a thorough understanding of how DDS examiners process cases, or how Hearings Offices do "work ups" on cases. An experienced and qualified representative, however, can usually explain the process in full to a claimant and fill in the needed gaps, some of which may be crucial for allowing a claimant to properly plan ahead. Disability Advocates Help with Claims Free Case Evaluation |
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SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY, REPRESENTATIVE LAWYER LIST ANSWERS TO YOUR SSD & SSI QUESTIONS PAGE 3 ANSWERS TO YOUR SSD & SSI QUESTIONS PAGE 4 |
| Social Security Disability, SSD and SSI How to apply for and win ssi disability |