Disability Advocate

What is the purpose of a Disability Advocate?

A disability advocate is someone who has been specially trained to assist in the approval of valid Social Security Disability claims.

The majority of people contact a disability advocate only after their original application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, despite the fact that you are entitled to counsel by a Social Security Disability advocate throughout the application and appeals process.

 

Over two-thirds of initial disability applications are refused. This is partly due to the Social Security Administration’s stringent definition of what constitutes a disability.

Essentially, the SSA defines disability as the inability to perform any type of work that you have previously performed and cannot reasonably be anticipated to perform any other available work.

What Can Your Advocate for Disabilities Do?

Your Social Security Disability representative can assist you in submitting a Reconsideration Request. Additionally, he or she can represent you during your Administrative Law Judge hearing.

If your claim is still denied, your disability advocate can represent you before the Social Security Appeals Council and, if necessary, in they can represent you in Federal Court as well.

 

You may have a disability advocate in the form of a Social Security lawyer or an expert who helps people win disability claims. If your advocate is also a lawyer, he or she may represent you in Federal Court.

There is no requirement that you use a disability advocate during the appeals process, but the majority of claimants find it beneficial. When you have professional representation, your chances of having your claim accepted in a timely manner increase significantly.

How Are Advocates for the Disabled Paid?

You will not be charged for the services of a disability advocate. They are compensated as a percentage (never more than 25%) of any Social Security Disability back pay awarded to you.

What Am I Not Able To Do As A Disability Advocate?

There are a few things that a disability advocate, unlike a disability attorney, cannot perform. If your claim happens to be denied by the SSA’s appeal council, a disability advocate cannot pursue an appeal in federal district court.

Only attorneys who have been admitted to the bar are permitted to seek an appeal with a federal district court. And, while both disability advocates and attorneys are permitted to cross-examine and question medical experts and other professionals, a lawyer’s expertise may make him or her more adept at cross-examining.

Following Steps You Can Take

If you have a severe illness or impairment that will prevent you from returning to work within a year, you may wish to seek the advice of a disability advocate or attorney. Disability advocates and attorneys do not charge a fee up front; they are compensated only if you win your case.

A disability advocate can assist you in obtaining all necessary papers and medical records to support your claim. Additionally, they will assist you in appealing your claim if it is initially denied. Fill out our free disability evaluation to speak with a disability advocate or attorney.