| iv id="body"> | | | | required by the SSA to avoid unnecessary delays, a |
| Finding the right SSDI representative can help you get | | | | reduced award or denial of benefits. |
| through the Social Security disability backlog faster. But | | | | #6: How does the organization - and who within the |
| first, you need to know what to look for before | | | | organization - will keep you informed on the progress |
| making this important decision. | | | | of your claim? |
| #1: What are your options if you want to hire | | | | Disability applicants should make sure that the |
| representation? | | | | representation organization they choose will keep them |
| Typically, there are two major types of paid SSDI | | | | regularly updated on the progress of their application, |
| representatives: specialized organizations, which has | | | | including timely notices of deadlines, documents |
| multiple representatives and specialists experienced in | | | | required or scheduled hearings. You shouldn't select a |
| handling SSDI claims in local communities across the | | | | local representative based on the belief that you're |
| country and law firms that may or may not have | | | | going to have regular in-person meetings with the |
| attorneys solely dedicated to SSDI claims. | | | | representative because you may find after the initial |
| #2: How knowledgeable and experienced is the | | | | meeting that the representative is no longer available |
| organization in representing individuals applying for | | | | to you. Knowing the communication approach of the |
| SSDI? | | | | representative you choose is essential in making sure |
| You should look for a representative who specializes | | | | you're not disappointed. |
| in SSDI and understands the complexities and nuances | | | | #7: Will you have to attend any hearings? |
| of the process. Don't be fooled if a representative tries | | | | Approximately one-quarter of SSDI cases proceed to |
| to impress you with his or her local influence. | | | | the hearing level before an administrative law judge. |
| #3: Will the organization help you file the initial | | | | However, this might not be necessary if the |
| application for SSDI? | | | | representative asks for and receives an |
| The myth that you cannot have a representative help | | | | "on-the-record" decision, where the judge makes a |
| you file your initial application for SSDI may stem from | | | | decision based on a review of information in the file. |
| the fact that many attorneys only accept SSDI clients | | | | #8: What is the organization's success rate? |
| after their initial applications are denied. | | | | No organization has a 100-percent track record, but |
| #4: What specific activities will the representative | | | | you should look for a representative with a high |
| undertake on your behalf? | | | | success rate in gaining SSDI benefits for its clients. This |
| It's important to choose a representative who | | | | indicates the representative not only can deliver the |
| consistently works the claim on your behalf throughout | | | | desired result, but also probably has a powerful |
| the process and removes the burden from you. For | | | | credibility in the industry. |
| example, ask: - Will you contact my doctors and | | | | #9: How much faster can the organization help you |
| collect or update medical records for my file | | | | win your award? |
| independently of the SSA? - Will you regularly query | | | | There is no guaranteed timeline. External factors, |
| the SSA for status of my claim or confirm my claim | | | | including the growing disability backlog at the SSA in |
| file is up-to-date? Your representative also should be | | | | processing claims, can affect the timing. But a |
| following up with the SSA regularly to ensure your | | | | representative should know on average how long it |
| claim is in order. | | | | takes their customers to get through the various |
| #5: Does the organization have experience | | | | stages of the SSDI process. How fast you get |
| representing someone with your disability? | | | | through the process matters because it gives you |
| Not all disabilities are alike-the SSA has specific | | | | access sooner to the SSDI award you need to pay |
| Disability Impairment Criteria for hundreds of specific | | | | for daily living expenses, and could lower your |
| conditions, from AIDS to strokes. It's essential to | | | | representation fee. |
| prepare each case with details and in the language | | | | #10: What does it cost? |