| If you have filed a claim for disability benefits with the | | | | hearing. |
| social security administration, you may find it necessary | | | | Since I have mentioned Social Security representation |
| at some point to obtain representation. Prior to doing | | | | fees, I should clarify what might be involved as far a |
| so, however, you'll probably have several questions | | | | payment for disability representation. Disability lawyers |
| about what representation implies. When should you | | | | or non-attorney representatives are entitled to one |
| get a representative for your social security disability | | | | fourth of any back payment up to $6000.00 (this is the |
| or SSI claim? In actuality, most individuals do not need | | | | limit as of June 22, 2009, this limit can be raised |
| the help of a disability lawyer or a non-attorney | | | | periodically by Social Security). |
| claimant's representative until they have received a | | | | Representatives are also entitled to make a claim for |
| denial of their initial disability claim. However, there are | | | | incidental fees such as paying for medical records, |
| some disability lawyers and representatives who take | | | | travel, copying etc. The important thing to remember is |
| disability claims at the initial disability claim level as well | | | | that once you sign a fee agreement with a |
| as following the issuance of a denial notice. | | | | representative you are obligated to pay the fee |
| If you have obtained the services of a disability lawyer | | | | agreement. This is a binding contract between you and |
| at the initial disability claim level, your representative will | | | | your representative. |
| most likely have you file your disability claim with Social | | | | Is there a benchmark for when you should definitely |
| Security. Once you have filed your claim they will send | | | | get representation? If your reconsideration appeal is |
| in their representation paperwork (which will include a | | | | denied, it is advisable that you obtain the services of a |
| fee agreement) so that they will be notified if Social | | | | Social Security disability lawyer or representative |
| Security needs more information or your disability claim | | | | (non-attorney representative) to file your request for |
| is denied. | | | | an administrative law judge hearing. |
| There is potentially a disadvantage in hiring a disability | | | | Once you have obtained the services of a disability |
| lawyer at this level. And that is if your disability claim is | | | | representative, they will file all of your paperwork, |
| approved at the application level the lawyer will | | | | gather medical record updates, and represent you at |
| probably have done little on your case. Despite this, | | | | your hearing. |
| however, you will still owe their representation fee. | | | | Generally, it is a wise decision to have someone who |
| Actually, prior to a hearing many disability lawyers do | | | | is familiar with the guidelines and regulations of Social |
| fairly little other than file your appeal paperwork for | | | | Security disability to present your disability claim to an |
| your reconsideration after your initial disability claim is | | | | administrative law judge. Statistical information |
| denied, and once again they will receive their full | | | | suggests that disability claimants who have |
| representation fee at this level as well. | | | | representation at their administrative law judge hearing |
| So, you should consider a couple of things prior to | | | | are about twenty percent more likely to be approved |
| hiring a representative if your claim is pending at one of | | | | for disability than those who chose to represent |
| these disability levels: Can you fill out your own appeal | | | | themselves. |
| paperwork, respond to the needs of the disability | | | | Additionally, since you are most likely to win your Social |
| examiner (return questionnaires etc) and can you file | | | | Security disability benefits at an administrative law |
| your appeal timely (sixty five days from the date of | | | | judge hearing, it does not hurt to have someone who |
| the denial letter). If you can do these things it is unlikely | | | | knows Social Security disability law to present your |
| you will need the services of a disability lawyer or | | | | case. |
| representative until your administrative law judge | | | | |