Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may benefit from working with a qualified representative who can act as their advocate during the disability claims process.
A disability advocate can provide essential insight and advice, navigate the claims process, and manage some of the details, deadlines, and documentation requirements that can cause stress for disability claimants. Disability advocates have the knowledge to understand the disability claim process, and their assistance can be critical in ensuring your claim is approved.
Understanding disability advocates
- What is a disability advocate?
- Roles and responsibilities of disability advocates
- How much does a disability advocate cost?
- Disability advocate vs disability lawyer
- How to become an SSA disability advocate
- How to find a disability advocate
To increase the chances of success in your SSDI benefits application, it is essential to work with an outside partner who can advise and support you throughout the claims process.
The Social Security Administration will work with your disability advocate during the claims process. The SSA also allows you to name multiple disability advocates if that is your preference.
While many people reach out to a disability advocate after their initial disability claim has been denied, it is important to know that you can work with a disability advocate at any stage of the process. Working with a disability advocate from the beginning can streamline the process and improve your chances of approval.
What is a disability advocate?
A disability advocate is someone you select to help you throughout the SSDI claim process. They could be an attorney or someone else chosen by you to represent your interests while your claim is being reviewed. They are trained and certified by the SSA and must keep up with the latest disability laws and regulations. Disability advocates may come from fields such as health and human services, civil rights, or have experience working with disabled individuals. They don’t necessarily need to be attorneys to assist with your claim.
Although you may believe that you can get approved for disability benefits due to your medical condition, it’s worth noting that up to 60% of Social Security Disability Insurance claims are denied upon first review. Working with a disability advocate can help you evaluate the strength of your claim, increase the chances of approval, and prepare for the appeals process if necessary.
Roles and responsibilities of disability advocates
After you have selected a disability advocate, they can perform a variety of duties on your behalf. One of their main roles is to communicate with the Social Security Administration and gather necessary information from your SSA file. Furthermore, they can assist you in obtaining medical evidence to support your disability claim and attend any meetings or hearings you have with the SSA.
Your disability advocate can also help you prepare for an administrative hearing related to your claim and file an appeal if your claim is denied. This includes requesting a reconsideration, a hearing, or a review from the Appeals Council. Additionally, your disability advocate will receive notifications of any decisions made regarding your claim.
How much does a disability advocate cost?
Disability advocates are compensated directly by the SSA, and they receive a percentage of no more than 25% of your back pay, or $6,000 – whichever amount is lower.
A disability advocate must receive special approval from the SSA to charge for their services. Furthermore, the SSA will determine the amount that your disability advocate will be able to charge you. Your advocate cannot charge more than the amount set by the SSA. If your disability advocate accepts any money from you in advance of your claim being submitted, the funds must be held in escrow until the claims process is fully completed.
What’s the difference between a disability advocate and a disability lawyer?
A disability advocate does not have to be an attorney to help you with your claim. They are trained and certified by the Social Security Administration to assist applicants in navigating the disability claims process. Disability advocates must pass an exam on Social Security regulations and disability rules and complete continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
On the other hand, a disability lawyer is an attorney who specializes in disability claims. They have a bachelor’s degree and advanced law degree, and must pass the bar exam for the state in which they practice. Disability lawyers must also complete continuing education requirements and are held to a high standard of ethics and obligations.
One notable difference between the two is that a disability lawyer is bound by attorney-client privilege to keep your information confidential, while a disability advocate is not. This means that a disability lawyer is held to a higher level of accountability.
How to become an SSA disability advocate
Becoming a certified SSA disability advocate is possible if you have relevant work experience or a bachelor’s degree. To achieve certification, you must complete training and pass a certification test. Accredited programs are available online, allowing you to complete self-paced training and testing. You can obtain certification through organizations such as the American Association of People with Disabilities.
How to find a disability advocate
If you’re planning to work with a disability advocate, you want to choose one who can provide the right support and guidance. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of organizations and advocates who can help. You can also search for independent advocates online.
To ensure you choose the right disability advocate, it’s recommended to interview several candidates, ask for referrals, and examine their success rate and experience.
Look for an advocate who has a good standing with the Better Business Bureau and has experience handling cases like yours. The advocate’s communication style is also essential to consider. Keep in mind that working with a qualified and knowledgeable advocate can increase your chances of success when filing a disability claim with the Social Security Administration.