How A Social Security Disability Advocate Can Help

The ability to earn a living to support yourself and your family can easily be taken for granted. More than a quarter of the adult population of the United States has some type of disability according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you become disabled and unable to work, help is available through Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). It is not, however, an easy process.

Statistics released by the Social Security Administration are far from encouraging with only about one-third of initial applications being approved for benefits. There is too much at stake to file an application for benefits when you have the right to representation by an experienced and knowledgeable disability advocate.\

What is a disability advocate?

Social Security disability advocates are authorized to appear on behalf of people filing claims for Social Security Disability benefits. They serve as your representative at all phases of the process from initial application through administrative appeals.

You have the right to appoint anyone you wish to represent you during any claim process at the SSA. Choosing someone trained as a disability advocate with knowledge of the rules and regulations that control the application process helps to level the playing field for you.

How can an advocate help with your claim for benefits?

Once you appoint a disability advocate to handle your application for benefits, the person has access to your file at the SSA and the information it contains about initial applications you may have already filed for SSDI. The information may be valuable in helping to overturn a denial of an initial application.

The skilled representation provided by an advocate also includes the following:

• Contacting physicians and other health care professionals for medical records and other documentation needed to support your claim.
• Explaining the SSDI application and addressing all of your questions and concerns in clear, concise and easily understood terminology.
• Being there with you or on your behalf at all hearings, interviews and other scheduled appearances in connection with your claim.
• Taking all steps necessary to request a reconsideration of a denial, including requesting a hearing or a review by an Appeals Council.
• Preparing you and any witnesses to present testimony in support of your claim for benefits.

Cost should never be a concern that prevents you from taking full advantage of the support and skilled services an advocate has to offer. Advocates only get paid if your claim for benefits is successful, and SSA maintains tight control over the fees that may be charged. Advocate fees are capped at 25% of the lump sum award of monthly benefits going back to the date you first became disabled or applied for benefits.

Speak with an advocate today

Obtaining SSDI benefits you can be frustrating, but you do not have to go through it alone. No matter whether you have had an initial application denied or have questions about eligibility for disability benefits, experienced and helpful disability advocate today at London Disability can help.