When and why should you appoint a representative?

When should you consider appointing a disability 'Representative'?
When you apply for an 'Initial' disability claim, it normally takes about 90 to 120 days to get a decision. Unfortunately, there is little that a representative can do to speed up or improve the results at this level. If you are denied, you have 60 days to file for a 'Reconsideration' and you should seriously consider appointing a representative at this time. If you are denied at both the ‘Initial’ and 'Reconsideration', your next step is the ‘Hearing’ level.

Why should you appoint a ‘Representative‘ for your claim?
A representative will greatly improve your chances of a favorable decision. An experienced representative would know the Social Security rules and regulations, plus the ‘Medical Listings of Impairments’ and the ‘Medical Vocational Guidelines‘. The representative can prepare the ‘Theory of the Case’ and present an argument for your disability to the Administrative Law Judge. At the hearing, the representative will also be prepared to cross-examine the Medical Expert and the Vocational Expert to make sure that your claim is accurately presented.

How much will a 'Representative' cost?
Social Security sets the rules on what ALL representatives can charge and that is: 25% of the 'retro-active' benefits that they are able to get for you, up to a maximum fee of $6,000 whichever is less. There are NO FEES ever paid on any of your monthly benefits following the ‘Disabled’ decision date and there are NO FEES at all if the decision is unfavorable.

How can I be sure who is an experienced representative?
You should make sure that they are a member of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Representatives) and that they have had several years of specializing in Social Security Disability representation. If they do not specialize in Social Security Disability or if the company is a large nation-wide company, you may not get the personalized service required for your claim.

Is it worth going to the ’Hearing’ level?
Yes it is!! When you are awarded benefits, it includes your 'monthly benefits', which can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime, plus it includes your Medicare/Medicaid benefits which can also amount to quite a considerable sum. It also includes your 'retro-active' benefits, which is the back benefits from the onset date of your disability to the date of the favorable decision.