What Is a Social Security Disability Advocate?
If you plan to apply for SSDI benefits, it makes sense to wonder, “How do I get a Social Security advocate?” A Social Security disability advocate is a non-lawyer who helps people with their Social Security disability applications and claims. They are professionals who can help you fill out your SSDI application, obtain relevant medical records to support your claim, and answer your questions.
What Benefits Do Social Security Disability Advocates Offer?
Getting help with your initial application can increase your chances of receiving SSDI benefits faster. Most initial applications are denied, leaving people to go through a lengthy appeal process. You can increase your odds of getting your initial application approved when you work with a knowledgeable disability advocate.
A Social Security disability advocate also understands the types of medical evidence you’ll need to support your claim and make it more likely that it will be approved. They’ll work with your doctors to obtain relevant records and meet submission deadlines. They can also work with your doctors to obtain medical statements about how your disability impacts your life and your ability to work.
Disability Advocate Qualifications
The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that non-lawyer advocates meet all of the following eligibility criteria before they can receive payment for their work:
- Obtaining a college degree or equivalent experience
- Passing a criminal background check
- Having liability insurance
- Passing a certification exam that covers Social Security rules
- Completing ongoing continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their certification
Why Having a Disability Attorney Is Also Important
While a Social Security advocate can be helpful, you should also retain an experienced SSDI attorney to represent you. Many initial applications are denied by the SSA. When you receive a denial, an SSDI lawyer at Ellis & Associates can help file your appeal, gather additional evidence to support your claim, and represent you at your appeal hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
Attorneys have extensive education and a thorough understanding of the laws and procedural rules that affect Social Security disability claims. Your disability lawyer can skillfully advocate for you during your hearing. Attorneys also have extensive knowledge of how to draft hearing briefs, cross-examine witnesses, and present oral arguments.
At a hearing, your attorney should be able to do all of the following:
- Cross-examine expert witnesses to challenge harmful testimony
- Call relevant witnesses to support your claim
- Cite relevant rules, regulations, and case decisions to support their arguments
- File an appeal to the U.S. District Court if your claim is denied
- Write briefs
Choosing a law firm like Ellis & Associates gives you the best of both worlds. You can benefit from the help provided by our Social Security disability advocate and the legal representation offered by one of our skilled disability attorneys.
Contact Us Today
If you’re applying for SSDI because of your inability to return to work, it’s important to seek help from a law firm like Ellis & Associates. When you retain us, you can benefit from the help provided by our team of disability attorneys as well as a Social Security advocate, paralegals, and assistants. To learn more about the assistance we can offer and receive a free consultation, contact us today by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or send us a message online.