Social Security Disability benefits are given to individuals with physical or mental handicaps that prevent them from performing meaningful work, however, the majority of applicants are initially denied. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very strict requirements concerning disability and work history which must be met before your application can be accepted. Sometimes errors are made on the application level, while other reasons for denial may result from inadequate records, incomplete evaluations, or lack of information supplied to the SSA.

Due to the complexity of the requirements needed to receive benefits, many applicants are confused as to where they should even begin. Social Security Disability advocates are available to help applicants through the entire process from start to finish.

What Is an Advocate?

A disability advocate is an individual or a group of individuals who help individuals secure Social Security Disability benefits. Advocates are familiar with the disability benefit approval process and use this knowledge to increase applicant’s chances of being approved. Advocates may receive compensation for their services only if the application is approved. The SSA has set limits for the amount of compensation that may be collected; 25% of past due (owed but not yet collected) benefits or $6,000, whichever is less. If no past due benefits are owed, the applicant may pay the advocate directly up to the amount specified in the SSA fee agreement.

Some of the services that a disability advocate provides include:

• Help filling out paperwork, questionnaires, or other documentation
• Gathering and submitting medical records
• Gathering and submitting work records, such as W2’s
• Gather evidence to prove the date disability occurred
• Request appeals or hearings on the applicant’s behalf
• Coach the applicant and witnesses through possible questioning before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Accompany applicants during meeting with the SSA or state Disability Determination Services (DDS)
• Represent the claim on the applicant’s behalf
• Help applicant collect both past due and continuing disability benefits

Applicants may seek assistance from either Social Security Disability attorneys or non-attorney disability advocates. Non-attorney advocates are not attorneys, nor are they required to complete any special schooling such as a bachelor’s degree or law school. They may receive their training from mail-in training programs, training seminars, or from working under other advocates. Lawyers, on the other hand, have completed at least a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of law school, in addition to passing bar examinations. While both attorney and non-attorney advocates are familiar with the application process and information the SSA required, only SSDI attorneys are trained in interpreting the law. If your case goes to trial, an attorney is uniquely trained to clearly defend and explain their client’s position in front of a judge, which may increase your chances of receiving benefits.

Trusted Legal Counsel Just a Phone Call Away

The Social Security Disability claim process is notoriously long and drawn out, and your odds of being approved at the initial, first, or even second appeal are greatly increased by letting an experienced lawyer handle your case.

Individuals who are disabled and are in need of financial assistance should not wait in contacting the skilled Florida Social Security Disability attorneys at Trial Pro. Our team has years of insight handling Social Security disability cases and knows the information that the SSA needs in order to approve your application.

If your case is denied, we can fight on your behalf until you receive all of the compensation you are entitled to. Both disability attorneys and non-advocates are subject to the same fee agreement imposed by the SSA, and we take all of our cases on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you are awarded benefits.

Contact Trial Pro today at 800-874-2577 for your free consultation.