If you are unable to work at your job because of a medical condition, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The process to apply for SSDI can be difficult and the application is very lengthy. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that applicants need help and provides them with two choices. Read on to find out more about Social Security advocates and lawyers.
Expertise and Knowledge
The SSA has vetting and approval routines for both advocates and lawyers. The qualifications for being an advocate include:
- Pass a test on SSDI procedures.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Show proof of liability insurance.
- Have a combination of work experience, college education, or other training.
- Must take continuing education (CE) classes.
Social Security lawyers, on the other hand, must have:
- A law degree, which requires several years of college and passing the board.
- Clients gain the advantage of attorney-client privilege that is not possible using an advocate. That means everything you say or communicate with the attorney is sworn to confidentiality.
- Continuing education requirements.
- Must abide by strict standards of behavior and can face disciplinary punishments when they fail to follow the rules (advocates have no such standards).
Payment of Services
The way both advocates and Social Security lawyers charge is identical. The pay is based on the amount of back pay you may be entitled to from the SSA and is expressed as a percentage. There are limits on how much both advocates and lawyers earn from helping applicants. You might be paying an advocate the same amount of money for help as you are a Social Security lawyer but you are obviously getting more expertise with a lawyer.
Services Provided
Advocates can help applicants fill out their applications. They may be former SSA workers who understand what the SSA is looking for in terms of information. This may help applicants submit a better application leading to approval.
Social Security lawyers, however, take things to a new level. Not only do they help with your application, but they also are there to help with any SSA requests during the approval process. The best way a lawyer can help, though, is after you have been denied. Almost all applicants get denied on their initial application even if it was complete. All applicants can take part in an appeal and this where many get approved. Social Security lawyers are allowed to represent you at the appeal hearing by helping to explain why you deserve benefits.
As you can imagine, you get far more for your money with a Social Security lawyer. If you have questions about your case, reach out to a Social Security Disability lawyer in your area.
Share