How to Become a Social Security Advocate and Help Others Navigate Their Benefits
If you are disabled or have a family member who is, you may need the services of a Social Security advocate. Advocates can help you apply for disability benefits and appeal denied claims. They are not attorneys, but they bring a great deal of knowledge about the Social Security system to your case.
Disability advocates typically work for law firms or as paralegals. They are former social security employees, and they have specific training. They can offer you significant help in navigating the complex process of filing for benefits.
In order to be an advocate, you must have a college degree, and you must pass an SSA-administered exam. The exam covers Social Security regulations and SSDI rules. You will also need to take an annual continuing education course, and you must have malpractice insurance.
Having an advocate on your side can greatly increase your chances of getting benefits. It can also be helpful if you are unsure of the steps you need to take. An advocate can gather medical records and other evidence that will support your claim. They can question experts about your disability and prepare you for a hearing.
In addition to hiring an advocate to file a claim, you may need a professional such as a social worker or attorney to represent you during a hearing. If you choose to appoint a representative, you will need to fill out a form. This is known as the SSA-1696. When you appoint a representative, you can do so electronically, over the phone, or in person.
The representative will work with the Social Security Administration to ensure your case meets all requirements. Your representative can be an attorney, a caregiver, or a relative. However, you need to be sure that you choose someone who is trustworthy and knowledgeable.
If you are dissatisfied with your Social Security representative, you can appeal the decision in federal court. You have up to sixty days to do so. During this time, the Appeals Council will either render a decision, or return it to the administrative law judge. During this time, you can hire a lawyer to represent you in the Federal District Court.
While you can pursue your claim on your own, you should remember that the Social Security Administration has strict deadlines and you need to meet them. Failure to do so can result in denial of your benefits. A Social Security advocate can help you meet those deadlines, and can also help you prepare for the hearing.
The majority of claims are decided at the reconsideration level. After a denial, 72% of claimants will hire an advocate. Attorneys are generally the best choice, but advocates can provide valuable information and assistance.
You can find an advocate through your local social security office, or on websites such as LinkedIn. Advocates are not hired on a salary; they receive a fee that is similar to an attorney’s.
Some advocacy organizations, such as the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSCCR), require you to have a college degree, have completed equivalent training, and pass an SSA-administered test. Once you have these qualifications, you can begin working as a disability advocate. Los Angeles Social Security Attorney