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Social Security Disability HelpIt goes without saying that some, if not many, people need help in applying for social security disability (SSD) or SSI. People coping with chronic mental or painful physical symptoms are not always up to the often daunting task of filing and pursuing a disability claim to its conclusion, which may very well be years after the date of the initial filing. Fortunately, help is available to those who need assistance in filing and/or handling disability claims. Some sources to consider are: 1. Social Workers. Hospitals, adult care facilities, and the local social services department and even the county and state health departments all employ social workers who may be able to help with the applications process and help direct or refer the claimant to others who may be of further assistance as the case progresses. 2. Independent Disability Advocates. Some independent living centers offer free assistance to those who wish to apply for SSD or SSI benefits. The services offered by independent advocates widely varies; some may offer assistance in getting disability applications started, while others may offer to advocate for claimants at their hearings. However, given the fact that the social security disability hearing is generally the “last stand,” for a claimant, arrived at only after the initial application and request for reconsideration have been denied, it may be worthwhile to hire a professional disability lawyer at this point, rather than opting for free legal representation. 3. Disability Representatives. Many disability lawyers and non-attorney representatives offer their services only after a claimant has filed and been denied. Some, however, will represent a claimant throughout their entire disability case (which may include the appeals council and federal court, if necessary). As stated above, I think it is advisable to obtain experienced legal counsel at the trial level of the disability determination process. It takes a long time for a case to actually come up for trial (up to two years wait from the date of the initial request to be heard in court), and when it does get before a judge, the last thing a claimant wants is to have the case thrown out due to their disability rep’s inexperience. Disability is not as straightforward as it seems, and there are a variety of concepts related to disability, such and what constitutes substantial gainful activity, DAA materiality, the medical vocational grid, etc., which should be well understood by anyone representing a claimant in their request for social security disability benefits, if he or she is to win the case. For more information on: Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.
A few words about Elder Law 
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