Free Legal Representation for Social Security Disability or SSI claimsI've made several posts lately about bad advice in forums. Here's another excerpt, and certainly one of the worst pieces of advice for Social Security Disability claims that I've come across yet. "If your disability case gets stuck in the red tape, you should look into finding legal advice. Did you know that there there is FREE legal counsel available just about anywhere? Check around. A penny saved, you know. Only, you can save yourself thousands of dollars. Best of luck on your Social Security Disability claim." Why is this bad advice? Because, generally, legal aid is the last resort for a person pursuing a Social Security Disability or SSI disability benefit claim. In fact, in one locality with which I am familiar, legal aid will not even take a claimant's case until the case has been refused by a certain law firm (and this particular firm refuses very few cases). But there's another very good reason for not utilizing the services of a legal aid attorney and here it is: if you have applied for disability benefits and desire representation, to maximize your chances of winning you should choose a representative who specializes in Social Security Disability and SSI cases, versus a jack-of-all-trades practitioner who has little experience in the area of disability claims and, consequently, little insight into how the system works. The forum poster said "you can save yourself thousands of dollars". Perhaps. But there's another saying too. You get what you pay for. FYI-- Disability representatives are paid 21% of a claimant's backpay if the case is won. If the case is not won, there is no fee, though a claimant may owe incidental expenses, typically for the cost of obtaining medical records. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How long to get a Social Security decision letter? How far back Social Security will pay SSDI or SSI Filing for disability with sciatica How does the Social Security Disability Appeal Process work? Are SSDI and SSI Benefits Normally Continued After A Continuing Disability Review? SSI award notices are received by approved claimants Forms for Social Security Disability Social Security Disability Criteria A disability attorney and your medical records at a hearing Does it take the right doctor and letter to win disability? Medically disabled for Social Security Disability Denied disability by ALJ Steps and Tips for requesting a disability hearing Preparation to win a disability hearing How Does Social Security Decide If You Are Disabled |
