What is a Social Security Disability Advocate?

A Social Security Disability advocate is someone who specializes in assisting individuals with applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Unlike attorneys, advocates typically don’t charge as high of a fee, but they still provide valuable assistance, including helping with paperwork, gathering medical records, and ensuring that your claim is properly submitted.

Look for a Certified Advocate or Representative

To ensure that you are getting high-quality assistance, it’s important to look for an advocate who is certified by the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) or other professional organizations. These certifications demonstrate that the advocate has met specific qualifications and adheres to a code of ethics.

How to Find Certified Advocates:

• National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR): The NADR is an organization that certifies and supports advocates who specialize in Social Security Disability. They offer a searchable database on their website where you can find certified advocates.
• Social Security Administration (SSA) Accredited Representatives: The SSA also accredits individuals to represent claimants before the SSA. These advocates or representatives are trained and authorized to provide Social Security Disability support. You can check the SSA’s website or ask the advocate if they are accredited.

Ask for Referrals from Trusted Sources

Personal recommendations can be very helpful when searching for a Social Security Disability advocate. You can ask people in your community who have gone through the disability application process or seek referrals from:

• Other disability claimants: If you know anyone who has successfully applied for SSDI or SSI, ask them about their experience with their advocate and if they would recommend the person.
• Support groups or organizations: Many local or national disability organizations, such as the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), can refer you to reputable advocates. These organizations specialize in helping people with disabilities and have extensive networks of professionals in the field.

Search Online

The internet is another great resource for finding Social Security Disability advocates. Many websites specialize in connecting disability claimants with advocates and other professionals. Here’s how to use the web to find someone:

• Google Search: You can start by searching for “Social Security Disability advocate near me” or “Social Security Disability advocate in [your city].”
• Disability Websites: Websites like Disability Advocates, Disability Benefits Help, and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) provide directories and listings of accredited advocates and resources for finding help.

Check with Local Social Security Offices

Your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office may provide referrals or information about accredited advocates who can help you with your claim. While the SSA cannot recommend specific individuals, they can offer guidance on finding an advocate in your area.

Ask the Right Questions When Interviewing Potential Advocates

When you find a potential advocate, make sure to ask the right questions to ensure that they are qualified and trustworthy. Here are some questions to ask:

• Are you certified by any professional organizations?
• How much experience do you have working with Social Security Disability claims?
• What is your success rate in helping clients win SSDI or SSI benefits?
• What is your fee structure? (Advocates typically charge a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is capped at 25% of your back benefits, up to a certain limit.)
• How will you communicate with me throughout the process?

Taking the time to find the right advocate can make a significant difference in the success of your claim.

Avoid Scams

Unfortunately, there are individuals and organizations that prey on vulnerable people seeking disability benefits. Be wary of any advocate or company that asks for large upfront fees or makes unrealistic promises about the outcome of your claim. Trustworthy advocates will charge a contingency fee and will never ask for money before they help you with your case.