Disability Advocates: What Sets Them Apart From Attorneys

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, can be a difficult and extremely frustrating process. Very few cases are approved at the initial application stage,  or the reconsideration stage, which is essentially a re-review of the initial application.

On top of these low approval rates, it can take up to 180 days to hear back about your initial application. It can take another 90 to 120 more to hear back about your reconsideration.  We know how much undue stress this can create for your family during an already stressful time. It’s a long time when you are unable to work and financial pressures are building.

Disability advocates work with you from the moment you begin the initial paperwork up to and including a hearing, if one proves necessary (most awards are made at the Hearing stage).  Having someone on your team that knows the in’s and out’s of applying for SSDI can greatly improve your chances of receiving social security disability benefits. We are devoted to cutting down your stress and frustration by providing you with someone who is both  knowledgeable and responsive to your particular needs.

You have the option of hiring an attorney to work with you.  We’re going to talk about some of the differences between disability advocates and attorneys, and what disability advocates can do for you.

What Are the Differences Between Disability Advocates and Attorneys?

The most obvious difference between a Licensed disability advocate and an attorney is the attorney’s degree in law. Attorneys go through three years of law school. While there, they cover all major aspects of law.  Social Security Disability Law is, however, rarely if ever taught in law school

Disability advocates don’t have a law degree. What they do have is highly specialized training.

There are a few steps to becoming a LICENSED  disability advocate. Individuals must pass a criminal background check. They also must pass a rigorous exam on Social Security regulations and disability law.

Their professional certification stays up-to-date through continuing education, something that is mandatory for all licensed advocates. That way, they keep up to date about any changes to Social Security and disability laws and practices that may affect your case.

Experienced disability advocates are fully capable of handling your disability hearing and are well versed in crucial courtroom practices such as cross-examination. They have built these skills over years of helping clients at hearings in front of ALJ’s, or Administrative Law Judges, who handle SSD hearings.  Their only professional concern is helping people like you who need and deserve SSDI.

Looking for help with your SSDI claim? Contact us for a free assessment.

What Will a Disability Advocate Do For You?

Ultimately, disability advocates work with American citizens just like you, people who were once part of the United States workforce. When you can no longer support yourself and your family financially due to a disability, it is your right to file for and receive SSD benefits.

When you hire a disability advocate to work on your SSDI claim, their goals are two-fold. First, disability advocates want to make the  process of applying for benefits smoother. Second, they want to increase the chances you will receive your benefits.

When you turn to a disability advocate, they will review your case free of charge. They can determine whether or not you likely qualify for disability benefits without adding to your financial burden. If you do and you want their assistance, they will take on your case.

In other words, disability advocates will make sure they have all the paperwork from you and from the Social Security Administration required to complete the application in a timely manner. Figuring out exactly what you need to file your claim can be difficult enough, and disability advocates are dedicated to getting everything in order for you.

Disability advocates do not require payment until (and unless) your SSDI is approved. This ensures that disability advocates will not create more undue hardships on you and your family.

What Other Cases to Disability Advocates Take On?

Disability Advocates also handle cases for individuals seeking SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, a program for individuals who are both disabled and in severe financial distress who do not have the necessary work credits to obtain SSD benefits.  Some advocates are also licensed to represent clients in the highly specialized area of Veterans Disability. VA claims can be extremely difficult and time consuming and a professional advocate can be a great help in assisting with the process. Licensed VA advocates have completed rigorous training in order to practice in this area.

Looking for help with your SSDI claim? Contact us for a free assessment.

How to Find a Disability Advocate

When you’re looking for a disability advocate, you want to make sure that your disability advocate is experienced and has proven results under their belt. After all, disability advocates learn a lot from each case they take on and the individuals, like you, that they serve. The more times they’ve filed the paperwork or represented a client during a reconsideration, the more skills they’re going to bring to the table!

You want to find a disability advocate who is motivated by their passion to improve disability rights. You’re in the best hands when you’re working with disability advocates because they truly care about improving the lives of you and your family, not just winning the case.

How do I know I’m hiring a Licensed Advocate?

Duly licensed social security disability advocates hold the title “EDPNA.”  If your advocate is Joe Smith, EDPNA, it means that Joe is a licensed advocate “ELIGIBLE for DIRECT PAYMENT, NON ATTORNEY.”  The title is your assurance that your advocate has completed and passed the rigorous course of study necessary to become an “EDPNA” and is fulling capable of representing your interests in the best possible manner.  Veterans Advocates do not have a similar designation so make sure the one you consider working with is duly licensed (The VA, generally will not work with a rep unless he or she is licensed).

Why Work With Princeton Disability Advocates?

At Princeton Disability Advocates, we work from the heart.

Our mission is to better your life by fighting for you and getting your benefits approved in a timely manner.

Get Disability Legal Help Today

If you live in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Eastern Indiana and need help, why not give us a call to discuss your situation?  We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case and an opportunity to get to know us. If we do work together, know that we’ll only get a fee if we win your case.

Looking for help with your SSDI claim? Contact us for a free assessment.