How to Choose a Social Security Disability Benefits Advocate

A social security disability advocate takes on the job of applying for or appealing cases in the works for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Their job is to put together a compelling case with all the required information to show your eligibility to receive benefits. The process is fraught with challenges due to the government seeking to reduce fraudulent claims.

As a result, those with legitimate cases pay the price. It can be difficult to find the right team ready to fight for your benefits and ensure you receive the income you deserve. Here we explain how to choose a social security disability benefits advocate to see the best possible outcomes in both the application and appeals process.

What Does a Social Security Disability Benefits Advocate Do?

First, it’s important to understand what an SSDI advocate does. We are experts in Social Security claims submissions appeal process. Our job is to look at your case and help put together all the medical evidence and information required to ensure initial applications are processed without delay.

Our understanding of the process allows us to take the proper steps to ensure every detail is provided at the beginning of your application, so your case is accepted. And because the claim may be denied, we are ready to take over your appeal quickly to meet the deadline and provide important information to win your appeal. Proper development during the initial phase is an important element for increasing the likelihood of a successful appeal.

Recognize the Red Flags of a Bad Disability Advocate

There are some red flags you can watch for when meeting with a disability advocate including:

Limited Work Invested

Often, disability advocates want to limit how much effort they put into the case. As a result, they try to put the burden back on you. If you find your advocate asks you to collect all your own medical records, they are not doing their job in the application process. When they tell you to go do your own questionnaires, or gather your own information, etc., they are not earning their keep. Make sure you understand what their services include. Their job is to help reduce your stress, not add to it.

They Don’t Assist in Completing Paperwork

The application and appeals process requires a lot of forms and questionnaires. Even the slightest mistake can lead to either delays or worse, rejection of your application. The reason you are working with an advocate is to ensure everything is completed properly. Therefore, if you find they are leaving you on your own to complete paperwork, they are not doing their job. They should be there with you every step of the way.

No Guidance

Good advocates are available to answer all your questions and be proactive in offering advice. However, the disability process can take a while between steps but you should be able to call your advocate and expect a timely response to your questions. If your advocate does not have an immediate answer for you, they should be willing to take steps to get you the answers you need.

Telling You to Speak Directly to SSDI Staff

Advocates should never tell you to speak directly to SSA. Once you have an advocate, the only times you should speak directly to SSA is to affirm your application, grant permission to contact your doctors, and affirm your willingness to attend a virtual doctor’s visit for SSA.

The reason they advocate is to ensure SSD has clear and concise information regarding your case. SSD looks for the smallest inconsistencies to find false claims, or to deny a claim. It can be overwhelming speaking to them, answering questions and providing information both in written form and over the phone. Therefore, you should really never speak to them once you work with an advocate.

Social security takes things out of context even when something you say is perfectly innocent and true. Their job is to look for inconsistencies, whereas an advocate’s job is to ensure inconsistencies don’t exist. This is why they play such an important role as they increase the probability of a successful outcome. If your advocate allows you to interact directly with social security administration (SSA) you reduce the odds of being approved. A good advocate handles all communications with social security.

An advocate that fails to provide clear instructions and handle all SSD communication is not worth their weight in gold. As a partner representing your claim, Princeton Disability finds the best route to success. We are a passionate advocate company committed to doing the real work required to see your claim or appeal go through without delay.

Qualities of a Trustworthy SSDI Advocate

A good advocate will offer the following:

Customized Questionnaires

To make life easier for you, while ensuring your application is accepted, a good disability advocate prepares a customized questionnaire to collect information. At Princeton Disability, for example, we have a standardized questionnaire designed to help us gather the right information right from the start. By maximizing the information gathered we can more effectively communicate that information to social security leaving no doubt you are eligible to receive benefits.

As a result, there are no delays due to missing information and you receive your benefits with a shorter wait. Considering approved claims still take three to six months, our goal is to collect all relevant information going over the details carefully with our clients to expedite the process as much as we can.

Community Experience with Judges

An advocate service develops community connections with feet on the ground and credibility established with the agency. This is very important when applications are denied. Princeton advocates have presented cases across the U.S., and we use our strong community connections to help ensure your case is processed efficiently.

We work hard to gain respect with judges and SSD representatives by remaining compliant and following the processes to a tee. This is an important part of our commitment to you. Judges are humans and respect advocates who are passionate and fight for their clients’ rights. This ultimately becomes the deciding factor in getting your case approved in the appeals process.

Streamlined Process

Having a proven, streamlined workflow process ensures your advocates don’t waste time. At Princeton, we have developed the most efficient process possible, so your case is approved in the least amount of time. As a result, you get your benefits more quickly without the risk of delays or the need to appeal.

We ensure every case, including appeals are well developed to make it easier for SSD which always works in your favor, so more cases get approved. Unfortunately, social security doesn’t go out of its way to approve cases. In fact, it is more common than not cases are denied. This is why you need an advocate with a proven process that takes all factors into consideration to build your case.

Before you go through the trouble of trying to apply for social security disability benefits on your own, call Princeton Disability. We will make sure your case is presented properly right from the start, so you avoid delays, receive approval and get the benefits you deserve. Reach out to us today.