Disability Audio is a regularly updated podcast that provides information about the Social Security Disability and SSI disability benefit system. It is produced by former Disability Claims Examiner Tim Moore, who previously worked for the Social Security Administration’s “DDS”, or Disability Determination Services agency.

More resources on the Social Security Disability Resource Page.

This segment discusses representation for social security disability claims. It answers the question of how much it will cost to pay a disability representative (who may be a non-attorney claimant’s representative or a disability attorney). It also addresses the more complex question of when to actually seek representation. This second question is dealt with from the standpoint of claimants who, as of yet, have only considered filing for disability, claimants who have filed for disability but have not yet been denied by social security, and claimants who have actually received a notice of denial. Fees for representation, of course, are only payable for cases that have been won and the maximum fee amount is currently capped to $5300. Note: claimants who elect to take representation will be asked by their newfound representative to sign a number of forms, including the SSA-1696, or appointment of representative form. One of those forms, however, will be a fee agreement. This form, in particular, should be carefully read before signing to get a clear understanding of any additional charges for out-of-pocket expenses. In other words, do you really want a rep who charges you for every stamp and paperclip used?

Disability Audio is produced by former Social Security Disability Claims Examiner, Tim Moore. For additional information, answers to questions, and tips on how the social security disability and SSI disability system works, proceed to the:

More resources on the Social Security Disability Resource Page.

2. Does the prospective representative only handle cases after a claim has been denied? If this is the case and you are only at the point of initiating your own claim for social security disability or SSI, you may wish to forego calling this particular representative back once your own claim has been denied. Reason – you should choose a disability claim representative who is willing to take your case and help you win your claim regardless of the level your claim is currently at.