FAQ

The typical fee is 25% of back benefits, up to a maximum set by the Commissioner of Social Security, which is currently $6,000. Sometimes, though, when appeals beyond the ALJ hearing level are involved, the fee is more.

If your answers match the ones below, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is likely to award you benefits.

• Are you gainfully employed? No

• Do you have a severe impairment? Yes

• Will your impairment last 12 months or result in death? Yes

• Does your disability meet one of SSA’s listed impairments? If yes, you qualify. If no …

• Are you able to work? No

They are private, held in a small conference room, and last an hour or so. You will be asked about your education, training, work experience, symptoms, limitations, and daily activities.

The big-picture answer is: analyze what needs to be proven to win benefits, figure out how to prove it, gather the necessary evidence, assist with appeals at every level, and correspond with the SSA on your claim.

Some of the specific tasks are:

• Obtain reports from treating doctors that are consistent with Social Security regulations
• Refer claimants to specialists for additional reports that answer questions raised by Social Security regulations
• Obtain a vocational expert’s evaluation of the claimant’s ability to work
• Ask that a prior application for benefits be reopened
• Seek a waiver of a time limit
• Request subpoenas to insure the presence of crucial witnesses or documents
• Advise the claimant on how best to prepare for and testify at the hearing
• Object to improper evidence or procedures at the hearing
• Cross-examine adverse witnesses
• Present a closing statement
• Submit a written summary of the evidence and argument
• If the claimant wins, make sure the SSA correctly calculates benefits
• If the claimant loses, request review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council