Hardworking people who cannot work any longer because of a disability—including injury, illness or a chronic disease—face many difficult choices.

One of those is finding the right Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representative to help you get through the Social Security disability backlog faster. But first, you need to know what to look for before making this important decision. Newcomers to the cumbersome SSDI application process may not be fully aware of their options when seeking help.

Each month, thousands of people seek assistance from Allsup, asking for help to determine if they are likely to be eligible for SSDI and to discuss possible representation. The following are some common questions.
 

What are your options if you want to hire a representative?

Typically, there are two major types of paid SSDI representatives. First, there are specialized organizations like Allsup, which has multiple representatives and specialists experienced in handling SSDI claims in local communities across the country. Allsup’s professionals are veterans of the Social Security Administration and state Disability Determination Services and have hundreds of combined years experience working with the SSA and DDS. There also are law firms that may or may not have attorneys solely dedicated to SSDI claims.

How knowledgeable and experienced is the organization in representing individuals applying for SSDI?

You should look for a representative who specializes in SSDI and understands the complexities and nuances of the process. Don’t be fooled if some representatives try to impress you with their local influence. It’s highly unlikely that they have special power over local SSA staff or can ensure your hearing will take place in front of a specific judge. Allsup’s expertise is evident in its 24-year history and knowledgeable staff.

Will the organization help you file the initial SSDI application?

The myth that you cannot have a representative help you file your initial disability application may stem from the fact that many attorneys only accept SSDI clients after their disability applications are denied.

However, it can be to your advantage to use a representative in the earliest stages. This is especially true when completing the Activities of Daily Living questionnaire, which requires a level of detail that can easily derail you because you are unfamiliar with the process. For example, Allsup, which accepts customers at all levels throughout the SSDI application process, has average approval rates higher than the national average, including at both the initial disability application and reconsideration phases. This means more people receive their awards quicker and avoid the hearing and Appeals Council phases when using Allsup as their representative.

Does the organization have experience representing someone with your disability?

Not all disabilities are alike—the SSA has specific Disability Impairment Criteria for hundreds of specific conditions, from AIDS to fibromyalgia to strokes. It’s essential to prepare each case with details and in the language required by the SSA to avoid unnecessary delays, a reduced award or denial of benefits. It is essential that the organization you choose is experienced in working with a variety of disabilities as well as knowledgeable about the SSA’s criteria. 

How much faster can the organization help you win your award?

There is no guaranteed timeline. External factors, including the growing disability backlog at the SSA in processing claims, can affect the timing. But a representative should know on average how long it takes their clients to get through the various stages of the SSDI process. For example, individuals Allsup represents at the hearing level (where 84 percent of all claimants have representation) generally receive an award months faster than the national average.

What does it cost?

The SSA determines the maximum fee that any organization, such as Allsup or an attorney, can charge for SSDI representation. Currently, under the SSA's fee agreement approval process it is 25 percent of the retroactive dollar amount awarded, not to exceed $5,300.

At Allsup, you will not pay a fee if you don’t receive your SSDI award, and there are no costs other than the representation fee. Other representatives, however, may charge for expenses such as travel or collecting medical records.

What is the organization’s success rate?

No organization has a 100-percent track record, but consumers should look for a representative with a high success rate in gaining SSDI benefits for its clients. This indicates the representative not only can deliver the desired result, but also probably has good credibility in the industry. For example, Allsup has a 97 percent success rate for those who complete the process with us.

Find more answers to your questions and SSDI help at www.allsup.com.