HOW I WILL HELP YOU

As Your Disability Rep I will assist you
with the following:       

•   The initial application for benefits....       
  

• Filing for a "Reconsideration" of your application...if you are denied....
• Filing an appeal with the Office of Hearings and Appeals (ODAR)....
• Preparing for your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)....
• Presenting your case in a hearing before an ALJ...if you are denied....
• Appealing your case to the "Appeals Council"

The Social  Security Administration (SSA) considers it your right to have a representative assist you if you need to appeal your case. Your representative must assure that you understand exactly what you need to do to present your case in a manner best suited to winning your appeal.  The following information from SSA will help to clarify my role as your representative. Once you appoint a representative, he or she will act on your behalf in most Social Security Disability matters by:

• Getting information from your SSA file;
• Helping you get medical records or information to support your claim;
• Coming with you, or for you, to any interview, conference or hearing you have with SSA;
  
• Requesting a reconsideration, hearing or Appeal Council review of your claim;
  
• Helping you and if needed any witnesses you might invite to prepare for the hearing;

• Accompany you to your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and present your case.

"For your protection, your representative cannot charge or collect a fee from you without first  getting written approval from SSA.  Your representative cannot charge you more than the fee amount we approve.  Your representative may accept money from you in advance as long as it is held in a trust or escrow account."  (www.socialsecurity.gov)

The McKenzie River