There are many excellent attorney and non-attorney advocates who are skilled in assisting you with the difficult Social Security disability process, including hearings and appeals. My one piece of advise would be this: Seek out a local North Alabama advocate or attorney who lives in your community and has an office close to you. Avoid going to California, New York or Los Vegas, where you must deal with your representative over the telephone or by mail.
Every city and small town in Alabama has many attorneys or advocates who are trained and experienced in handling federal administrative law, the branch of law that deals with government agencies, such as the US Social Security Administration (SSA). You can walk into one of these offices, meet your representative face to face, ask questions, get advice, or talk about your claim or hearing. You cannot do that with the big corporate boys in Los Vegas or Chicago. They may or may not even return your calls.
A local representative is more likely to emphasize getting to know you as a person (not just a claim number), preparing your case or appeal himself or herself, and attending the hearing with you, rather than sending someone from out of town whom you have never meet before.
Some questions you may want to ask your representative before you hire him or her:
- Are you experienced in dealing with Social Security disability claims?
- Have you appeared before administrative law judges?
- Are you qualified to receive direct payment of fees from Social Security?
- Do you have a local office where I can meet with you and discuss my case?
- Will I have access to my actual representative, or will I deal with someone else?
Social Security Disability Counselors
7027 Old Madison Pike NW
Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 799-0297 "Across from the Bridge Street Mall"
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