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Hiring A Representative To Help With A SSDI Claim

Paralegals and Other Non-Attorneys

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Paralegals (people who assist lawyers in the delivery of legal services, but who are not attorneys themselves) and other non-attorneys can argue cases before the Social Security Administration. However, it is advisable to be extremely wary about paying such non-attorneys a fee for their assistance.

Since only attorneys are entitled to direct payment of fees from Social Security, one of the major areas of fraud is non-attorneys claiming to be attorneys on the Appointment of Representative forms so that they can get direct fee payment from Social Security.

These "non-lawyers" are not required to carry "malpractice" or "errors and omissions" insurance so you aren't likely to have a deep pocket to help correct their errors in the event they advise you improperly. They are also not licensed by any agency to provide some assurance about their knowledge and experience.

Prospective clients should inquire about attorney supervision of a non-attorney representative before signing any contract about representation.

Keeping the above cautions in mind, Disability Services, Inc. has been representing individuals in Michigan with Social Security Disability claims since 1979: see http://www.disabilityawards.com offsite link or call 1.800.374.9950.

For more information about representation and about the fees a representative may charge, see the Social Security publication: Social Security and Your Right to Representation. The publication is available online at: www.ssa.gov/pubs/10075.html offsite link or call 800.772.1213 to obtain a free copy.


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