What is Your Right to Representation When Dealing with Social Security?

If you are looking to obtain Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, then you need to deal with that big bureaucracy called the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

Sometimes bureaucracy can be a good thing since the SSA is instrumental in making sure that people receive Social Security benefits, whether they are disability benefits, retirement income, or supplemental income for those with certain financial needs. Yet, it also can be rather difficult to get something done when dealing with a big bureaucracy, and it can be even more daunting when you need to go through a hearing to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. 

Accordingly, many people who are looking for disability benefits through Social Security find it very helpful, and sometimes necessary, to get an attorney who has experience dealing with the SSA to represent them before the SSA. Fortunately, people who wish to have assistance in dealing with the SSA from an attorney (or even a qualified non-attorney) get additional protections with the help of the SSA.

In this article, we are going to talk about the role that the SSA plays in allowing you a right to representation when dealing with the SSA, and in making sure that you do not overpay an attorney for that representation. It is a way in which the SSA can help protect you as you go through the process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits. 

If, after reading this article, you have additional questions pertaining to your own personal circumstances, then we invite you to contact the Social Security disability benefits attorneys in Jacksonville , FL – RITE Law. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. Remember, we provide a free case evaluation , so call today.

Your Right to Representation – The Basics

When you do business with the Social Security Administration, you can have a representative, usually, an attorney, help you. In that vein, the Social Security Administration will work with your attorney in the same way that it would work with you personally.

The added bonus of the SSA’s approach to the right of representation is that, for your protection, the SSA will ensure that your attorney cannot charge or collect a fee from you without first getting written approval from the SSA. If you have already given money to your attorney ahead of time, the SSA will make sure that the attorney holds that money in trust, or escrow, until the time when it is appropriate for the attorney to realize that fee.

What Can Your Disability Attorney Do When Dealing with the SSA?

Once you have indicated to the SSA that you have an attorney assisting you and who can act on your behalf, that attorney will be able to:

• Get information from your Social Security file;
• Obtain medical records or any other information to help support your Social Security disability claim;
• Attend any SSA interview, conference, or hearing with you, or on your behalf;
• Ask for reconsideration of a disability claim, a hearing, or ask for an Appeals Counsel review;
• Help you and other witnesses prepare for a disability hearing on your claim, and question witnesses at the hearing.

Can You Choose Any Attorney to Help You Before the SSA?

Generally, yes. You can have the representative of your choice appear on your behalf before the SSA. However, the SSA has dealt with certain attorneys who may have then been suspended or disqualified by the SSA in representing people in Social Security matters. Thus, the SSA will have to ensure that the attorney you choose to help you has not had any prior issues when appearing before the SSA in disability cases. 

That said, you would be wise to make sure that you choose an attorney who has specific experience with Social Security disability claims. In that way, you will be sure that you have gotten the best representation you can for your disability claims. 

What Can Your Attorney Charge You?

The other great feature of the right of representation before the SSA is that the SSA must review your fee agreement with your attorney, and the SSA will mandate that you only pay an approved amount for services. This added protection will ensure that you do not overpay for your attorney, or that your attorney will not overcharge you for services. 

Get Help from an Experienced Social Security Disability Benefits Attorneys in Jacksonville.

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with physical and/or mental disabilities. SSDI pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. SSI pays benefits solely based on financial need.

As noted, initial claims for these benefits are often denied by the SSA due to paperwork errors or insufficient medical evidence verifying a disability. There are a number of levels to the appeals system that leaves most people overwhelmed and frustrated. 

At RITE Law, we started the firm for one reason – to help those in Florida and elsewhere have the resources of a firm that was “big enough to fight but small enough to care.” At Rudolph, Israel, Tucker & Ellis (RITE law), we have the resources and experience to go to trial when it is necessary, and we have the wisdom to advise you appropriately. 

Without help from the Social Security disability benefits attorneys in Jacksonville on the RITE team, trying to make insurance claims can lead to a lot of frustration and time and money lost. When you turn to our firm, we spring into action, making sure every detail of your claim is addressed. We answer any questions you have and stand in your corner to give you the best opportunity to receive all the benefits you deserve. 



Expect lots of attention, passionate representation, and a healthy disdain for big insurance companies. We believe that leads to the best result possible. Unlike larger firms, your case isn’t handed to a paralegal or assistant to do the heavy lifting. The attorney you meet initially is the one who will be by your side every step of the way. Call us for help. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. We provide a free case evaluation , so feel free to call us today.