To help people considering filing for Social Security disability benefits, Allsup answers the following common questions about SSDI representation.

1. Top 10 Questions When Choosing An SSDI Representative
To help people considering filing for Social Security disability benefits, Allsup answers the
following common questions about SSDI representation.
1. What are my options for hiring representation? Typically, there are two major types of
paid SSDI representatives: specialized organizations such as Allsup who have expert
disability representatives handling SSDI claims in local communities across the country;
and law firms that may or may not have attorneys solely dedicated to SSDI claims.
2. 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. It can be valuable to find how
many claims the SSDI representative has handled, for example, tens of thousands in
Allsup’s history.
3. Will the organization help someone file the initial application for SSDI? The myth that
you cannot have a representative help you file your initial application for SSDI may stem
from the fact that many attorneys only accept SSDI clients after their applications are
denied. “Many claimants can avoid denials and delays with assistance from the
beginning, which is true for many Allsup claimants,” Gada said.
4. What specific activities will the representative undertake on my behalf? It’s important
to choose a representative who consistently works the claim on your behalf throughout
the process and removes the burden from you. For example, you should ask: Will you
contact my doctors and collect or update medical records for my file independently of the
SSA? Will you regularly query the SSA for status of my claim or confirm my claim file
is up-to-date?
5. Does the organization have experience representing someone with my specific
disability? Not all disabilities are alike—the SSA has specific Disability Impairment
Criteria for hundreds of specific conditions, from back problems to debilitating arthritis.
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.

2. 6. How does the organization – and who within the organization – will keep me informed
on the progress of the claim? Be sure to check into the communications approach of the
representative you are considering. Proactive, expert representatives such as Allsup
provide regular updates, timely notices of deadlines, as well as documents required and
scheduled hearings.
7. Will I have to attend a hearing? Approximately one-quarter of SSDI cases proceed to
the hearing level where there are hearings before administrative law judges. However,
this might not be necessary if the representative asks for and receives an “on-the-record”
decision for the case. This occurs when the judge makes a decision to award benefits
based on a review of the information and evidence provided. “Allsup experts advocate for
our claimants to receive benefits when they are clearly eligible as quickly as possible, and
avoid the hearing if at all possible,” Gada explained. More than half of Allsup claimants
receive their benefits at the initial application level, never requiring an appeal or hearing.
8. 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 Social
Security disability benefits for its clients. Allsup’s success rate is 98 percent for claimants
who complete the SSDI process with the organization. “It’s also important that claimants
understand the strict eligibility requirements for disability,” Gada said. “Having a
successful representative demonstrates credibility and their capacity to deliver results.”
9. How much faster can the organization help you win your award? There is no
guaranteed timeline. External factors, including the 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 Social Security Disability
Insurance process. For example, Allsup claimants who reach the hearing level generally
receive their benefits up to 10 months faster than the national average. “Remember that
getting benefits faster not only can reduce your representation fee, but also can provide
important income more quickly and, for some, prevent an eviction or foreclosure,” Gada
added.
10. What does it cost? The SSA determines the maximum fee that any organization can
charge for SSDI representation. Currently, it is 25 percent of the retroactive dollar
amount awarded, not to exceed $6,000. Those who are approved quickly at the
application level and receive no retroactive award typically pay much less. You should
not pay a fee if you don’t receive your SSDI award. However, you should ask a
representative if they charge for costs in addition to the disability representation fee, such
as travel, making copies or purchasing medical records.