I came across this video for a home study course to become representative in Social Security disability cases.
That’s right. A Home. Study. Course.
Do you want to be represented on your Social Security disability case by someone who took a home study course?
Is there a price difference between hiring a lawyer and a non-lawyer representative?
Nope. The video clearly states, non-lawyer representatives can earn up to $5,300 per case (the maximum allowed by Social Security).
So, since the price is the same, consider the following:
You waited two years or longer to get your case in front of a judge. Your future, the money you are going to live on, and your health insurance, depends on the outcome of your disability case. Who do you want representing you?
Do you want to be represented by an attorney who …
- Went to law school,
- Passed the bar,
- Is regulated by, and maintains good standing with, the state bar,
- Fulfills Continuing Legal Education requirements.
- Is regulated by Social Security,
- Maintains malpractice insurance,
- Specializes in Social Security disability cases. Disclaimer: Colorado does not certify lawyers as “specialists” in any field.
- Or -
Do you want to be represented by someone who took a home study course?
While I generally take a dim view of non-lawyers representing disabled individuals. There are non-lawyers representatives whom I respect. Tim Moore of My Disabilty Blog is a former Social Security disability examiner. He is someone who knows the system from the inside. So, there certainly are good representatives who are non-lawyers.
When you look for a representative on your, or your child’s, Social Security disability case, make sure to ask the following:
- Are you a lawyer? If not, how did you learn how to be a representative?
- How long have you been in practice?
- How long have you been handling Social Security cases?
- What percentage of your practice is Social Security cases?
For more information about finding a good representative, check out these articles.
I have just watched the video again and I can’t express how disgusted I am by it. I view representing the disabled as a calling, not a career alternative during an economic downturn.
Good luck out there!
