What Can a Disability Advocate, Lawyer or Representative Do?

Filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be complex and overwhelming. If you’re thinking about getting help, you probably want to know what a disability advocate, lawyer, or representative can do.

A qualified disability representative can make a real difference in your claim. Here’s how they can help.

At a Glance: What Disability Advocates and Reps Can Do

• Help you understand what the Social Security Administration (SSA) needs at each step
• Make sure forms are filled out clearly and accurately
• Gather medical records and other evidence to support your case
• Track deadlines and submit documents on time
• Represent you in phone calls, written responses, and at a hearing if needed
• Spot issues early to avoid common mistakes and delays
• Increase your chances of approval, especially during appeals

For more details on how SSA decides disability claims, visit ssa.gov/disability.

Below, we’ll walk through what disability lawyers, non-attorney representatives, and disability advocates do at each step of a claim, how they’re different, and how to decide what you need.

Who This Article Is For

This article is for you if:

• You haven’t applied yet and want to know if you need help.
• You’ve applied and are scared of being denied, or you've already been denied.
• You’ve heard terms like “lawyer, advocate, and representative,” but aren’t sure what they mean.

Now let’s look at the different titles and what each one can do for you.

What Disability Lawyers, SSDI Representatives, and Disability Advocates All Do

A qualified disability lawyer, representative, or advocate can help in many of the same ways. They typically:

• Explain SSDI and SSI rules in simple terms
• Help gather and organize your medical records and work history
• Make sure SSA forms are complete, accurate, and submitted on time
• Communicate with the SSA on your behalf
• Prepare you for key steps like an appeal or hearing
• Represent you at a hearing 

Disability lawyers, representatives, and advocates all offer support during the disability claim process. The main difference is their background and training, which we’ll explain later in this article.

No representative can guarantee approval. But the right help can reduce mistakes, keep your claim on track, and improve your chances.

What Disability Lawyers and SSDI Reps Do at Each Step of Your Case

Before You Apply

A disability lawyer, representative, or advocate can review your work history and health conditions to see if you meet the conditions for SSDI or SSI. They can help you decide when to apply and explain which medical records or doctors' notes matter most. They can also spot common mistakes and help you avoid them.

While Your Application Is Pending

Once you’ve applied, a representative can make sure SSA has your full medical record. They can respond to SSA requests and help you track deadlines and forms. This keeps things moving and reduces the chance of delays. Staying organized and submitting everything on time can increase your chance of approval.

If Your Claim Is Denied (Reconsideration and Hearing)

Many people get help after being denied disability benefits. A representative can review the denial letter, explain your options, and file a reconsideration or hearing request on time. (You only get 60 days to respond.)

They’ll help you prepare for a hearing by reviewing common questions and your best answers. If you have a hearing, they can present your case, submit evidence, and ask the SSA’s medical or vocational experts questions. 

After You Win Benefits

Good representation doesn’t end at approval. A disability advocate can help you understand your back pay, how your monthly checks work, and what to expect from SSA’s continuing disability reviews. If your work or income changes, they can tell what to report and help you avoid overpayments.

Disability Lawyer vs. SSDI Representative vs. Disability Advocate

The SSA calls anyone who helps with your disability claim a representative. Some representatives are lawyers. Others are trained non-attorney professionals approved by the SSA. Each can help you apply, appeal, or prepare for a hearing.

What Is a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

A disability lawyer is a licensed attorney who has passed a bar exam in your state. They can represent you at all levels of the SSA process and in federal court if needed. Most focus on hearings where legal knowledge can be useful in presenting your case.

What Is an SSDI Representative?

An SSDI representative can be either a lawyer or a non-attorney who is qualified and approved by SSA to represent you. The SSA must approve all representatives. It also regulates how much they can charge

Their responsibilities often include:

• Filing your application and appeals
• Gathering medical evidence
• Completing forms and tracking deadlines
• Communicating with SSA on your behalf
• Preparing you for hearings
• Attending hearings and presenting your case

What Does a Disability Advocate Do?

A disability advocate can help with more than the SSDI application. Some advocates help with school or work accommodations, disability rights, and navigating health systems. Others may focus on coaching or support rather than paperwork.

Not every disability advocate handles SSDI paperwork and hearings. When you talk to an advocate, ask them which services they provide.

How Disability Lawyers and SSDI Reps Get Paid

Many people worry that getting help means high costs. In most cases, disability lawyers and SSDI representatives work on a contingency fee. That means they only get paid if you win. You don’t pay anything out of pocket while your claim is pending, and you don’t owe a fee if you aren’t awarded benefits.

A disability representative’s fee is typically up to 25% of your back pay, with a cap set by SSA. The SSA generally withholds the fee from your back pay and pays the rep directly.

For example, if your back pay is $10,000, the fee would be $2,500. No money will come from your monthly checks going forward.

You should always see a fee agreement in writing and have a chance to ask questions before partnering with a representative.

What Your Representative Can’t Do (and What You’ll Still Do Yourself)

Getting help can make the process easier, but there are still things your representative can’t do for you. These include:

• Guarantee approval
• Change SSA’s rules or timelines
• Attend medical exams for you or make you go to appointments

There are also things you’ll still need to handle yourself, such as:

• Going to doctor appointments and following medical advice as best you can
• Being honest and thorough about your symptoms and limits
• Opening and sharing mail from the SSA promptly

The right representative can make these tasks easier and less confusing, but you’re still the most important part of your claim.

Do You Really Need a Disability Lawyer or Advocate?

Some people apply on their own. Others get help right away. There’s no right answer; it’s your preference. A disability representative can be especially helpful if:

• You have a complicated medical history
• You’ve already been denied
• You’re preparing for a hearing

Do You Need Help Today?

You might be ready for help if: 

• If you haven’t applied yet and feel overwhelmed by the forms: Getting help can prevent mistakes.
• If you’ve already been denied: Talking to a lawyer or SSDI rep before your appeal deadline can improve your chances of approval.

Talking to a disability advocate doesn’t lock you into an agreement. You’re only getting information and support.

How Advocate Fits Into Your Disability Claim

Advocate’s team of disability experts and medical staff can help you gather strong medical evidence and avoid common mistakes. We can reduce your stress and confusion throughout the disability benefits process. Our smart tools help keep everything organized and on time.

Here’s how Advocate supports you:

• Helps you decide the best representative for your situation
• Keeps your to-do list small and clear
• Updates you in plain language, not legal jargon

If you’re not sure what kind of help you need, we can evaluate your case and point you in the right direction.