Both attorneys and non-attorney disability representatives are able to represent you with your Social Security Disability case. They are both able to assist you with your claim and represent you, if necessary, at a disability hearing. You should be sure that whoever you choose to represent is knowledgeable of the rules that govern the Social Security Disability process. It is best to make sure that your representative is well experienced in Social Security Disability Insurance claims.

Social Security attorneys have a bachelor degree, a juris doctorate and have passed the state bar exam. They have been educated specifically to interpret the law and to argue their cases. An attorney is able to represent you in any area of the law.

A non-attorney representative is not required to have a college education but should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience or training. They are only able to represent their clients in the realm of a disability claim.

Whether you choose to hire a Social Security attorney or a non-attorney representative, the fee is usually the same. This fee is regulated by the Social Security Administration and comes directly from your back payment benefits. In either case, your representative will not be paid unless you win your case.

If you have decided to hire an attorney for your claim, be sure that you confirm that he/she is a member of the bar. Non-attorney representative firms may use titles such as legal representative or disability advocate which can be misleading.