A disability affects every aspect of a person’s life, and trying to fight social security to obtain benefits can become so frustrating that individuals give up. A person should never do this, however, as they are entitled to these benefits, in most cases. In the event disability benefits are denied, a person may wish to consult attorneys in Phenix City, AL to assist with their case. Some non-attorney advocates offer to help individuals in this situation but it makes more sense to turn to an attorney, as these two professionals often do the same thing, yet an attorney has legal experience.
Regardless of which professional is selected, they only receive payment if the claim is won. The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays the person from the back payments the claimant that is owed, and both receive the same fee for their representation. To serve as an attorney, a person must obtain a four-year college degree, a juris doctorate (JD) degree and pass a bar exam before they are admitted to the state bar.
In contrast, a non-attorney advocate must possess a four-year college degree or have qualifications obtained through work experience and training that are the equivalent of the degree. They must pass a written exam administered by the Social Security Administration, pass a criminal background check and obtain professional liability insurance. In addition, the non-attorney advocate must participate in continuing education courses in order to serve in this manner and receive payment from the SSA. As these two professionals appear to take on the same tasks, why is it best for a person to turn to attorneys in Phenix City, AL to represent them?
Attorneys must abide by certain ethical obligations and conduct rules when representing a client; non-attorney advocates aren’t bound by the same standards, although this doesn’t imply they aren’t ethical. Attorney-client privilege only comes into play when an individual is working with a lawyer, not an advocate, and the attorney has completed specific training that allows them to identify any legal issues that may arise. In the event the claim is denied, only an attorney can appeal at a federal district court and there is no grievance filing process when an advocate is used.
Contact Phenix Legal for assistance with a disability claim; they work with clients to get the benefits they are entitled to, which will be of great help as one tries to move forward with life.
