Denied, delayed, or just starting your disability claim — you don't have to face SSA alone.
I represent claimants at every stage of the Social Security disability process, from the first application through a hearing appeal. Straightforward guidance, no jargon, no fee unless you win.
Your Path to a Decision
Every claim moves through these four stagesRepresentation at every stage of your claim
Social Security disability cases move through several stages, and most claims are denied at least once. I step in wherever you are right now.
New Applications
I help you file a complete, well-documented SSDI or SSI application from the start — reducing the chance of an early, avoidable denial.
Reconsideration Appeals
If your initial claim was denied, I build the reconsideration appeal with the missing medical evidence and documentation SSA needs to see.
Hearing Representation
I prepare you for your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and represent you directly — questioning witnesses, presenting evidence, and arguing your case.
Appeals Council Review
If a judge denies your claim, I help you request review and identify the legal or factual errors worth challenging.
Continuing Disability Reviews
Already approved? I help you respond to periodic SSA reviews so your benefits continue without interruption.
Overpayment Disputes
If SSA claims you were overpaid, I help you request waiver or reconsideration and push back on errors.
Where you are shapes what happens next
SSDI/SSI claims move through four stages, and representation helps at every one of them — but from the hearing stage forward, having an experienced representative isn't just helpful, it's often the difference between approval and denial.
Initial Application
Filed with SSA and reviewed by your state's Disability Determination Services. A knowledgeable professional helping you prepare the initial paperwork can improve how well your case is presented from the very start.
~35% approved at this stageReconsideration
A full review by a different examiner. Only ~13% are approved here — having someone ensure your file has the key evidence, and reviewing the decision for errors, matters before the next stage.
~13% approved at this stageHearing (ALJ)
A live or video hearing before a judge. It's critical to go into this hearing with experienced representation — and to have someone knowledgeable fighting for you at every stage from here forward.
~54% approved at this stage Representation critical from here forwardAppeals Council
If the judge denies your claim, it's important to have a knowledgeable professional review the decision closely — spotting a legal or administrative error can be the difference between a final denial and another chance at reversal.
Final administrative stepWhat if the Appeals Council denies my case?
At that point, the only remaining option is filing a civil action in federal district court — a step outside what a non-attorney representative is authorized to handle. I maintain a referral network of disability attorneys experienced in federal court appeals, and I'll help connect you with one directly if your case reaches that stage.
A dedicated advocate, not a call center
You'll work directly with me from your first call through your final decision — not a rotating team, not a paralegal you've never met. I'm an Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorney representative, meaning SSA recognizes me to represent claimants and receive fees directly, just as an attorney would.
Representative vs. attorney: what's actually different
- ✓Same authority. SSA regulations permit a qualified non-attorney representative to handle every stage, including hearings before a judge — the same scope an attorney has.
- ✓Same fee structure. Fees are set by SSA's fee agreement process, not by whether your representative is an attorney — you don't pay more for a lawyer here.
- ✓Specialized, not general practice. This is the only kind of work I do, rather than disability being one of several practice areas.
- ✓Direct access to me, not a rotating team or a paralegal you've never spoken to — common at high-volume disability law firms.
Before you reach out
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No. Fees are contingency-based and require SSA approval — you don't pay out of pocket to start your case, and I only get paid a portion of your past-due benefits if your claim succeeds.
Can a non-attorney really represent me at a hearing?
Yes. SSA regulations specifically permit qualified non-attorney representatives to appear at every level, including hearings before an Administrative Law Judge.
My claim was already denied twice. Is it too late?
Not necessarily. Most successful claims involve at least one denial. What matters is filing the next appeal within your deadline — usually 60 days from the date on your denial notice.
Do you work with clients outside your state?
Yes. Hearings are conducted by phone or video in most cases, so representation is available nationwide.
Tell me about your case
A short case review costs nothing and takes about ten minutes. I'll tell you honestly whether I can help.
intake@thecivicadvocate.com
Response time
Within one business day
Availability
Remote representation, all 50 states