Non-Attorney Disability Advocate Vs. Attorney

Non-attorney disability advocates or attorneys can help with the large amount of paperwork in applying for disability.

According to Disability Associates, a company offering training courses for careers as a non-attorney disability advocate, non-attorney disability advocates assist people applying for disability benefits through the entire process. Non-attorney disability advocates or attorneys can represent you in your disability case, but only attorneys are licensed to practice Social Security disability law.

Education

Non-attorney disability advocates require specialized training but do not require a college education. Attorneys, however, have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and a three-year law degree.

Licensure

Non-attorney disability advocates are not licensed to practice law, while attorneys are licensed by the state to represent you on any area of law---not just disability.

Representation

Non-attorney disability advocates are experts in the process of filing for and appealing disability claims. While they can represent you at hearings, they are not trained in interpretation of the law, as are licensed attorneys.

Accredited Disability Representatives

Both non-attorney disability advocates and licensed attorneys meeting specified requirements may obtain Accredited Disability Representative certification from the National Association of Disability Representatives.

Fees

Both non-attorney disability advocates and attorneys may not charge a fee or collect any fees from you without written approval from the Social Security Administration.

References

• Disability Associates, Inc.; Frequently Asked Questions; November 2009 (accessed)
• Your Right To Representation; Social Security Administration; June 2009

Resources

• National Association of Disability Representatives
• Accredited Disability Representative Information