How Are Disability Advocates Trained?
Disability advocates come from many educational and professional backgrounds.
Social Security requires advocates have a college degree or equivalent training and work experience. They must pass a background check, pas an exam on Social Security regulations and complete continuing education coursework.
Here are some examples of people who become advocates:
- Paralegals from law firms
- Social workers
- Nurses
- Former Social Security Administration employees
- Vocational experts
In addition to training and experience with Social Security rules and procedures, disability advocates also understand medical terms, health care systems and medical records in order to help people with many different impairments.
When you’re looking for an advocate to help with your claim, look for someone with years of experience—and membership in organizations like the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) or the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR).
If you’re wondering whether you qualify for benefits, the disability advocates at Hanley Disability will provide an initial consultation for free.
