2006-09-26 08:18:06 · 4 answers · asked by HEY boo boo 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10075.html
I deleted my previous answer - anyone can be a representative.
2006-09-26 08:30:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
"Why does a lawyer have to be pre-approved for SSA disability?"
The quick answer to your question is "They don't have to be pre-approved to represent a client, but in order to collect a fee for services provided in any proceeding before the SSA they must first obtain SSA's authorization."
Since SSA will withhold a portion of retroactive SSA payments to be provided directly to an attorney or representative as a fee, SSA wants to ensure that people aren't being victimized by unscrupulous attorneys or other scam artists. Protecting social security recipients requires that they pre-approve fee agreements according to the Social Security Act, Section 206(a)(2)(A) or Section 206(a)(1).
2006-09-26 18:31:12 · answer #2 · answered by ParaNYC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You aren't providing enough information. A person is entitled to be represented by his/her lawyer of choice, so long as that lawyer is licensed in the jurisdiction. Federal cases, especially administrative ones, often involve lawyers licensed elsewhere.
There has to be more to the story regarding "approval". Approval for what? Certainly not just to appear before an SSA tribunal? (I did a search just to make sure I haven't got something wrong.)
2006-09-26 15:32:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is too ensure that the lawyer is familiar with SSA laws, and also to ensure that the attorney does not attempt to overcharge the client. There are limits on the amount of fees that can be charged for an SSI/SSDI case.
2006-09-26 18:17:07 · answer #4 · answered by Mama Pastafarian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋