soc sec advocate or soc sec attorney

[irisblue]

besides the fact you pay an attorney about 1/3 of any sos sec award, what is the difference?

[elleng]

1. You don't need an attorney to apply for Social Security

if you seek the simple/ordinary benefits; applying is easy. If there are complicating factors, like disability etc, that's another story, and its possible that without an experienced attorney, benefits will be delayed or denied.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/retirement.htm

If you are asking the difference between a so-called 'advocate' and an 'attorney,' I suspect the main difference would be between the relative records of success between individuals you are considering.

[cbayer]

2. My experience has been that the attorneys who specialize in this

tend to get it done most effectively and efficiently. Advocates not so much.

They do get a percentage of your back pay, but that's probably worth it, as so many who apply without them never get it all.

[TexasBushwhacker]

3. Yes, only a percentage of back pay

They do not get any part of your monthly benefit. I signed up with an attorney from the beginning. I got approved the first time, but didn't get back pay so he didn't get anything.

[cbayer]

4. I wish more people would get an attorney early

and before they have a lot of back pay to turn over to the attorneys.

Glad you were able to get the system to work for you. It is a nightmare that takes years for some people.