Chapter 4 of 5
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Part 2: Preparing to Work With a Representative
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Someone
Clear questions about experience, communication, fees, expenses, and warning signs to watch for before you sign anything.
A consultation goes both ways
A consultation is not only for the representative to ask you questions. It is also your opportunity to ask them questions. A good representative will explain the process in plain language and answer clearly. If they cannot or will not, that is worth noting.
Who they are and how they work
Before you sign anything, understand who this person is, what they will do, and how communication will work.
- Are you an attorney or a non-attorney representative?
- Are you registered to represent people before SSA?
- Will you personally handle my claim, or will someone else be my main contact?
- How much of your practice involves Social Security disability claims?
- Do you handle hearings before Administrative Law Judges?
Fees, expenses, and communication
Ask direct questions about payment and updates so there are fewer surprises later.
- Are you using a fee agreement or a fee petition?
- Does SSA need to approve the fee before you can collect it?
- What happens if there are no past-due benefits?
- Are there expenses separate from the authorized fee?
- How often will I receive updates, and who do I contact with questions?
Warning signs to watch for
Use caution, and consider looking elsewhere, if a representative guarantees benefits, claims they can control SSA's decision, tells you not to read documents before signing, refuses to explain fees clearly, will not give copies of what you sign, suggests exaggeration, or pressures you to sign immediately.
Key takeaway
Ask about experience, communication, fees, expenses, and next steps before you sign. Clear answers matter more than pressure to move quickly.
Ready for help?
If the process feels overwhelming, you can request help from a disability advocate or representative.
Denials, deadlines, missing records, and hearings are common reasons people ask for help. You can request a review with no obligation. A review does not guarantee representation, approval, or benefits.