Joanne S. Shulman
Social Security Claim Development Specialist
Member of NOSSCR
Philip A. Robinson, Associate
Member of NADR, Inc.
150 Cochituate Road, Framingham, MA  01701
Phone: 508-872-6600
Fax: 508-626-9079

You are reading this page because you, a family member, or a friend is disabled either mentally or physically and in need of help through the social security system.

The application process is complicated and many people who apply (approximately half) are denied at the first step. Of those that ask for reconsideration about 8% are approved. A smaller number go before an administrative law judge and those who are represented have a better chance of being approved.

I provide advocacy for claimants who apply for SSDI, SSIDI, relief from overpayment claims and other social security matters having to do primarily with the disability process.

Should you have an advocate?

I believe you should. At what stage of the process is something we can discuss and determine what is best for YOU.

Initial Application

I can represent you from the initial application. That way I make your appointments for interviews, help gather the medical and employment evidence needed, work with your physicians, and develop and guide your claim through the system.

Reconsideration

I can represent you at the reconsideration step after you have done your initial claim on your own. I review your file and find the errors and omissions that were made, the bad representations and the incomplete development and bring your records to a more complete state. I also work on the development with the reviewer at the reconsideration level.

Administrative Law Judge

Finally, I can represent you before an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Your file will be further developed, enlarged and refined. A complete narrative of your problem with exhibits, statements and references is prepared for presentation before the Judge. In many instances after the file has been redeveloped and examined I may ask that the agency re-examine the claim and issue an on the record decision and thereby eliminate the need to appear and testify. You and I however, are prepared to appear before an Administrative Law Judge to make your case.

Please read this comment with care:

I am not an attorney. I do not practice law. I am an experienced, qualified individual who, under the federal rules, can be your advocate in this process. I have 34 years of experience with the Social Security Administration. Please see my biography for further information about me.

What does this service cost?

Congress, recognizing that the application process has become more complicated year by year, has established a system called "contingent fee system". You sign an agreement in which you promise to pay 25% of any past due sums you are owed or $5,300.00 whichever is the lesser amount.

Sometimes the claim you have does not result in past due benefits, but does result in your entitlement to sums you are already receiving or relieves you from reimbursing the government for sums paid to you in error. In that instance we make an agreement in which you make escrow payments as the claim is pursued. When the matter is resolved the government examines the agreement and either approves it or disapproves it and makes a different allowance. It is the government that says how much I am paid and if I am holding more of your funds than allowed, I must return it with all its earned interest at once. If we are not the party approved then there is no fee and all your money is returned.

Simply put, if we win you pay a fee determined by the government. If I lose no money is due.

This is the definition of disability according to the social security administration:

The Social Security Disability Act provides benefits to those who have an inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment:
  1. Which has lasted or can be expected to last for a period of not less than 12 months; or
  2. Which can be expected to result in death.

Disclaimer - Please Read

The information and material provided on this web site was accurate on the day it was prepared. The laws and rules change monthly or as a result of court decisions. By reading this section you are getting an over view of SSDI and SSIDI. Your particular problem has specific and individual solutions and you should consult with a representative. This site does not establish a relationship between you and I, nor should it be used as anything other than an information tool.

Please go to my links page to be taken to parts of the internet that will supplement and explain more fully what you have read in this short presentation.

Last Updated: February 21, 2002

Copyright © 1998-2003 by Joanne S. Shulman. All rights reserved.