[blindlaw] Question About SSA Representation

[WB]

I agree with Ray.  You do not need an attorney.  Since blindness is one of
the easier disabilities to prove, then I would suggest filing the initial
application on your own.  This will allow you to be able to keep all of your
back pay benefits, should there be any, rather than paying the 25% to an
attorney.  

Filing the initial application is the easiest step and does not require the
use of an attorney or representative.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of ray wayne
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 6:22 PM
To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Question About SSA Representation

I expect that people closer to your home will reply, but in the meantime,
here's what I know, or think I know. 

Social Security has its own definitions, both of disability and of
blindness.  To my knowledge, neither was affected by the ADA amendments.
Also, if the guy is legally blind, that is a separate category and is
usually easier to prove than most other disabilities are.  Also, there are
aspects of benefits that apply to blind people and not to people with other
disabilities, one being the amounts one can earn without losing benefits.
So if he has blindness and some other disability or disabilities, go with
blindness.  

Finally, he doesn't have to have a lawyer, though it is a good idea to have
someone who is experienced in advocating for Social Security applicants and
recipients. 

Good luck! 

Ray Wayne, New York City



----- Original Message -----
From: "Norman, Gary C. (CMS/CBC)" <Gary.Norman at cms.hhs.gov>
To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org, speilaw at inebraska.com, "Day Also-Mohamed"
<dayalmohamed at gmail.com>, "Elaine Gardner" <Elaine_Gardner at washlaw.org>,
mbrunson at acb.org
Date: Thursday, Sep 24, 2009 16:30:43
Subject: [bllaw] Question About SSA Representation

>
>
> Greetings:
> 
> I have a good friend whose husband may be sufficiently impaired as to 
> be disabled, especially, as I would think would be the circumstance, 
> under the ADA Amendments Ac. Her husband may be filing for disability. 
> I cannot represent the husband as I am a federal employee. And 
> ultimately the friend believes outside counsel, (she is also an 
> attorney) would be appropriate. She is copied. As such, she is seeking 
> legal counsel regarding SSA  SSDI  legal issues. She and her husband 
> reside here in Baltimore. Thanks.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Gary Norman
> 
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