[blindlaw] Question About SSA Representation

[ray wayne]

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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