Frequently Asked Questions

A Non-Attorney Representative is an individual authorized under the Social Security Act to represent claimants before the Social Security Administration (SSA). We have the same authority as an attorney to file appeals, review your medical folder, and represent you in front of an Administrative Law Judge.

Yes. While most private firms and attorneys charge 25% of your backpay (often totaling thousands of dollars), Empower Representation Inc. is a registered non-profit corporation. We do not collect professional fees or financial gain from your settlement.

Social Security is a federal program, meaning the rules are the same in all 50 states. We utilize secure digital portals, phone consultations, and video hearings to provide expert advocacy to claimants nationwide. You do not need a "local" representative to win your case.

We handle the heavy lifting. This includes:

• Developing a strategy based on federal regulations.

• Requesting and organizing your medical evidence.

• Drafting legal briefs for the Judge.

• Cross-examining vocational and medical experts during your hearing.

Absolutely. Most successful claims are won at the Appeal (Hearing) stage. If you have received a denial letter, contact us immediately, as there are strict 60-day deadlines to protect your rights.

Traditional firms are businesses that prioritize high-volume cases to maximize profit. As a non-profit, our priority is advocacy. We can dedicate more time to complex cases, and at the end of the day, you keep 100% of the benefits you earned.

No. We are an independent non-profit organization. We represent you, not the government. We act as your shield and advocate to ensure the SSA follows its own rules and treats your claim fairly.

The simplest way to look at it is: SSDI is like an insurance policy you paid for through your past work, while SSI is a safety net for those with very limited income and resources. Both programs require you to meet the same strict federal definition of "disabled," but the financial rules are different. 

• Work History: You must have worked and paid Social Security (FICA) taxes for a certain number of years (usually 5 out of the last 10 years).  

• Benefit Amount: Your monthly payment is based on your lifetime earnings—the more you worked and earned, the higher your check.  

• Healthcare: Once approved, you eventually become eligible for Medicare. 

• Financial Need: You do not need a work history. However, you must have very limited income and assets (usually less than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple).  

• Benefit Amount: The monthly payment is a set federal rate (though some states add a small supplement).  

• Healthcare: In most states, if you are approved for SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Yes. This is called a "Concurrent Claim." If your SSDI payment is very low because you didn't earn much in the past, you might be able to get a small SSI payment to "top off" your monthly benefit. 

Not at Empower Representation. Whether you are filing for SSDI, SSI, or both, our services remain 100% pro bono. We provide the same expert federal advocacy for both programs without taking a penny from your backpay.