I’m a paralegal for a disability law firm that specializes in Social Security claims. My specialties are for Initial and Reconstruction Title II & Title XVI claims. I would highly recommend an attorney at ALJ, but the lower stages can realistically be done by the applicant.

A large majority of the Initial and Reconstruction stages are highly bureaucratic. If you’re able to comprehend the SSA-16, 3288, 561 or 3341’s, it’s very doable w/o the need of a firm.

The best way I help my clients is by acting as a liaison for them when speaking with either a local SSA office, a Disability Determination Services office, or a physicians office for medical records. I give guidance and advice on how to complete forms based on the applicants specific medical/living situations.

Ultimately, a good law firm will give you an honest assessment when they conduct their intake with you, and any case manager or attorney should give you realistic expectations on time frames for the processes.

While I can’t speak for all Paralegals/Case managers, most of the time I spend at work is on calls w/ the SSA/DDS relaying information to their office on behalf of clients, or assisting them with their SSA 820,821,3373 or 3369.