how to write a statement letter to social security removing a lawyer from representing you

by Prof. Adrianna Bayer 10 min read

This can be done by writing a letter to the lawyer and sending a copy to the Social Security Administration. You should state unequivocally that his/her services are no longer needed. Be sure to put your social security number prominently on the letter.

Full Answer

Who can represent you in a social security case?

Representing Social Security Claimants. Every person has the right to be represented by an attorney or other representative while pursuing a claim or other rights under titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act.

Do I need a lawyer to fill out Social Security forms?

Even if you don't hire a lawyer, you can still have someone, such as a trusted friend or family member, help you fill out your forms. You can also call the SSA for help at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What happens if I switch my Social Security Attorney?

If you do not inform your attorney and Social Security that you have switched legal representatives, it could create a nightmarish situation for you present attorney if your case is won and it is time to collect his fee. Some attorneys refuse to represent a claimant if the letter of withdrawal is not already on file with Social Security.

How do I Find my Social Security number in a denial letter?

Enter your Social Security number, along with your claim number (if it's different than your Social Security number). Check your denial letter—your claim number will be listed there. If you're submitting paper forms, there's also a space to sign your name at the bottom.

How to write an appeal letter for disability?

What to do if the SSA doesn't have all your medical records?

How to contact SSA about disability?

What happens if you don't file an appeal before the 60 day deadline?

What to do if you have a friend on Social Security?

How to check if you have a denial letter?

Where does the SSA hearing take place?

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About this website

How do I remove an authorized representative from Social Security?

Revocation of a Representative's Appointment You must sign and date your revocation and file it with us either in-person at your local field office, mail it, or fax it to us. You should also tell your representative. Once you revoke the appointment, we will no longer deal with the named representative.

Does Social Security honor power of attorney?

No. The Social Security Administration does not recognize power of attorney as conferring authority to manage another person's benefits.

How do I stop being a representative payee?

If you'll no longer be the payee, you must notify us immediately. This is important, because we'll have to select a new payee as soon as possible. When you're no longer responsible for the beneficiary, you must return any benefits, including interest and any cash you have, to us.

What is a statement from Social Security?

Your Social Security Statement shows how much you have paid in Social Security and Medicare taxes. It explains about how much you would get in Social Security benefits when you reach full retirement age. If you become disabled and unable to work, you may be eligible for disability benefits.

How do you take someone off power of attorney?

There are three ways to revoke a power of attorney: by preparing a written revocation letter; by destroying all existing copies of your power of attorney; and by creating a new power of attorney document that supersedes the old one.

How do you revoke a power of attorney?

If you have made and signed a Power of Attorney such as a Lasting Power of Attorney or an Ordinary Power of Attorney, you are perfectly within your rights to cancel it. It is also possible to make a Deed of Partial Revocation, which would allow you to remove an attorney without revoking the whole document.

Who is the owner of a representative payee account?

A representative payee bank account is an account used by an appointed person or organization to manage the finances of a Social Security beneficiary. Representative payees are chosen by the Social Security Administration to administer the account for a beneficiary—usually an older or disabled person.

What can a representative payee not do?

The representative payee cannot make decisions about the funds that are not in the best interests of the beneficiary. A representative payee can never refuse to care for the beneficiary as punishment for something the beneficiary has done.

What are the rights of a representative payee?

As a representative payee, you only have the power to handle the Social Security benefit for your friend or loved one (the beneficiary) and not any other money or property for that person unless some other document or government agency appoints you to do so.

How do I request a Social Security Statement?

How can I get a form SSA-1099/1042S, Social Security Benefit Statement?Using your online my Social Security account. ... Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm; or.Contacting your local Social Security office.

How accurate are Social Security statements?

The estimates on the Social Security statements issued by Social Security are only as accurate as the earnings data used. If they include a presumed level of future annual earnings that don't end up being earned, for example, the estimates are likely to be inaccurate.

How can I see my Social Security statement online?

Your Social Security Statement (Statement) is available to view online by opening a my Social Security account. It is useful for people of all ages who want to learn about their future Social Security benefits and current earnings history.

Writing a Strong Appeal Letter (with Samples)

There are many reasons why a person may need to write an appeal letter. Whether there has been a denial for Social Security Disability, Unemployment or a person has an issue with the IRS, this type of letter may come in handy. Most people, at some point of time or another. will have to appeal a decision that has been made on their behalf.

Writing a Social Security Disability Appeal Letter (Free Sample)

While the Social Security Administration does have specific forms that are to be filed out to appeal their decisions, a Social Security Disability Appeal Letter that explains things in greater detail is always necessary.

How to Write a Brief or Letter to the Disability Appeals Council

If an administrative law judge (ALJ) denies your Social Security disability claim at the hearing level, you have 60 days to appeal to Social Security's Appeals Council.This is the last administrative appeal in the disability appeal process (before federal court). The Appeals Council (AC) is responsible for reviewing decisions for significant legal or factual errors committed by the ALJ.

How To Write an Appeal Letter (With Template and Example)

An appeal letter allows you to question a decision your employer made while also presenting your case for a more favorable outcome. Finding the right tone and using the correct structure is important when submitting an appeal letter.

Sample Witness Letters for Your Social Security Disability Hearing

Sample Letter From Employer. To Whom It May Concern: I am the manager of the Quickie Mart in Snow City, Florida. Mr. Brown worked as a cashier for us from January 1, 2010 until March 12, 2010.

What happens if you don't inform your attorney and Social Security?

If you do not inform your attorney and Social Security that you have switched legal representatives, it could create a nightmarish situation for you present attorney if your case is won and it is time to collect his fee.

What happens if you fire a disability lawyer?

If you fire your disability lawyer, you could still be liable for expenses the lawyer has incurred up to that point. When you retain an attorney to represent you in a disability claim, you have to sign a legally binding fee agreement.

Can a disability attorney represent a claimant?

Some attorneys refuse to represent a claimant if the letter of withdrawal is not already on file with Social Security. Most disability attorneys will not give their clients problems if they are informed of their desire to change legal representatives early on, before they have invested much time or money in the case.

Can a former disability lawyer petition Social Security?

Your old disability lawyer could petition Social Security for a portion of any back pay you are awarded, even if it is actually your new lawyer that represented you at the disability hearing. This is especially true if your former lawyer did a lot of work on your case before you fired him.

What to do if you can't resolve an issue with your attorney?

If you can’t resolve the issue after talking with your attorney, but you’re not quite ready to throw in the towel and fire your attorney , consider reaching out to your local state bar association.

What happens if your lawyer ignores you?

Lack of communication. Your lawyer must be willing and able to communicate effectively with you. If you ask for an explanation, your lawyer should provide it within a reasonable time. If your lawyer is ignoring you, it may be time to hire a different lawyer. Unreasonable fees.

How to fire an attorney in a verbal exchange?

Even if you fire your attorney in a verbal exchange, you should follow up by sending a written termination letter. Be sure to send the letter by “certified mail with return receipt requested” so there’s proof your lawyer received the letter.

What does it mean to be an incompetent lawyer?

This doesn’t mean your lawyer can guarantee that they’ll win your case, but it does mean your lawyer should have the competence to represent you effectively and professionally. Failure to follow client instructions.

Why do lawyers terminate?

In some cases, there’s nothing your lawyer can do to speed up the process. However, lack of diligence and unnecessary delays in your case may be cause for attorney termination. Lack of communication.

What does a lawyer do?

As the legal expert, your lawyer typically makes decisions related to strategy, tactics, and procedure. However, when it comes to decisions that materially affect your interests (such as whether to accept a settlement offer), the decision is ultimately yours and your lawyer should abide by your decision.

What happens if a judge denies a motion?

If the judge denies your motion, you’ll need to represent yourself in the hearing or trial. Keep in mind that you may be charged for the work already completed by your lawyer. What’s more, your lawyer may require payment before they turn over your case file.

What kind of letter is needed for disability?

Another kind of letter that is particularly helpful in a disability case is a letter from an employer. Most often, these are letters from former employers. It can be awkward to approach former employers to ask for supporting letters, but it is often worth the embarrassment. If you were fired because of poor performance that was tied ...

What to do with letters from people who know you?

Gathering letters from people who know you can be helpful to your disability case, if you ask the right people and urge them to include the information that Social Security cares about.

What are the best sources for letters of support?

Caregivers are often very good sources for letters of support. If you have a person who helps you with tasks on a regular basis, that person will be able to describe how your condition prevents you from being able to do everything you need to do. Caregivers can be paid professionals, like in home care nurses, or they can be unpaid family members. The important thing is that they include details in their letters and that they do not generalize or just repeat things that you have told them.

Can you get Social Security if you were fired?

If you were fired because of poor performance that was tied to your condition, a letter from the employer who fired you can be powerful evidence for Social Security that you are not employable in that field. Below is a sample letter from a former employer for a claimant who is applying for disability on the basis of his bipolar disorder.

How to write an appeal letter for disability?

To write an appeal letter to Social Security Disability, start by stating that you’re appealing your decision and that you have additional documentation, like medical records, to support your claim. Follow up with 1 or 2 paragraphs to explain how your symptoms have worsened over time.

What to do if the SSA doesn't have all your medical records?

If the SSA doesn't have all of your medical records, they're more likely to deny your claim. Make sure your records are complete and accurate—doctors don't always write down everything. If your records aren't very detailed, ask your doctor to write a letter supporting your disability claim.

How to contact SSA about disability?

Call 1-800-772-1213. SSA representatives are available at this number from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Give them your name and Social Security number, then tell them that you don't want to use the online process but you do want to file a request for reconsideration of your disability claim.

What happens if you don't file an appeal before the 60 day deadline?

If you're not able to file your appeal before the 60-day deadline, you might qualify for an extension. Submit a written letter to the SSA describing in detail the reason you missed the deadline.

What to do if you have a friend on Social Security?

If you have a friend or family member who is currently receiving Social Security disability, ask them if they used an attorney. If they recommend the attorney they used, that can save you a lot of work trying to find someone. You still want to interview the attorney and make sure they're the best for you, though.

How to check if you have a denial letter?

Enter your Social Security number, along with your claim number (if it's different than your Social Security number). Check your denial letter—your claim number will be listed there. If you're submitting paper forms, there's also a space to sign your name at the bottom.

Where does the SSA hearing take place?

The hearing takes place at a location within 75 miles of your address. If you're going to have trouble traveling to the location of the hearing, let the SSA know as soon as possible—there might be resources available to help you, including money for travel expenses.

What is a witness letter?

A witness letter is a letter written by someone who knows you and has seen the struggles caused by your disability. The letter may describe your struggles, recount specific examples, or describe the changes in your daily life or relationships.

Why is it important to have a witness letter?

But witness letters help the judge picture how the evidence in your medical reports actually translate to your daily life.

What to do if you receive a denial letter for SSI?

If you receive a denial letter for SSI benefits, do not take the denial personally and try not to get too upset about it. It might also be wise to hire an attorney to represent you, and he or she will have the experience needed to present the best case for your case going forward.

How long do you have to appeal a Social Security denial letter?

You only have sixty days from the date of the notice to appeal your claim, not the date that you receive the decision in the mail.

What does it mean when SSI says you have a non-severe medical condition?

If your SSI denial letter said that you have a non-severe medical condition, it means that SSA agrees you suffer from a medical condition, but it does not believe it’s severe enough to be disabling. If SSA says that your condition does not meet an impairment listing, it means that it doesn’t meet the severity requirements outlined in SSA’s blue ...

Why do I get denied SSI?

If you are denied SSI benefits for a medical reason, it’s because SSA does not believe that you meet the definition of disability. If you are denied SSI benefits for a non-medical reason, it’s probably because SSA has determined that you make too much money to qualify for benefits.

What percentage of people are approved for Social Security?

Only two-to-three percent of people are approved for benefits at the Appeals Council level.

What percentage of people are awarded benefits at the reconsideration stage?

Only five-to-ten percent of people are awarded benefits at the Reconsideration stage. If your Request for Reconsideration is similarly denied, you may appeal the decision and submit a Request for Hearing.

How to write an appeal letter for disability?

To write an appeal letter to Social Security Disability, start by stating that you’re appealing your decision and that you have additional documentation, like medical records, to support your claim. Follow up with 1 or 2 paragraphs to explain how your symptoms have worsened over time.

What to do if the SSA doesn't have all your medical records?

If the SSA doesn't have all of your medical records, they're more likely to deny your claim. Make sure your records are complete and accurate—doctors don't always write down everything. If your records aren't very detailed, ask your doctor to write a letter supporting your disability claim.

How to contact SSA about disability?

Call 1-800-772-1213. SSA representatives are available at this number from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Give them your name and Social Security number, then tell them that you don't want to use the online process but you do want to file a request for reconsideration of your disability claim.

What happens if you don't file an appeal before the 60 day deadline?

If you're not able to file your appeal before the 60-day deadline, you might qualify for an extension. Submit a written letter to the SSA describing in detail the reason you missed the deadline.

What to do if you have a friend on Social Security?

If you have a friend or family member who is currently receiving Social Security disability, ask them if they used an attorney. If they recommend the attorney they used, that can save you a lot of work trying to find someone. You still want to interview the attorney and make sure they're the best for you, though.

How to check if you have a denial letter?

Enter your Social Security number, along with your claim number (if it's different than your Social Security number). Check your denial letter—your claim number will be listed there. If you're submitting paper forms, there's also a space to sign your name at the bottom.

Where does the SSA hearing take place?

The hearing takes place at a location within 75 miles of your address. If you're going to have trouble traveling to the location of the hearing, let the SSA know as soon as possible—there might be resources available to help you, including money for travel expenses.

Asking The Right People

  • Social Security wants to hear from people who have first-handknowledge of your condition and how it limits your ability to function. Lettersfrom friends and family can be helpful if they see you often and can describeconcrete examples of your impairment. For example, a friend who comes over tohelp you organize your medication every week because you...
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More Is Not Better

  • Do not send Social Security as many letters as you can collectfrom everyone you know. More is not better when it comes to letters supportingyour case. Instead, consider which one or two people have the most informationabout your impairment, and submit letters from them. It will not help your caseto have a dozen letters in your file if none of them provide firsthandinformation th…
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Letters from Caregivers

  • Caregivers are often very good sources for letters of support. Ifyou have a person who helps you with tasks on a regular basis, that person willbe able to describe how your condition prevents you from being able to doeverything you need to do. Caregivers can be paid professionals, like in homecare nurses, or they can be unpaid family members. The important thing is thatthey includ…
See more on disabilitysecrets.com

Letters from Employers

  • Another kind of letter that is particularly helpful in a disability case is a letter from an employer. Most often, these are letters from former employers. It can be awkward to approach former employers to ask for supporting letters, but it is often worth the embarrassment. If you were fired because of poor performance that was tied to your condition, a letter from the employer who fire…
See more on disabilitysecrets.com