My name is John La Croix. I am an Eligible for Direct Pay Non-Attorney [EDPNA] who represents Social Security disability claimants in their pursuits of Title II Social Security Disability Insurance -- often called DIB or SSDI -- and Title XVI Supplemental Security Income -- SSI -- benefits.
From assisting with initial applications to appearances in hearings with Administrative Law Judges [ALJs] from Social Security's Hearings office [formerly the Office of Hearings Operations], I represent claimants before the United States Social Security Administration.
The easiest ways to see if I can help you are to call me at (303) 517-7663 or to email me at john@edpnarep.com.
I have worked on thousands of claims as a paralegal and case manager in a private attorney's Social Security Disability practice for over two decades. I have held the status of Eligible for Direct Pay Non-Attorney [EDPNA] since 2011 when I passed the EDPNA exam offered by the Social Security Administration [SSA] in Saint Louis, MO. I have complied with all of the requirements to maintain the eligibility for direct payment continuously, without interruption, since I passed the EDPNA examination, a proctored in-person exam back then, that was administered at Washington University.
The eligibility for direct payment is not a certification, license, or accreditation, and to claim so likely goes against the Regulations. It is an authorization status required for direct payment. An "accreditation" as a representative from an organization like NADR means absolutely nothing to Social Security. You do not need to get a representative to start an application process. You can even go through the entire application and administrative appeals process without a representative, if you wish to do so.
This SSA pamphlet talks about representation from Social Security's perspective https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10075.pdf.
I am glad to talk to anyone about their issues, questions, and concerns regarding Title II Social Security Disability Insurance -- DIB/SSDI -- and Title XVI Supplemental Security Income -- SSI. The virtual nature of the appeals process -- most hearings by administrative law judges are by telephone or video -- enables me to represent clients in all 50 States, as well as Title II DIB/SSDI claimants who may be abroad.
After a claimant signs an Appointment of Representative [Form SSA 1696] and a Contingent Fee Agreement with me, I will file it to have access to their electronic claim file through Social Security's Electronic Records Express [ERE] system, an essential tool to track, evaluate, and update a claim with SSA.
I recommend that you verify that your representative has access to ERE as it is an invaluable system no matter who you choose to represent you in your claim.
The Appeals Council is a level of review SSA offers if a claimant disagrees with an Unfavorable decision or aspects of an otherwise Favorable decision. As noted above, I am happy to talk with anyone regarding their issues, questions, and concerns regarding Title II Social Security Disability Insurance -- DIB/SSDI -- and Title XVI Supplemental Security Income -- SSI. That said, I do not typically take on clients who want to file a Request for Review of Decision/Order to appeal an ALJ denial, especially I did not represent you at the ALJ hearing.
Social Security disability representation fees for non-attorneys are the same as the representation fees for attorneys: 25% of your past-due (back) benefits if you are approved, capped at a maximum of $9,200 (as of November 30, 2024). You only pay if you win your case; the fee is deducted directly from your lump-sum back pay. No fee is taken from future monthly payments. This is called a contingent fee arrangement. Out of pocket expenses, if any, are billed separately, and usually do not exceed $150.00 per claim. https://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_agreements.htm
Give me a call. If I don't think I can help you, I will try to point you in a helpful direction.