Guidance Through Every Stage of the Social Security Disability Process
Every disability claim is different. Empower helps claimants understand the process, develop the evidence, communicate with Social Security, and prepare for appeals and hearings when necessary.
What Working With Empower Can Look Like
The exact steps depend on where your claim is in the Social Security disability process, but our goal is to provide clear guidance and consistent support from beginning to end.
Initial Case Review
We begin by learning about your disability claim, medical conditions, work history, current stage of the Social Security process, and any deadlines or notices you have received.
Representation & Communication
If Empower accepts representation, we establish the representative relationship and help coordinate communication and documentation related to your Social Security disability claim.
Develop the Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is a critical part of a disability claim. We help identify, obtain, organize, and review medical records and other documentation that may help show the severity and functional effects of your conditions.
Claims, Denials & Appeals
Depending on the stage of your case, Empower may help with claim submissions, responses to Social Security, review of denial notices, and preparation of appropriate appeals.
Hearing Preparation
If your claim reaches the hearing level, preparation may include reviewing the administrative record, identifying important medical and vocational issues, preparing you for testimony, and developing the case for presentation before an Administrative Law Judge.
Ongoing Support
We continue helping with communication, documentation, questions, deadlines, and case preparation throughout the period in which Empower represents you.
More Than Just Filing Paperwork
Strong representation requires understanding the claim, the evidence, the deadlines, and the Social Security administrative process.
Medical Records
Help identifying, obtaining, organizing, and reviewing medical documentation relevant to your disability claim.
Claim Submissions
Assistance preparing and submitting information, forms, and documentation needed during the claim process.
SSA Communication
Helping communicate with the Social Security Administration and respond to requests related to your claim.
Appeals
Reviewing denial notices and helping prepare appropriate appeals when additional administrative review is available.
Hearing Preparation
Preparing claimants for testimony and reviewing the medical, vocational, and administrative issues that may arise at a hearing.
Administrative Hearings
Representation during appropriate Social Security administrative proceedings, including hearings before an Administrative Law Judge.
You Should Know What Is Happening With Your Claim
The Social Security disability process can involve medical records, forms, deadlines, examinations, appeals, and hearings. You should not be left wondering what comes next.
Our goal is to explain the process in understandable terms, help identify what information is needed, and keep the focus on developing and presenting the strongest accurate record possible.
What You Can Expect
Representation Fee
Empower does not charge claimants a representation fee or take a percentage of Social Security disability back pay. Our nonprofit model is designed so that 100% of retroactive and future Social Security benefits remain with the claimant.
Every case is different. Empower cannot guarantee that Social Security will approve a claim. Disability determinations and benefit decisions are made by the Social Security Administration based on the evidence, applicable federal rules, and the circumstances of each individual case.
You Don’t Have to Navigate the Disability Process Alone
If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, appealing a denial, or preparing for a hearing, Empower may be able to provide free representation.