Some non-attorney representatives will agree to represent people before the Social Security Administration. Sometimes they will refer to themselves as "legal representative," and will want you to think that they are attorneys. If you are talking to someone about handling something as important as a disability appeal, you should make sure that the person is an attorney. Ask if he or she is admitted to practice law in the State of Iowa. Ask if the person is able to take cases on appeal to the United States District Court, if that is necessary.

Also, ask if they have insurance to cover any errors they make in representing you, if they have undergone any examinations to establish their ability to handle appeals or other legal matters, and if they are subject to any discipline by any professional group, such as attorneys are subject to discipline by their State Bar Association and the Court system. If any of the answers are "no," contact a real attorney, one who has experience in Social Security Disability and SSI appeals. One source of attorneys who practice extensively in disability appeals is the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, or NOSSCR .  H. Edwin Detlie has been a member of NOSSCR for close to 20 years, and has been a presenter at State, regional and national conferences of attorneys and non-attorneys on Social Security Disability. He is to speak at NOSSCR's fall national conference in 2007, and at a regional conference in 2008. He also serves as a consultant to LEXIS, the world's largest legal publisher, on Social Security law and technology issues.