Navigation The Time for Learning is Now
In September of 2001, right after 9/11, I started working in a law firm that handles Social Security Disability and began learning the ins and outs of the Social Security programs. I have always loved writing, English, and History so reading hundreds of pages of medical records was not a task, but something I found I enjoyed even if I didn’t readily understand the terminology. As time went on, one of the most enjoyable aspects of this work was when we won the clients’ disability claim and we got to see the relief on their faces and hear the joy in their voices.
In March of 2002, I attended a conference in Atlanta with NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Representatives). At this conference, I started chatting with a lady who was a Non-Attorney Representative and had her own firm helping people win their disability claims. I had never heard of this position, but she was eager to answer all my questions regarding the work she was doing. That night, I tucked away in my back pocket the idea that I could do the same one day.
I kept on working in the Social Security Disability field for 8 more years assisting many clients, including neighbors, friends, relatives, and members of the community in pursuing their disability benefits. I began in the field by assisting the attorneys that worked in the firm with file development, claimant communications, and hearing file preparation. Along the way I researched and learned the laws and regulations which applied in various cases. This led me to have the opportunity to work closer in cases and develop brief writing skills, file management, and have a vested interest in the claims I took part in.
