Filling out form requesting hearing - representation

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

I am coming up on my deadline is less than a week to file for my hearing. I haven't been able to do it before now for reasons that are complicated to explain, but suffice to say I've been alternately homeless and living on different people's couches during the last 5 or 6 weeks since I received my notice regarding my reconsideration declined and opportunity for hearing. I just tonite have secured a place to reside for the next few months.

But now, as I face finding a disability attorney to take up my case, I fear I have to race and rush into it.

In looking over the electronic submission form requesting a hearing, it asks if I have representation.

My question is this:...

Am I REQUIRED to have representation on board at the time I submit my request for hearing? If I fill out the form claiming I don't (which at the moment is true), will I be allowed to introduce an attorney into my case in the near future? Or, alternatively, if I claim I do have representation, intending to actually have such in the very near future but do not at the time of submittal,...have I crossed some line or made trouble for myself?

Did I mention I need to know the answer NOW?

Bryan
Mon, 01/16/2017 - 10:31 Permalink

Hi there,
If you're going to be going for a hearing, it can be a good idea to have a lawyer by your side. However, the SSA does not require you to have one. As far as when to get a lawyer, it's always a good idea to have one before you know for sure that you need one.

Darren Hangai (not verified)
Thu, 03/16/2017 - 00:31 Permalink

Can i Request a hearing even if i'm living in a foreign country now?

Bryan

In reply to by Darren Hangai (not verified)

Thu, 03/16/2017 - 09:16 Permalink

Hi Darren,
You may be able to, however you may also be required to return to attend the hearing.

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