When a checklist is not enough
Some claims need a person in your corner
ClaimReady checks your records against one SSA listing at a time. Plenty of real claims are bigger than that — and for those, a disability advocate or attorney is the right next step.
What advocates and attorneys do
They handle your whole claim — records, forms, and hearings.
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- Look at your whole situation — every condition, your work history, and your records together — not just one listing.
- Gather the medical evidence for you: they request records, write to your doctors, and know exactly what SSA needs to see.
- Fill out and file the application so nothing is missed or late.
- Represent you if SSA asks for more information, and stand with you at a hearing if your claim is appealed.
Most charge nothing up front
You pay only if you win, out of back pay — the fee is capped by law.
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- Most disability representatives work on contingency: you pay nothing to get started, and they are only paid if your claim is approved.
- The fee comes out of your back pay, is capped by federal law, and must be approved by SSA.
- Asking one to look at your case is free.
Read the original wording
Most disability representatives work on contingency: you pay nothing to get started, and they are only paid if your claim is approved. The fee comes out of your back pay, is capped by federal law, and must be approved by SSA. Asking one to look at your case is free.
When ClaimReady alone is not enough
Your condition is not listed, you have several conditions, or checks keep coming back unclear.
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- Your condition is not in a listing. SSA also approves claims that "equal" a listing, or through a review of what work you can still do (called RFC). That judgment call belongs to a person, not this tool.
- You have more than one condition. SSA can combine impairments that are each not enough on their own. An advocate knows how to present that.
- Your checks keep coming back unclear. If you have uploaded records more than once and items are still unclear, a conversation with a professional will resolve more than another upload. SSA can also send you to a consultative exam at no cost to you.
Where to find one
NOSSCR is the national association of Social Security claimants' representatives. Their free directory lists advocates and attorneys near you.
Applying with SSA is always free, with or without a representative.
ClaimReady checks whether your records cover what SSA looks for. It does not and cannot tell you whether you qualify — only SSA decides that.