NeuroTalk Support Groups - What does a congress person do to help one's case

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What does a congress person do to help one's case

I'm curious just what it is that they do? Would they really have the time to review my case & see how it's been going on now for four years? Do they ever contact Social Security & say approve this person? (wishful thinking I know) (LOL)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halo (Post 989300)

I'm curious just what it is that they do? Would they really have the time to review my case & see how it's been going on now for four years? Do they ever contact Social Security & say approve this person? (wishful thinking I know) (LOL)

As far as I know, if you are in dire straights while waiting for a decision...losing your home, becoming homeless, living in a shelter, etc. the congress person can push for an emergency hearing (ALJ).
Not sure if the above is state wide and/or it depends on the State's backlog. I can only speak for New Jersey which has a 3-5 year backlog. If you have an attorney, the congress person works through them. The atty must show cause for this emergency hearing which usually occurs within 30-60 days. Not sure how this works if you do not have an attorney. Probably, the congress person will have their "representative" deal w/you initially.
Only the ALJ & Federal Judge has the authority to approve or disapprove a claim. NOT the congress person.

I didn't hire an attorney until my ALJ hearing. My attorney did ask me about my "financial & housing" situation in case I needed a speedy hearing. Thankfully, I was not in that type of situation.

I do believe a regular here, did have their Congress person intervene on their behalf successfully w/o an attorney. Hopefully, they will see your post & respond.

Usually, a congressional inquiry means that different officials at SSA will take another look at your case to see if there were any procedural errors or may be able to move a payment processing action to be moved to the head of the line for specific reasons like unreasonable delay or dire need. But no, a congressperson does not have any authority to instruct SSA to pay a claim.