The reps ginnie is talking about are often former SS employees. They often seem to get more involved in their clients cases. When they'll agree to represent you is again based upon their own policy.

I talked to a lawyer today who deals quite a bit with SSDI cases. He said to go ahead and apply now since they will most likely deny me the first time in any case, and the appeal process takes quite a while. He said that if I improved and wanted to go back to work, I could always withdraw my appeal.

Sort of a can't hurt, might help approach.

He also said that my time working could count as part of my trial work period and therefore wouldn't necessarily count against me, but you're limited to nine months of that.

It was an interesting conversation. I'm glad I called.

Actually if Janke or left-handed pops in, I'm curious about the whole TWP in the first 12 months of an applicant's claim of onset. Another poster is dealing with this same issue and I've tried to research it for her.

It seems SS has always made the claim that an applicant should have 12 months below SGA in order to qualify.

For the OP, read the "before you start sticky" please! It is so much easier to do it right instead of not worrying about the denial. It's an uphill battle that way. And you're no longer allowed to appeal a denial and start a 2nd application, due to a law change in July. Make sure you have your doc/s fill out an RFC/s for you. (There's a link in the before you start sticky...) Don't apply online. It's better to fill out a paper application so you can add what you want.

The attorneys do have an incentive to stall SS cases to increase backpay and fees. The system is whack. Legal representation can be a good thing, but your research shouldn't be less even if you use an attorney or a rep. Buying a NOLO book on SSD is a very good idea.

My Rep. worked in an attornies office. That office did nothing but cases for disability. My Representative worked in that office for 30 years and did nothing else besides these kinds of cases. He just wasn't a lawyer in that firm, but had the lawyers there if there was a problem to ask about. He did keep my case moving along, and stood by me in court. ginnie

I wrote TWP, but I should have written UWA (Unsuccessful Work Attempt.)

OP should read about UWA because I don't think TWP is the right concept to apply in this case.

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0424005001

You are right. An attorney or rep. can hold up a case, so they can collect more in their fees. You do have to be careful picking out a rep. that has compassion, and does all he can do to get your case through the system. I was lucky to find the one I did. He was a good soul, who was not out for the money. He received little in the way of pay as my benefits arn't great. He also continued to help me adjust a problem I had, for no pay at all. It is just like finding a good doctor,you have to research who you get to help you. ginnie

Unsuccessful Work Attempt is EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you so very much!!