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Steve, and others, I know I was not going to write for a while because it hurts too much to type, but this is a subject I know about. I am a Social Security Advocate. You can get an Attorney, however, they will charge you 1/3 of your retro (the part back to when you first filed) up to $4,000, because Social Security says he/she can. If you find an agency like mine or an advocate such as myself, you will be charged from 5 to 30% of your retro check up to $4,000. $4,000 is the max anyone can charge for this service no matter how large your retro check is. Both agencies and attorneys are allowed to charge up to 1/3, however, most advocates do not charge so much. My agency asks for a 10% donation to the agency if we get you on. One other thing about fees, Social Security will TAKE the attorney's money BEFORE they send you the retro and send it to the attorney. An advocate or agency must trust you or your payee to pay them as they do not get advance payment. Often, if the advocate is good (I am) they can be just as good or better than an attorney. The process is simple. Call the SSA 800 # 1-800-772-1213, ask for an appointment at your nearest Social Security (SSA) office or a telephone apointment. If you choose the telephone, be at your phone when they say they will call, they are seldom late and often early. Between the time you make the appointment and the call/visit you will be sent forms to fill out. They will ask you what is your condition that makes it impossible for you to work? They want to know the names of your conditions. Later on the form they will ask again about why you cannot work? The second time they want the symptoms. These two are important. Get your documentation together. Yes, Steve, you need to see their doctor. They are not forced to use your doctor's records, however, if you have copies of your doctor's records and send them with the paperwork when they tell you to send the paperwork in, then they will us them. Doctor's records must be CURRENT. They will not use records that are more than 12 months old. Also, be prepared to be turned down the first time. Most people are. As soon as you have a denial paper in your hand, write for an appeal. You do not need a special form. After your letter reaches them they will send you more forms. If you are going to use an attorney or advocate, get them at the very beginning. You are more likely to get on with the first try and no appeal. Now that I have typed all of this, I will go take a Vicodine. I am off all meds except pain meds. I had a reaction between the pain med and the Elepryl. Fun--NOT! So I must see the orthopedic doctor next week, and as soon as the damaged nerve in my left hand is fixed, I can go start taking my PD meds for my right side again. Fun--NOT! don't forget how to laugh, I still know Marling McReynolds Director SHCRC, the People Center Box 2017 Redway, CA 95560 77 Avenue of the Giants Phone: 707.923.5220 Fax: 707.923.5221 E-Mail: [log in to unmask]