ADVOCATE

Advocate (n)

Latin:  Advocare

Greek:  Paraklete.....

One called alongside to help, to plead.

Also translated "counselor."

Your advocate represents your point of view, your interests and your wishes.

In a Social Security disability hearing there are usually 5 people present:  the claimant, the advocate, the judge, the vocational witness and the hearing clerk.

1.  The Judge presides.   He/she is a finder of fact, neither for you or against you.  A decision maker.  But the judge cannot be your advocate.

2.  The Vocational Witness.  This is a jobs expert who has been called by Social Security to give testimony about jobs that exist in the national economy and how certain limitations can restrict the ability to work.  This witness is supposed to be neutral, but certainly cannot be your advocate.

3.  The Hearing Clerk is there to make a proper record of the hearing.  For the most part, he/she is silent during the hearing.

4.  The Advocate.  Sitting at your left elbow is your advocate, counselor or representative.  This person represents your interests before the judge and strives diligently to help you be approved for benefits.  This is the only person who is 100 percent for you.

Prior to the hearing, of course, your advocate has done a lot to get ready for the hearing:  finding and submitting evidence, interpreting evidence, making arguments, writing briefs for the judge, preparing you to testify, etc.  He or she has looked for problems that may arise and has sought to solve them.  You advocate has given you a lot of advice and counsel.