Fall 2025 National Conference – Track II (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives) (Day 2)

This foundational session introduces the various types of Social Security benefits with a focus on adult disability programs. Attendees will learn how to register as a representative, construct proper fee agreements, and effectively intake new clients.

Take a comprehensive journey through the life cycle of a disability claim from initial filing through Federal Court. This session covers proving disability using the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process and navigating the logistics of appeals.

Learn the essential logistics of hearing preparation including client preparation, accessing electronic files, and proper evidence submission and disclosure. The session also covers post-favorable processes and advising clients on return-to-work options.

Explore creative advocacy techniques to effectively lock in favorable findings from original ALJ decisions when cases are remanded by district courts. Learn how to prevent subsequent ALJs from upsetting favorable findings on remand despite SSA’s preference for de novo review.

Develop strategies for representing claimants with PTSD, anxiety, and psychotic disorders using trauma-informed approaches. Learn to adapt communication to minimize retraumatization while addressing credibility challenges and documentation gaps in mental health cases.

SSA’s 2024 changes established 20 presumptions of no fault for overpayments and aligned Title II and SSI waiver rules. Learn how receipt of needs-based benefits now automatically demonstrates inability to pay, and understand current collection rates and waiver strategies.

Explore the affirmative duties representatives owe to SSA and clients, including timely evidence submission and maintaining competence. Learn about prohibited acts such as misleading clients and presenting false information, with consequences illustrated through the Eric Conn case study.

Cognitive limitations in borderline intelligence cases are often not clear-cut and claimants may mask their functional limitations. Learn strategies for developing adaptive functioning evidence, mining agency consultant findings, and arguing applicable Listings.

As more people apply for both SSDI and ERISA long-term disability benefits, understanding ERISA claims is essential. This session provides guidance on navigating the ERISA claim process and policy exclusions that might affect your clients.

Learn best practices for achieving success despite challenges like lack of medical documentation and substance use issues. Drawing from harm reduction and trauma-based advocacy, discover how legal services attorneys maintain high allowance rates without merit screening.

This overlooked aspect of claims leads to many preventable denials at administrative levels. Learn to prepare clients for physical and mental CEs, assess report inaccuracies, get problematic reports stricken, and report non-compliant CE providers.

Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping Social Security Disability law practice through transformed operational workflows. This panel discusses how AI streamlines case management and helps firms increase capacity without sacrificing quality.

Learn to leverage NOSSCR’s work with SSA to unlock A and B sections of Case Documents at early administrative levels. Walk through eFolder structure, relevant POMS sections, evidence disclosure strategies, and ARS troubleshooting.

Understand how VA ratings serve as proxies for expected employment earnings loss and how to incorporate them into RFC support. Learn the difference between 100% ratings and individual unemployability and how to use VA Compensation and Pension examinations effectively.

Social Security’s OGC investigates possible violations of the representative code of conduct, which can result in sanctions or disqualification. Learn the standards, process, and your rights when receiving an OGC letter to protect your practice.