Fall 2025 National Conference – Track II (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives) (Day 3)

This foundational session introduces the various types of Social Security benefits, focusing on the two main adult disability benefit programs. Attendees will learn how to register as a representative, construct proper fee agreements, and conduct effective client intake.

This session explores the complete lifecycle of a disability claim from initial filing through Federal Court appeals. Participants will master the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process and learn strategies for successfully navigating each administrative level.

This practical session covers hearing preparation essentials including client preparation, accessing electronic files, and proper evidence submission protocols. The session concludes with guidance on post-favorable processes and advising clients about return-to-work options.

When district courts remand disability cases, the scope of the remand order can determine the outcome. This session teaches creative advocacy techniques to effectively lock in favorable findings from original ALJ decisions, preventing subsequent ALJs from overturning them.

Representing claimants with mental impairments requires specialized trauma-informed approaches to build trust and gather strong evidence. Attendees will learn communication strategies that minimize retraumatization while addressing credibility challenges and documentation gaps in PTSD, anxiety, and psychotic disorder cases.

This session covers significant 2024 POMS changes that make obtaining overpayment waivers easier for beneficiaries. Key updates include shifting the burden of proving overpayments to SSA and establishing 20 situations where fault cannot be presumed.

This presentation explores ethical obligations for representatives assisting clients with Social Security Disability claims. Topics include competence requirements, honesty standards, avoiding conflicts of interest, and treating clients with dignity throughout the representation process.

Winning cases involving borderline intellectual functioning requires looking beyond IQ scores to adaptive functioning deficits. This session shares strategies for developing evidence, mining consultative exam findings, arguing applicable listings, and pursuing federal court appeals for cognitively impaired claimants.

As ERISA-sponsored long-term disability plans grow more common, understanding their interplay with SSDI becomes critical. This session provides essential guidance on navigating ERISA claims, policy exclusions, and definitions that could significantly impact your client’s overall benefits.

This session provides best practices for achieving success despite challenges like limited medical documentation and substance use issues. Drawing from harm reduction and trauma-based advocacy principles, presenters share relationship-building and cultural competency strategies that maintain high allowance rates.

This session covers effective strategies for preparing clients for physical and mental consultative examinations. Attendees will learn how to assess CE report inaccuracies, get problematic reports stricken, request alternate providers, and report flagrant rule violations.

This panel discussion explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping Social Security Disability law practice. Panelists discuss AI’s transformation of operational workflows, case management streamlining, and capacity building while addressing ethical considerations and quality control.

Learn how to leverage newly unlocked A and B sections of Case Documents at early administrative levels. This practical session walks through eFolder structure, relevant POMS provisions, evidence disclosure strategies, and troubleshooting common ARS issues.

This session explains VA disability ratings and how to incorporate them to support RFC determinations in Social Security cases. Attendees will learn the distinctions between 100% ratings and individual unemployability and how to use VA examinations effectively.

Social Security’s OGC handles referrals related to possible violations of the representative code of conduct. This session outlines standards, processes, and rights when facing potential sanctions or disqualification, helping practitioners navigate these serious matters properly.