Fall 2025 National Conference – Track II (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives) (Day 4)

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

This session explores how to prove disability using the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process. Participants will learn to navigate filing and appealing claims from initial application through Federal Court.

A detailed look at hearing preparation including client preparation, accessing electronic files, and proper evidence submission. The session concludes with post-favorable processes and return-to-work advisement.

Learn creative advocacy techniques to effectively lock in favorable findings from original ALJ decisions when cases are remanded by district courts. This session demonstrates how remand order scope can determine case outcomes.

Explore strategies for representing claimants with PTSD, anxiety, and psychotic disorders using trauma-informed approaches. Learn to adapt communication, assess functional limitations, and overcome documentation gaps while minimizing retraumatization.

Review significant 2024 POMS changes that shifted the burden of proving overpayments to SSA and established 20 presumptions of non-fault. Hypotheticals will illustrate how these changes make waivers more accessible.

Explore ethical obligations for SSD representatives including competence, honesty, and professionalism requirements. Learn about avoiding conflicts of interest while treating clients with dignity and upholding process integrity.

Discover strategies for developing evidence of low adaptive functioning and mining state agency consultant findings for cognitively impaired claimants. Learn to overcome adjudicator skepticism and address masking behaviors.

Gain essential guidance on navigating ERISA long term disability claims as these employer-sponsored plans become increasingly common. Understand policy exclusions and definitions that affect your SSDI clients.

Learn best practices for achieving success despite challenges like lacking medical documentation and substance use issues. Drawing from harm reduction and trauma-based advocacy, discover how to win cases without merit screening.

Master strategies for preparing clients for physical and mental CEs and assessing report inaccuracies. Learn how to get problematic CE reports stricken and report providers who disregard rules.

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming Social Security Disability law practice through streamlined case management and operational workflows. Industry experts discuss increasing capacity without sacrificing quality.

Learn to leverage newly unlocked A and B sections of Case Documents at early administrative levels, including DDE and DDT analysis. This practical session covers eFolder structure, evidence submission strategies, and ARS troubleshooting.

Understand VA ratings as proxies for employment earnings loss and how to incorporate them into RFC arguments. Learn the differences between 100% ratings and TDIU, and how to use C&P examinations effectively.

Understand the OGC referral process for potential representative code of conduct violations and your rights when receiving inquiry letters. Learn how proper responses can result in closeout letters versus sanctions or disqualification.