We offer competent, compassionate and courageous Social Security disability representation. Call today for a complimentary case evaluation.
There is no fee unless we win. We take care of the red tape and give you peace of mind.
09/02/2025
I am honored to share that I have been appointed to serve a two-year term as Director at Large on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR).
NADR is a nationwide organization dedicated to supporting disability representatives and strengthening advocacy for individuals navigating the Social Security disability process. It is a privilege to join the Board in furthering this mission and working alongside such a talented group of professionals.
I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to the important work ahead.
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07/24/2025
Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Margaret Henderson, who will be joining our team on Monday as our Senior Case Manager!
Margaret brings nearly 20 years of dedicated experience in Social Security Disability advocacy and is a proud Accredited Disability Representative. Her expertise spans every stage of the administrative process, and she is deeply committed to ensuring that clients receive compassionate, knowledgeable, and effective support every step of the way.
A lifelong Iowa City resident, Margaret holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and an Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies from Kirkwood Community College. She is also an active member of the National Association of Disability Representatives, where she was honored with the 2024-2025 Member of the Year Award.
We are thrilled to have Margaret on board and know our clients will benefit greatly from her leadership and advocacy. Welcome, Margaret!
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05/23/2025
I’m thrilled to share that Julia E Johnson has joined our team at Disability Advocates. Like Marcella and me, Julia is a former disability adjudicator with the Kentucky DDS. Although officially retired, she’s generously dedicating part of her time each week to assist with our extensive mail and conduct case viability reviews. We’re truly grateful to benefit from her experience and insight. Welcome, Julia!
11/20/2024
My friends at Atticus have made it easier than ever to look up both the average hearing office wait times and the approval rates of Social Security administrative law judges:
Please vote for Disability Advocates as the best law office ( #39 on the survey). It sure wouid be appreciated!
Voting ends September 27th at noon. Winners will be published in The Sentinel-News on October 30th.
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
08/15/2024
I’m delighted to welcome Marcella Allen to my staff! Marcella and I worked together at the Disability Determination Services. She was an adjudicator for 10 years and brings a great deal of knowledge, expertise and compassion with her. Fun fact: she helped to train ME when I first became an adjudicator!
06/07/2024
I'm so grateful for my two newest Google reviews:
"Leanne Hernandez is like a friend. She is truly awesome. She listens to your needs and is always willing to answer any questions you have. Leanne keeps you informed."
"Leanne was always available for any questions we had and explained every step so we would understand. We never felt like we were fighting alone. Highly recommend."
I truly care about my clients and strive to treat every one of them the way I'd want to be treated if our roles were reversed. Although my job is challenging, the rewards are great.
Even the government acknowledges that a person is three times more likely to be approved with representation than without. I can help anyone in the entire U.S. Please send them my way and I promise to do my very best for them.
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04/17/2024
Representing claimants in Social Security disability cases is both rewarding and challenging. As a new representative many years ago, I vividly recall my relentless search for high-quality training materials to help me hone my skills. Locating such materials proved to be an elusive quest.
Fast forward 20 years in the disability field, and the need for comprehensive training materials remains evident. Recognizing this gap, I collaborated with fellow disability professionals, each with decades of experience and a proven track record. Together, we created The Disability Academy. Our peer-reviewed training includes modules designed for those who work at the hearing level and a separate program for those who focus on claims at the initial and reconsideration levels.
But that's not all! We've also launched the Case of the Month Club featuring successful cases won at the hearing level. In these live sessions, we delve into the unique challenges faced and the strategies employed to secure favorable outcomes--whether it's effective VE cross-examination or getting past relevant work reclassified for a Step 5 win.
Learn the smart way, not the hard way with The Disability Academy. Let us equip you for success! For more information, visit the National Association of Disability Representatives' Store at https://lnkd.in/eMJMQmNM.
04/05/2024
I had a great time presenting at this week’s annual National Association of Disability Representatives’ conference in Atlanta. It was wonderful reconnecting with colleagues from across the country who share my passion and expertise.
03/19/2024
I’m excited to share that I'll be presenting at the upcoming National Association of Disability Representatives’ (NADR) annual conference in Atlanta next month alongside my friend Sandy Fambrough. We'll be sharing our insights on the most effective ways to review exhibit files, drawing from our extensive combined experience of over 50 years in the disability profession.
If you're interested in enhancing your skills through the Disability Academy, don't hesitate to reach out with any inquiries. Following the positive reception of our hearing training webinar last year, we've received numerous requests for a new webinar focusing on initial and reconsideration cases, which we'll be launching soon with a special pre-launch offer available exclusively at the conference. Join us to discover proven techniques for increasing your clients' chances of approval at the initial and recon stages.
03/16/2024
According to a government study, disability applicants are three times more likely to be approved if they are represented compared to those who aren’t. It is critically important to complete applications and forms correctly as many questions are not worded in a clear manner. It would be my honor to help you or someone you know get the benefits you need and deserve!
01/12/2024
You’ve probably heard that everyone is denied the first time they file for disability benefits. It’s not quite that bad, but 2/3 of initial disability claims are denied. You have a much greater chance of winning if you have a qualified representative helping you every step of the way. I have won 14 cases at the initial level since the beginning of December. I do everything in my power to get my clients approved as quickly as possible. If you or someone you know needs help with Social Security disability, please contact me. I assist people all over the U.S.
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Trying to get Social Security disability benefits can be confusing, frustrating and overwhelming. We will help you with everything from filing the initial application for benefits, completing the paperwork, ensuring deadlines are met and interacting with Social Security on your behalf. If you have a hearing, we will obtain and submit your medical records to the judge, be there with you to present your case, cross-examine any expert witnesses and explain the process to you. We have helped over 1500 individuals win their Social Security Disability claims over the last decade.
Overall, we take care of the red tape and give you peace of mind so you can focus on your health. Even if you already have a claim pending, it is not too late for us to help.
And the best part is that you do not pay us anything at all unless we win your case. There is no up front cost whatsoever.
Don't delay to file for disability if you have stopped working due to an illness or injury that is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months. It is important to file as soon as possible; the day after you stop working is not too early to file. Waiting too long can reduce your retroactive benefits or even make you technically ineligible for them.
Studies have shown that applicants who are represented are much more likely to be approved for benefits than those without representation. Something as simple as how you complete a form can make the difference between being approved and denied. We understand how the system works so let us put our knowledge to work for you.
We work very hard for our clients. Most importantly, we want you to get the benefits you deserve. Our goal is to get you approved as quickly as possible. You will get the individualized service you deserve and you and your claim will be a priority to us.
