azwestdevil72

Unfortunately, she has not had any luck yet, and had to turn in the appeal (filled it out herself), before the deadline.  The social security office said it may take up to a year before she is given a date for the hearing. 

I will suggest to her to contact the state bar.  Thank you.

Mary, I very much appreciate you going to the effort of providing me that info.  That was very kind of you! Thanks a lot.

Thank you, Donald.   I appreciate that. This is unfortunately a situation I am not sure how to help my friend, either.  Seems a pretty unique situation, but if you do happen to come across info or anyone has a recommendation or input, it is greatly appreciated.  There is supposed to be a hearing to appeal the decision (date not set yet), but the letter from Social Sec explicitely says that if a lawyer represents the person, that they must either work pro bono or not be paid until after it is resolved.  I assume this is because either Social sec assumes if you can afford a lawyer (which my friend can't really afford, anyway), you don't need the benefits, or to make it so restrictive so that it is hard to appeal the decision, because most attorneys my friend has called, want money upfront.