ADVOCATE ad·​vo·​cate | \ ˈad-və-kət , -ˌkāt

Do you need an advocate? What is an advocate and what does he or she do?

The basic meaning of advocate is "one called to your side for help or support."

So your advocate is your ally, your confidante, your helper.

I happen to be a disability advocate. Specifically, I'm an advocate for disabled individuals who are trying to get government benefits, such as Social Security disability.

Here is what you can expect from your advocate:

1. HELP. You have entered into a new, confusing endeavor that is outside your comfort zone. Your advocate helps you understand the goal, the problems in getting there, and how to be successful.

2. KNOWLEDGE. Your advocate must have a knowledge of what he or she is helping you with. In this case, it's a knowledge of Social Security disability--their rules, regulations, procedures, requirements, etc.

3. GUIDANCE AND ADVICE. The journey from disability to benefit approval can be long, frustrating and painful. Your advocate must do all in his or her power to make the ordeal less stressful and less painful. It may be answering your questions, telling you what to expect, or how to prepare. It will include handling hundreds of pieces of paperwork, forms, and correspondence. An advocate should worry about your case so you don't have to.

4. HONESTY. Your advocate must share the good and the bad with you, so you have are fully informed about your rights. He or she has the responsibility to listen to you, get to know your situation, and react professionally and effectively to the best of his/her ability.

It goes without saying that an advocate should always push for the best interests of the client. Advice must that which benefits the client, not the advocate. At the end of the day, I want the client to say, "I'm glad that man was on my side."

_______

Charles Forsythe is founder and partner in The Forsythe Firm, advocates for the disabled, in Huntsville, AL. (256) 503-8151. (256) 799-0297.