Why might a representative be unwilling to represent someone for SSDI?

A representative may be unwilling to represent someone for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they believe that the person's disability is insufficient for approval. This belief can stem from a variety of factors, such as a perceived lack of medical evidence supporting the claim, discrepancies in the applicant's functional limitations, or an understanding of the criteria established by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for determining disability.

Representatives typically assess the strength of a case before deciding to take it on, as they invest time and resources into the process. If they assess that the chances of success are low based on their knowledge of the relevant laws and previous cases, they may choose not to represent the individual. This approach ensures that representatives maintain their credibility and do not take on cases that are unlikely to succeed, which could also reflect poorly on them professionally.

The other factors listed, such as a person's location, criminal record, or citizenship status, may affect the logistics of representation or the willingness of a representative to work with certain clients, but they do not directly relate to the representative’s professional judgment regarding the strength of the disability claim itself. Ultimately, a representative’s primary concern is the validity of the disability claim in relation to the SSA's criteria.