We are in the middle of a five year demonstration of allowing withholding of fees for non-attorney representatives of Social Security claimants. These non-attorneys must meet certain standards, which include passing a 50 question multiple choice exam. The demonstration also involves withholding of fees in SSI cases. The legislation that created this demonstration requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to do a study on non-attorney withholding and SSI withholding. It is already clear that SSI withholding is non-controversial. Non-attorney withholding remains controversial.
Someone who identifies himself or herself as "NC Rep" (and who is not me) reports on the SSAS Connect board that ALJs at the Charleston, SC hearing office have been completing individual evaluation forms on attorneys and non-attorney representatives appearing before them, apparently as part of the GAO study.
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