The Hawkins Center's Initial and Reconsideration Program (I&R Program) provides representation to people initially applying for Social Security disability benefits, and to individuals who have been denied initially and have applied for reconsideration. The program is designed to reduce the painful wait and denials experienced by many Social Security disability claimants by identifying and effectively presenting evidence of disability at the early stages of a claim.
The program began on a limited basis in early 1996, and has recently progressed to a full-scale program which offers representation to approximately 45 people at a time. The I&R Program has been very successful, with an 80 to 90% win rate.
Our resources are limited, so we are not able to take every case. Cases which we are unable to accept at the initial or reconsideration stages will be considered for review again at the hearing level. Individuals represented through the I&R Program are guaranteed representation through the hearing level, if necessary. Additionally, the program offers assistance in completing Social Security forms on a limited basis.
For more information about the Hawkins Center I&R Program, e-mail
Benefits Advocate Rhonda Edwards
at rrenfro@hawkinscenter.com
or call her at (510) 232-6611, ext. 21.