What an AR can do.
- Communicate with claims staff and access your case file.
- File claims, submit objections, request hearings, and appeal decisions.
- Request medical authorizations and receive copies of decisions.
The protections built into the law.
- You appoint them in writing — signed by you, one representative at a time.
- Fees are capped: generally 2% of an initial award, 10% if the claim was re-filed after a denial. Anyone quoting more is quoting wrong.
- Conflict of interest: the DOL will not recognize a representative who profits from the claim beyond the lawful fee — which is why your home health agency, which bills the DOL for your care, cannot also run your claim.
You do not need an AR at all to file: the free Resource Center helps anyone, and paying a percentage is never required. An experienced AR earns their fee on contested and complex claims — objections, reopenings, impairment.
Common questions.
Can my daughter be my AR?
Yes — unless she is also being paid as your family health aide. The DOL treats that combination as a conflict; pick one role per person.
Does Alara act as anyone’s AR?
No. We provide the care and the documentation, and we point you to the Resource Center or an experienced representative for the claim itself. That separation protects you.
Sources: DEEOIC, Authorized Representative and conflict-of-interest guidance.