Complaints

This profile includes complaints for GAR Disability Advocates's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

close

Find a Location

GAR Disability Advocates has 5 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  GAR Disability Advocates

  210 Sylvan Ave Ste 1 Englewd Clfs, NJ 07632-2510

• 

  GAR Disability Advocates

  31 Penn Plaza 132 W 31st St Ste 1534 New York, NY 10001

• 

  GAR Disability Advocates

  4830 W Kennedy Blvd Ste 600 Tampa, FL 33609-2584

• 

  GAR Disability Advocates

  PO Box 1044 Englewd Clfs, NJ 07632-0044

• 

  GAR Disability Advocates

  2200 Fletcher Ave Fort Lee, NJ 07024-5005

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/26/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 10/26/2023 at around 11:30 am I was trying to apply for disability. I thought and was led to believe I was dealing with the **** I talked to a pleasant lady named ****. When I was done I discovered it wasn't the *** I was dealing with. So I tried to call back a couple times and got no answer. I left a message on 10/26/2023 at around 12:17 pm. Telling them to cancel my application and declining their service. The reason I am filing this is to make sure that they recognize I no longer want them representing me since I can not get a live person on the phone.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/27/2023

  We acknowledge receipt of ********************** complaint.  Per her wishes, we have closed her file with our office.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/20/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I contacted them on September 19 and tried to cancel on the 20 th no answer

  Business Response

  Date: 09/20/2023

  Hello:

  We acknowledge receipt of ************************** complaint.  Please note that on September 19, 2023 at 5:38 PM, ********************** returned paperwork to us, electronically, in order to open her file with our office.  On September 20, 2023 at 12:49 PM, we received a voicemail from her asking us to cancel her account. On September 20, 2023 at 1:36 PM, we received this BBB Complaint.
  

  That said.  While it is unfortunate that ********************** wishes to close her case with our office, we have abided by her wishes and done so.  We have also advised the ****************************** of the same.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/01/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I thought I was on the social security website first if all. Then when I got a response regarding filing a claim from social security I was shocked because once I found out it wasnt ssa I thought I was talking to someone who helps you decide you could qualify for ssa I did not know they were filing the claim and representing me as a lawyer. They have done nothing on this case and I have called and only get voicemails and never get a response back. I feel like this is a scam or something and I cant get them off my case. They have not represented themselves correctly they are just here to cheat people unknowingly out of money and you dont know till its too late. This cant be a real business.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/04/2023

  We acknowledge receipt of Ms. ******* complaint.  Please note that **************** has been a client of GAR Disability Advocates since September 2021.  Based upon a review of contemporaneous records that are maintained during the ordinary course of business, it should be noted that since 2021 **************** has had regular communication with members of our staff.  It should be further noted that she never voiced the concerns listed in this complaint.  Nonetheless, pursuant to her wishes, we have closed her file and advised the ****************************** that we no longer represent her.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/06/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was trying to apply for disability and was directed to this company thinking it was the SSA. I DO NOT WANT TO BE REPRESENTED BY DAR Advocates.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/06/2023

  We acknowledge receipt of Ms. ****** complaint.  While it is unfortunate that she no longer wishes to utilize our services, we have closed her file with our office and advised the Social Security Administration of the same.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  GAR handles my disability case. In the beginning they're persistent. After awhile it gets harder to contact them. It cane to the point that I filed an appeal on my own and just updated them. Then, i would get a call here and there updating me with my case. Last was a month ago. To tell me that an appeal is scheduled and that they will call me back. Appeal is scheduled on 9:8. All of a sudfen last monday they called to tell me theyre dropping my case. Reason? I am not injured enough. I was so shocked. I couldn't say anythinh. The lady on the other line sounded happy though.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/10/2023

  We acknowledge receipt of ******************** complaint.  Her file was closed in error, and we have reopened it and will continue representation.  We regret any inconvenience this may have caused our client.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/11/2023

  
  Complaint: 20276366
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  They said I can call them but nobody is picking up my call. I have left messages in their email and voicemail. Nobody is returning my call. 1 time someone answered then he said wait my call was put in recording.
  as of now i have not spoke to anybody. 
  thank you

  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 07/21/2023

  We acknowledge ******************** rejection of our initial response.  

  
  Upon a review of contemporaneous records that are maintained during the ordinary course of business, please note the following.  On July 12, 2023, *********************, a case manager with our office, spoke with ****************  During that conversation, **************** advised **************** of the many doctors with whom she was treating.  Following that conversation, our office requested records from nine (9) medical providers in preparation for her hearing on September 8, 2023.  ********************* is ******************** main point of contact and she may be reached at *************. 

  
  When our office received ******************** rejection of our initial response, *********************, our General Counsel, called **************** on July 20, 2023 to discuss her concerns.  As of this writing, there has been no return call.  

  
  We value **************** as a client and do look forward to a mutually beneficial conclusion to her case.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/20/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In a manner still unknown to me, GAR is trying to represent me in a social security administration claim. One I have not filed. I have requested this action be stopped and continued action claiming my name is fraudulent. This was done after I received a call in which they allowed themselves to be perceived as actual Social security staff until I started asking too many questions. Once realized I demanded it be stopped both verbally and in writing.
  
  They have continued and I'm left fighting to remove them from any association with me or my Social security number with the social security administration. I still do not know at this time what all actions they have or have not taken, nor do I even know how they gained my information to start with. I'm trying every avenue to get this to stop... Including this complaint.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/22/2023

  We acknowledge receipt of Mr. ******’s complaint.  Please consider this as our timely
  reply. 

  
  First, Mr. ****** states that he is unaware of how he became
  acquainted with GAR, therefore it is necessary to explain how GAR obtains the
  majority of its clients.   Potential
  clients go onto our website and request to be contacted about a potential
  disability application with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
  Thereafter, a member of our staff contacts the potential client to perform
  pre-intake. During that pre-intake call, information is gathered in order to
  determine whether GAR will undertake representation. If the pre-intake is
  approved, additional information that is required to file a disability
  application with the SSA is obtained from the client. Next, documents are sent
  to the client to begin representation. These documents include an Appointment
  of Representation Form, a Fee Agreement, and various other forms needed to
  effectuate the application with the SSA. When the client is completing these
  forms, he/she inputs pertinent information such as his/her social security
  number.
  
  Upon receipt of these documents from a client, we file an application with the
  SSA and a case manager is assigned to each client as a primary point of
  contact. Case managers are required to speak with clients on a consistent basis
  in order to facilitate the disability application process. Please note further
  that GAR maintains contemporaneous records during the ordinary course of
  business of each of the above practices.
  
  That said, on April 10, 2023, Mr. ****** spoke with a member of our intake
  staff to perform pre-intake.  Following
  the call, GAR decided to accept Mr. ******’s case for representation.  On that same day, documents were
  electronically sent to Mr. ****** in order to effectuate our representation.  Please note that those documents clearly
  identify GAR Disability Advocates all throughout.  On April 10, 2023, our office received those
  documents back from Mr. ******, and they included all of the remaining
  information that would be needed in order to file an application.  As such, on April 10, 2023, our office filed
  Mr. ******’s application with the Social Security Administration.

  GAR refutes any allegation of impropriety regarding the
  procurement of Mr. ****** or any other client. 
  Moreover, prior to this complaint, we are unaware of any communication
  from Mr. ****** voicing any displeasure with our representation.   Nonetheless, per his wishes, we have closed
  his file and have advised the SSA of the same.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/22/2023

  
  
  Complaint: ********
   
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  For two reasons.

  1) the initial communication was not made by me. I received a call the day after contacting the SSA. The caller spent a great deal of effort to mask exactly who they were. 

  2) Not only have I previously demanded this stop, I'm still receiving calls and they are still attempting action on my behalf without my consent. 2x just yesterday and again today. I have once again informed them I will not stand for this and my next step will be to secure legal representation AGAINST them.
  

  To sum up; they are lying to you.

  
  Regards,
  
  
  ******* ****** 

  Business Response

  Date: 07/06/2023

  We acknowledge receipt of Mr. ******'s rejection of our response. Mr. ****** is correct that a member of our staff attempted to contact him on June 22 to discuss the concerns he alleged in his complaint; however, our employee was unsuccessful.  Accordingly, we closed his file ( and advised the SSA that we no longer represent him.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/20/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Gar disability associates was representing me for my ssi application. Now I don't hear from them. I call get voice mail and no return calls

  Business Response

  Date: 02/22/2023

  We acknowledge receipt of the complaint from our client,****************************  We regret that ******************* was not previously advised of a change in case manager.  Ms. ********* new case manager, *******************************, attempted to contact ******************** on February 20, 2023 via all communication avenues currently known to **.  She awaits a response.  Nonetheless,********************** may be contacted at **************.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.  Thank you. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/21/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was informed by SSD office that this company filed on my behalf without my signature or asking them do. I'm locked out since July 27th by ******************* @ ext 254 #************ No one returns a call and I have left many voicemails with everyone that I could. THIS IS FRAUD and I want to know who gave them permission. I have NOT SPOKE TO ANYONE, but my case is pending so I want answers. I want them to dismiss any ties they are trying to take my money and I have hired an attorney. Nothing to upload due to there is nothing except SS Office telling me all of this information who I'm contacting to report

  Business Response

  Date: 12/22/2022

  We acknowledge receipt of Ms. ******* complaint regarding our company.  In order to formulate a proper response, it is necessary to explain how GAR obtains its clients.  Potential clients go onto our website and request to be contacted about a potential disability application with the ****************************** (***). Thereafter,a member of our staff contacts the potential client to perform pre-intake.  During that pre-intake call, information is gathered in order to determine whether GAR will undertake representation.  If the pre-intake is approved, additional information that is required to file a disability application with the *** is obtained from the client.  Next, documents are sent to the client to begin representation. These documents include an Appointment of Representation Form, a Fee Agreement, and various other forms needed to effectuate the application with ***.  When the client returns these forms, he/she inputs pertinent information such as his/her social security number. 

  
  With the above in mind, a review of contemporaneous records maintained during the ordinary course of business reveal that Ms. ****** spoke with our intake staff on July 27, 2022 and based on that intake and the subsequent documents that we received, our office was able to file a disability application on Ms. ******* behalf.  It is important to note that our office could not have filed an application without input from the claimant.  Additionally, following receipt of an application and representation documents, it is the ******************************s (***) practice to send correspondence to the claimant confirming such.  ***** Ms. ******* implication that fraud was committed is wholly incorrect.  Moreover, following the filing of her application,our records also reflect efforts to contact Ms. ****** via telephone and email to discuss her claim.    

  
  Notwithstanding, we have honored Ms. ******* wishes and closed her file with our office, and have advised *** of the same.  ***************** ultimately be successful on her case, we intend to file a fee petition commensurate with the work that we have performed on her case.  A copy of our petition will be sent to Ms. ****** and she will have ample opportunity to file grievances with the *** regarding the same. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/07/2022

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I want this company released from my social security disability case. I have another person who has been doing all the work. They will be sued if they get any portion of my settlement .They basically have not talked to me or her with updates. Thankyou for reading this.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/07/2022

  We acknowledge receipt of ****************** complaint dated December 7, 2022.  While it is unfortunate that ************** has chosen to seek the assistance of another representative, we have complied with his wishes by closing his file and advising the ****************************** (***) of the same. 

  
  However, based upon a review of contemporaneous records that are maintained during the ordinary course of business, it should be noted that ************** became a client of GAR in 2021.  During our period of representation, our records reflect communication and work performed on his claim.  Due to this, if ************** should ultimately prevail upon his claim, we will file a fee petition with the *** for the work that we have performed on his case.  A copy of our petition will be sent to ************** and he will have ample opportunity to respond there from.  Our decision to file a fee petition for the work that we have performed during our representation is permissible under Social Security rules and regulations;namely:  20 CFR 404.1720, 404.1725,416.1520 and 416.1525.