What to Do (And Not Do) When Waiting for Your Disability Hearing

You’ve filed your appeal and begun the (probably long) wait for your social security disability hearing. There are some important things you should do and not do to help your case during this time. Do: Continue with regular medical treatment. Be a model patient. Do everything your doctor asks you to do to speed up […]

Peripheral Neuropathy And Social Security Disability

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition of the nervous system that can cause many symptoms including numbness, tingling, and burning. Peripheral neuropathy can be extremely disabling.  At the hearing level, the Administrative Law Judge will want to see specific documentation from your physician in order to determine whether you meet Social Security’s disability criteria. Your doctor […]

SSI And Savings Accounts

If you have been approved for SSI and have received checks for retroactive benefits you have nine months to spend those funds.  After nine months, if you still have more than $2,000.00 in total assets as a single person or more than $3,000.00 if you are married, you will no longer receive SSI benefits until […]

Speak To Your Doctor About Your Limitations

The most persuasive medical records from attending physicians in a Social Security case are those which specifically document the patient’s limitations.  The only way for a physician to accurately assess reasonable work capacity is to do physical examinations and to speak with the patient.  A physician who provides a brief statement indicating that one of […]

How Long Will The Actual Social Security Hearing Take?

While it may take between 9 months and a year or so from the time you requested your hearing to the date your hearing is actually scheduled, the actual proceeding does not take very long at all. Usually, an average Social Security Disability hearing will take approximately 45 minutes. If a vocational expert has been […]

Social Security Overpayments

It is not uncommon for my firm to receive a telephone call from a client stating that they received a letter from Social Security indicating that they have been overpaid.  This letter is known as a letter of overpayment. Overpayments can be generated in many different ways.  For example, if you have started working or […]

Social Security Benefits: Depression And Anxiety

One of the most common medical conditions listed on applications for Social Security Disability claims is depression and anxiety.  These claims can be complicated and difficult because of the subjective nature of the diagnosis and/or alleged limitations. As with all Social Security claims, the clarity and detail with which your doctor completes his medical records […]

Social Security Disability And Age Related Disability

If you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits and, at a later date, reach full retirement age there should be no change in the amount of your benefit.  Everything should stay the same. Administratively, once you attain full retirement age the benefits will be referred to “Retirement Benefits” instead of “Social Security Disability”. There […]

Disability Survival 101-Tapping All Possible Sources Of Income

Being unable to earn your regular income can be frightening.  The threat of mounting bills and the possibility of not being able to take care of yourself or your family is a very serious matter.  Having dealt with people in this situation over and over, we are well aware of the problems that you may […]