A Social Security Lawyer Can Help You With Your Disability Claim
Posted by admin on Aug 29, 2009
If you are currently suffering from a disability, a disease, or any type of medical condition that prevents you from working, you are possibly eligible for Social Security Disability benefits or SSD. SSD is a program of the government that is intended to provide monthly cash benefits to people who fit into the category of “totally disabled”. To be granted these benefits, an applicant will have to fulfill the following requirements: he or she must be suffering from a medical condition that prevents the pursuance of work, or that is expected to result in death.
Keep in mind however, that various factors will be considered in your application for Social Security Disability benefits, among them your age, your educational attainment, your work experience, how you comply with treatment, your daily activities, and the type of treatment that you will undergo. Hiring a social security lawyer may prove to be very beneficial to you when filing your claim, since conforming to all of those requirements does not necessarily guarantee that you will be approved.
A social security lawyer can collect information that will help prove your eligibility for SSD. Claiming Social Security Disability benefits can be a long and arduous process, oftentimes involving various forms and documents, and interviews with Social Security Administration representatives. In case you are denied Social Security Disability benefits, you may even have to face a judge, which is yet another good reason to have a social security lawyer on your side. When you consider that many SSD applicants are often denied benefits two times or more, and the appeals process can take up to two years to complete, the reasons for hiring a social security lawyer become even more apparent. With a social security lawyer, this process can be speeded up considerably.
It is important for you take your benefits claim seriously and to do what your social security lawyer suggests at all times. If you do not follow your doctor’s instructions with regard to your treatment for example, you will just make the job of your social security lawyer that much harder. This may result in you being denied your benefits entirely.
It is important to consider your social security lawyer as your most effective ally in your quest to receive Social Security Disability benefits. Helping him or her out to the best of your abilities will greatly benefit you in the end.
Social Security Disability Benefits and Employment
Posted by admin on Aug 4, 2009
Q: How long can you expect to wait until you hear a decision about your social security disability claim?
A: There are no deadlines within which the Social Security Administration has to process an application for social security disability insurance. Some cases take years to receive a decision. Others, make it through the process very quickly. The average review time for an initial application for social security disability insurance is three to four months. Numerous things can lengthen the duration for a decision on your particular case.And there are things that you can do to increase the likelihood that your social security disability case does not hit snags that will slow down the process. A common cause for delay is medical documents that have yet to arrive. It is helpful to confirm that all requested medical documents have been sent and received. Participate in any exams your claims representative may request. Contact your case manager if you need to cancel or postpone an appointment. Incomplete or lack of current data about your condition will slow the review process and, possibly, eventually cause a denial of benefits. Always confirm that your case manager has updated information regarding your address and phone numbers. And do not ignore notifications or informational requirements sent to you by social security. It is important to cooperate when your social security disability case is being reviewed. Finally, be your own advocate and know where your case is in the review process by periodically contacting your claims representative about the status.
Q: Do you have to wait 5 months before you apply for social security disability benefits?
A: You can submit an application for social security disability if you have an injury and it is expected to keep you from your employment for a year or more. You do not have to wait a certain period of time before you submit an application. The review process for a claim can be lengthy, so it is best to apply as soon as possible. If you are awarded benefits, you will not be eligible for your first payment until after a 5 month waiting period after the date of onset of your condition.
Q: Can you work while your social security disability claim is pending?
A: Yes, you can work while you are awaiting a decision regarding your application for social security disability. The amount you earn, not the fact that you are working, is what will affect your entitlement to benefits. You cannot earn above the limit Social Security has established as substantial gainful activity. That monthly amount is currently just under $1000 pretax.