What to Expect at your Social Security Disability Hearing – FAQs. Most claimants are nervous about their upcoming disability hearings. This is understandable, as it may seem that the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) holds your future in the palm of his or her hand! Hopefully these answers to questions frequently asked by our clients and other
How long does it take to get a hearing decision on your SSDI claim? In Little Rock: 439 Days, on average. Yes, you read that right – it takes well over a year to receive a decision regarding whether you will get the benefits that you have earned and paid for! This is a measurement
Sample Medical Opinion Letter: We know that doctors are very busy people! They want to assist their patients with claims, but there just isn’t enough time in the day. Yet, the Social Security Administration (SSA) views the opinion of a treating doctor as extremely valuable in a disability claim. Your patients NEED you to weigh
Dear Doctor: The following resources have been created just for you. We know that the Social Security Disability rules and regulations can be complex, and sometimes, completely arbitrary. It is a difficult system to navigate. It is no wonder that doctors who want to help their patients obtain benefits often end up frustrated and giving up. Please know
Learn how to apply for Social Security Disability benefits online. Applying for Social Security Disability benefits online is not difficult, but the process will go more smoothly if you are prepared. Watch this video or scroll down for more information on how to apply for disability benefits online. [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrrAPLKBNJs&webkit-playsinline[/embedyt] Step 1: Gather your information. The Social
Why should I help my patient with her Social Security Disability case? Some doctors and therapists are hesitant to play any part in a patient’s legal case. This is understandable because… In cases involving litigation: if a doctor completes a report for a case, he or she may end up in trial, if a doctor ends up in
Witness Letters – for Social Security Disability Claimants What is a witness letter and why do I need one for my Social Security Disability case? A witness letter is a letter written by someone who knows you and has seen the struggles caused by your disability. The letter may describe your struggles, recount specific examples,
FIVE Steps to Your Social Security Disability Determination 1. STEP ONE: Are you performing substantial gainful activity (working)? What does “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) mean? This means that you have worked and earned money during the time prior to your disability. Substantial: Work that requires significant physical or mental activities. Gainful: work that you do
Deadline to Appeal If your Social Security Disability (“SSD”) claim was denied and you miss the 60 day deadline to appeal, you have to start all over with the application process. If you had a good reason for missing the deadline (ie: you were in a coma when the deadline passed), then the Social Security
Social Security Disability Representatives If you are disabled, you may be suffering from pain or fatigue and jumping through Social Security Disability (“SSD”) hoops just isn’t going to work for you. Because the process of acquiring SSD benefits is often drawn-out, complicated, and frustrating, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) allows you to appoint a Social Security