As a case manager, when I have to inform our clients at Greeman Toomey about hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), a common question that is asked is if a claimant has to speak at the hearing. The answer is, if the ALJ wants to hear from you, you are going to have to… Read more »
Blog
New Initiative to Expedite Veteran Claims Launched
About a month ago the Social Security Administration announced a new initiative to expedite the processing of disability claims for veterans, who have a Veteran’s Affairs (VA) disability compensation rating of 100 percent, Total and Permanent (P&T). Earlier this month Social Security actually launched the initiative. The idea is to consider veterans who file claims… Read more »
Social Security has Stopped Paying Benefits
On occasion when someone is receiving Social Security disability benefits, those benefits will stop for a variety of reasons ultimately creating a sense of panic. The top reason someone stops receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is because they went back to work and considered no longer disabled… Read more »
Social Security Disability and Early Retirement
Despite the fact that Social Security disability and Social Security retirement are two different programs, those who seek benefits from these two programs may not be aware that you cannot collect both Social Security disability and Social Security retirement at the same time. This is better understood when you realize that Social Security Disability Insurance… Read more »
Technical denials for Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income Claims
When you file a claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, the SSA will assess whether or not you meet the technical requirements for either program. If you do not meet the technical requirements for DIB or SSI you will be denied. If you… Read more »
What is the Status of My Case?
The Social Security disability process can be long and drawn-out. The majority of Social Security disability claims take up to two years before there is a final resolution. Due to the amount of time it takes for a Social Security disability case, most applicants inquire about the status of their case several times during the… Read more »
Representative Payee
A representative payee is an individual or organization appointed by SSA to receive Social Security benefits for someone who is unable to manage money. Generally, SSA looks for family or friends to serve as representative payees. If friends or family are not able to serve as payees, Social Security then looks for qualified organizations to… Read more »
Alcoholism and Drug Addictions
Congress has prohibited Social Security from paying disability benefits on the basis of alcoholism or drug addiction. However, alcoholics and drug addicts have heart attacks, get cancer or get sick in other ways just like everyone else. Alcoholics and drug addicts who become disabled apart from their alcoholism or drug addiction can become eligible for… Read more »
Past Relevant Work and “Other Work”
The Social Security Administration considers disability cases based on a medical and vocational (work related) criteria. The first step in proving you are disabled to earn Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is to show that you are unable to perform the type of work you used to perform, prior to being disabled. In addition… Read more »
Disability Terms You Should Know
Going through a Social Security disability claim can be a confusing proposition. Not only does the process take a long time (the better part of two years) for most people, but the process is complex and full of technical terms that are unknown to the general public. Below are just a few of the terms… Read more »
