In Part I, we discussed the options a claimant has when they receive a partially favorable determination from Disability Determination Services, the Administrative Law Judge or the Appeals Council. A claimant can either accept the decision as final, and collect benefits on the terms of the partially favorable ruling, or file an onset appeal, which… Read more »
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A Partially Favorable Decision OR: I Won…Sort Of Part I: The Options
Many claimants who prevail within the Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income process are surprised to see an award letter come in the mail that says: “The date we found you disabled is different from the date you alleged on your application.” What many don’t realize is that Disability Determination Services (the examiners deciding disability on… Read more »
The 5 Stages of the Social Security Disability Process
In a perfect world, applying for Social Security disability would be quick and painless, but we don’t live in a perfect world. Instead, applying for Social Security disability can be confusing, time consuming and most definitely frustrating. To help you understand the process from beginning to end, below is an outline of the five different… Read more »
Changes in Medicaid, Opening of State and Federal Insurance Exchanges
Despite the government shutdown, the previously enacted Affordable Care Act rolled out on October 1, 2013. Depending on your state, there may be extended eligibility for Medicaid. Even if you have applied and been denied previously for some form of government healthcare, we strongly encourage you to contact your city, county, or state government to… Read more »
“60 Minutes” Segment Misleading and Alarmist
On October 6, 2013, the long-running CBS show “60 Minutes” ran a piece on the Social Security Disability system noting an uptick in the number of claims paid over the last several years (a change that is largely attributable (PDF File) to demographic changes rather than widespread fraud). This piece implied that the system was… Read more »
Payment Waiting Period for SSDI Benefits
The Social Security disability process is littered with emotional highs and lows. One example is the five-month waiting period disabled workers are faced with when they are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Many times Social Security disability applicants express a sigh of relief when they find out they are approved for SSDI, but… Read more »
What Social Security Will Do During Shutdown
A prior blog went over all the things the Social Security Administration would halt during the current government shutdown, which is now expected to last more than a week. This was valuable information to inform those who have applied for Social Security disability what to expect and what not to expect to be done on… Read more »
When a Vocational Expert is Scheduled to be at My Hearing
A huge sigh of relief usually follows the notification that a claimant’s Social Security disability hearing is scheduled. Finally, it gives a claimant a chance to have their “day in court” to prove they deserve either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Sometimes that relief is soon replaced with trepidation… Read more »
Supporters Guard the Social Security Disability Insurance Program
A news report released November 24, 2012 highlighted issues with the Federal government and spending programs for Social Security Disability. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs should not be cut to balance federal budget. As the deficit continues to grow, most agree that spending cuts are mandatory in order to see significant progress toward budget control. Exactly… Read more »
What Experts will be at My Hearing
The day you have been waiting for a long time has finally arrived, it is the day of your Social Security disability hearing. Finally, it gives a claimant a chance to have their “day in court” to prove they deserve either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Sometimes that relief… Read more »
