The Wall Street Journal published this article last November discussing how the Social Security Administration (SSA) is cutting costs generated by the doctors employed to review cases. Per the article, the doctors are receiving less money per case reviewed, have been pressured to review an incredibly large number of cases, and are reviewing cases outside of their… Read more »
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Ask a Case Manager: I got a letter about the Virtual Screening Unit. What's that?
As a case manager, I am always glad to hear when one of our client’s gets selected for the Virtual Screening Unit (VSU). This can potentially speed up the processing time of your claim and get the benefits you deserve in your hands faster. The VSU is a program developed by the Social Security Administration… Read more »
Medical Expert Interrogatories
A prior blog post entitled “Medically Equaling Analysis at Step Three of the Sequential Process” discussed the importance of having an updated opinion from a Medical Expert. If additional medical evidence obtained after the State agency physician reviewed the claim suggests that a medical equivalence may be reasonable, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) must obtain an updated… Read more »
SSDI Testimony Before Congress
On June 27, 2012 the House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Social Security held hearings on the Social Security Disability appeals process. I’m linking to two interesting statements, one from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, and one from the president of the Association of Administrative Law Judges. I found the disparate opinions between the two… Read more »
What You Should Know Before You Apply For SSI Disability Benefits For Your Child?
What You Should Know Before You Apply For SSI Disability Benefits For Your Child? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a created an online factsheet titled “What You Should Know Before You Apply For SSI Disability Benefits For Your Child.” This document outlines the basic requirements for child disability claims. Disabled children may be eligible… Read more »
What Can a Social Security Disability Attorney Do for You?
Under the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income system, a claimant can file on their own. They can do so online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. However, while a claimant doesn’t need an attorney to file for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, having an attorney provides a great deal of advantages…. Read more »
Does Living in a Mental Health Facility Affect My Benefits?
Living in a shelter, medical treatment facility, or a correctional facility may affect your Social Security Disability benefits. Possibly living in a public institution could make a person ineligible for benefits in general. According to Social Security, if you enter a nursing home or hospital (or other medical facility) where Medicaid pays for more than… Read more »
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Applications for Disabled Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care
Most children who leave the foster care systems do not necessarily receive ample preparation and support for the transition to independent living. Foster youth have high risks of being homeless, incarcerated, unemployed, and unskilled. In addition, they are also more likely to experience physical, developmental, behavioral, and mental health challenges. In response to many challenges… Read more »
Nationwide Practice
The attorneys at Greeman Toomey represent Social Security disability claimants across the United States of America. In June 2012 alone, we represented clients at hearings in 15 states: Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin, and across our home state of Minnesota. Nationwide representation means… Read more »
Expedited Hearing Request
Due to the high volumes of Social Security Disability claims waiting for a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge, the average wait time is between 12-15 months. This can be financially straining for many people pursuing disability claims. Clients frequently ask me if there is any way to speed up this process. The Social Security… Read more »
