Comments by Florida Congressman Allen West – comparing Social Security Disability benefits to ‘modern, 21st century slavery’ – are generating lots of chatter on the internet. Congressman West does not explain how, exactly, an insurance policy that American taxpayers have paid into through their own earnings is somehow analogous to forced labor secured by threat… Read more »
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Why does Social Security Disability Take So Long?
The most asked question by anyone who has ever gone through the Social Security disability process has to be “why does it take so long?” In reality, it’s an easy question to answer, but not as easily accepted. Most of the people who apply and are awarded benefits for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or… Read more »
SSA Cutting Costs?
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… Read more »
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… 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… 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 »
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 »
Social Security Disability is Not Charity
Most people who file for Social Security disability never dreamed they would be asking the government for assistance because they could not longer work, but eventually they realize they have no other choice. As Americans we are told at an early age the importance of a hard day’s work, but what happens when you are… Read more »
