Even if you’ve retained a disability attorney to represent you in your disability claim, it’s important to remember that the Social Security Administration (SSA) can make mistakes. If you receive any correspondence or phone calls from Social Security, let us know as soon as possible. Continue reading
Social Security and Disability Articles
The Social Security disability payment process, or what I like to call “The Land of Oz”
In my dual role, I sometimes feel like Glenda from the Wizard of Oz, as I start a client on their way down the not always golden road through the land of the Wicked. Like Glenda, I “look” in every now and then to make sure that our clients are still on the “yellow brick road” to reach the Land of Oz, or what we call “The Payment Center”! Continue reading
Nearly 6 million new claims a year means getting Social Security disability is a long process
The Social Security Administration, family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers or referral agencies refer many calls to local disability attorneys to get help with questions about disability claims. Scott E. Davis, P.C. gets calls daily from potential new disability claimants with a wide array of questions and concerns. One of the most common questions that we get is “Why does it take so long to get disability benefits?” and while we would prefer to answer all of the questions we get, there is simply no one good answer to this. Continue reading
Social Security disability benefits: it is your money!
When I first meet with a potential client, one of the biggest hurdles I find that I have to help them over is their own idea that they are asking for a handout. Our clients come from all walks of life, and for the most part have worked since they were in their early teens and never thought about the disability program that Social Security Administration makes them pay for. Continue reading
SSA suspends Social Security Annual Statements
On March 29, 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced via their website that the annual statements that are sent out have been suspended. The statements included information such as if you qualify for disability benefits based on credits you earn while working, your monthly payment amount for disability benefits, your eligible retirement information and a list of your earnings as recorded by SSA. Continue reading
Does having an attorney determine whether you win or lose your Social Security Disability case?
Did you know you can increase your odds of winning your Social Security (SSA) Disability case by more than 50% if you are represented by an attorney? Simply put, that’s a dramatic difference and one that every Social Security disability applicant should heed.
Congressional and SSA’s own statistics confirm this statement is true. The statistic came to light in November 2001, during Congressional testimony provided by Congressman Robert T. Matsui of California. During the hearing Congressman Matsui provided the following testimony:
“Professional representation is a valuable-and indeed vital-service. The disability determination process is complex. Claimants without professional representation appear to be far less likely to receive the benefits to which they are entitled. For example, in 2000, 64% of claimants represented by an attorney, but only 40% of those without one, were awarded benefits at the hearing level.” [1]
Five Reasons Judges Approve Social Security Disability Claims
The majority of individuals applying for Social Security disability have to appear before a judge to win their case; therefore, it is critical to understand how judges think and why they approve claims.
But if you’ve never appeared before a Social Security judge, how would you know how they think? One way is to spend time with them.
During my career as a Social Security Disability attorney I have appeared and won cases before over 300 judges in over 40 states. More important is the fact that whether the judge is in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, or Reno, my firm has consistently won difficult cases at a significantly higher rate than the average claimant.
This experience has provided a unique understanding of how judges think, the evidence they find persuasive and why claims are approved.
How to Prepare for Your Social Security Disability Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
Perhaps the most intimidating part of filing a claim for disability benefits is having to appear before an Administrative Law Judge for a hearing.
Dejected your claim was denied, you think “why bother– the judge will just agree with Social Security’s decision to deny my claim?” In resignation, you believe it is better to withdraw your claim than appear before a judge. To be sure, these thoughts are valid and understandable. Continue reading
Winning Your Social Security Disability Claim: 15 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make!
Mistake #1: Assuming that what SSA tells you is true. Unfortunately, some of the advice Social Security Administration (SSA) employees provides to the public is incorrect. So if you aren’t happy with what SSA told you over the telephone, you’ll be glad to know it may not be correct. The problem is, many people have told me they did not file a disability claim for years (and went without benefits they deserve) simply because a SSA employee gave them bad information. Continue reading
How Does Social Security Define “Disability” Anyway?
Have you ever wondered what the “definition” of disability is? I know you have…we all believe we know “who” is disabled and “who” is not. Heck, you can tell just by looking at a person! Doctors are usually certain they know whether their patients meet the “definition” of disabled. Continue reading
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