SSDI back pay is basically the benefits you should have received while your application is under consideration. That includes the time that you might have been incorrectly denied. Disability benefits approval is usually a long process. It can take anywhere from several months to several years. And that is the time period you need to be paid for as well. Not just … [Read more...]
What is a RFC Form and Why You Need One
An RFC form is a form that addresses the Residual Functional Capacity for a disability claimant’s ability to work after considering their mental or physical disability limitations. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) examiner considers the factors of a claimant’s case when making a decision to approve or deny a claim. The examiner does a write-up which … [Read more...]
What are Compassionate Allowances
The process of applying for disability benefits can be lengthy. Because of this, the Social Security Administration has a list of Compassionate Allowances (CAL). This is essentially the fast track to disability benefits. When a claimant has a condition that is one of those listed under compassionate allowances, the claimant is automatically approved. This allows the SSA to … [Read more...]
Mental Condition: How do you prove your disability case?
All social security disability and SSI cases are approved on the basis of medical records and what medical record documentation has to say about their condition. Medical record documentation can include records from mental health facilities, treating psychiatrists and psychologists, and even a claimant's own family physician in cases where the claimant is not actually … [Read more...]
How Severe Does Your Condition Have to Be to Get Social Security Disability?
How long must my condition be present and prevent me from working? In order to receive Social Security disability (or SSI: Supplemental Security Income) you must have a condition that is preventing you from working for at least 12 continous months. This is a very important factor. Even conditions that are indeed disabling but have not lasted this minimum … [Read more...]
Do I Need A Disability Attorney At a Hearing?
Although it is not required to have a lawyer at your disability hearing, having an attorney will help to ensure that you are given a fair hearing. With over 20 years of experience we at The Law Office of Lori A. Gaglione always make sure that all the right questions are asked at each hearing. We will also help to organize your case, so that it is the most presentable for … [Read more...]
Is There Hope for Social Security Administration: Will The Long Wait for Disability Beneficiaries Decrease?
Extremely long wait for disability benefits approval has left many in devastating situation- unable to work nor function properly, without funds and support. The average wait for appeal decision was over 600 days in 2017! Social Security Administration is short-staffed due to budget cuts which forced sharp reductions in staffing , along with other resources, which … [Read more...]
Who Are Expert Witnesses: Medical and Vocational?
Social Security office keeps a panel of experts in both the medical and vocational fields. An Administrative Law Judge can choose to have them at a hearing in order to provide more insightful information. Vocational experts are able to identify the skill and exertion required by a claimant’s previous job. Their presence at the hearing is helpful to … [Read more...]
What Happens After Your Disability Hearing?
Waiting for a decision after your hearing with an Administrative Law Judge could be nerve wracking. Very rarely, the judge might announce their decision at the actual hearing. However, in most cases, the judge will need to review the facts and paperwork gathered at the hearing first. A Notice of Award will be delivered to your mail address informing whether … [Read more...]
Benefits for Your Children
Your children are eligible to receive monthly benefits until they are 18 years old (or 19, if they are still enrolled full time in high school). If you are approved for disability benefits your spouse and children might receive disability benefits as well. Each dependent is eligible to receive a monthly benefit amount equal to half of your monthly disability … [Read more...]
