Binder & Binder, a nation-wide firm of advocates for those seeking Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits, is roughly $40 million in debt and is preparing declare bankruptcy under Chapter 11, according to the Wall Street Journal.
For those of us who represent clients before the Social Security Administration, this is quite
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the amount of money you can earn through wages and still be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The SGA amount is important for two classes of people:
A person applying for disability benefits must have (or be expected to have) a period of 12 consecutive months with wages below
Having a claim for Social Security disability benefits means being out of work (or at the very least, living on a limited income). That often means that a person can no longer afford to live where they were living before, because there is insufficient money to pay the rent or the mortgage.
Some claimants
At the close of a hearing, sometimes post-hearing argument is needed. Social Security's rules allow for oral and/or written post-hearing argument, upon request. See HALLEX section I-2-6-76.
I prefer to submit a post-hearing brief, rather than make a statement at the close of the hearing. I think a brief has far more impact.
Columbus Day is one of those stealth federal holidays that does not get the attention of Memorial Day or Labor Day. It is relevant for those of us practicing Social Security disability law in the Region 1 (the New England states), because we have a 5-day rule for new evidence.
The 5 days excludes weekends
Social Security recently changed its rules regarding videoteleconferencing (VTC), and is now sending notices regarding VTC at an early stage of the hearing level. The new notice requires a decision within 30 whether or not to object to a video hearing. Previously, the objection to VTC was not made until the time a hearing was
Welcome! This site is written for Social Security disability claimants, for their legal representatives, and for the network of people involved in the Social Security disability claim process. I hope you find it helpful.
If you would like assistance with your Social Security disability claim, please contact Gordon Gates or complete a Free Claim Review form
I had a hearing recently with a terrific Social Security administrative law judge. The experience got me thinking about the characteristics you want in a judge. Here are a few:
Good listener – the purpose of a Social Security disability hearing is to take testimony from the claimant. You want a judge who is actively
Each Spring, the SSA releases statistics from the previous fiscal year in an easy to understand format, the “waterfall” chart. The chart shows the percentage of claims approved and denied at the various levels of review.
The latest chart shows that allowed claims are down at every level of review, and Appeals Council remands are
Severe depression is a basis for Social Security disability. Depression is analyzed under listed impairment 12.04.
Sometimes a patient's depression is so deep, and/or so unresponsive to medication, that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is prescribed. It is not a procedure to undertake lightly, because the risks and potential side effects can be significant.
Having representing