I have a number of claims with clients who are age 55 or over. These cases are handled in a specific way in my office, and there is extensive development regarding past relevant work. In my experience, many of these claims are denied initially and at Reconsideration because the claimant did not fully
First Roundup for 2013
Every other week I highlight articles of note regarding Social Security disability and related topics. The blogs have been mostly quiet during the holiday season. The last two articles linked below make the point that Social Security benefits are modest, and should be protected from the cuts being discussed in Washington.
Amended Local Rules for District of Maine
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maine has approved several amendments to the Local Rules, which take effect on January 1, 2013.
Local rule 16.3(a)(2) establishes a streamlined process for Social Security appeals in Maine. These cases are routed to the magistrate judge. Based upon an Itemized Statement of Errors and a
Vocational expert for hearing has become standard practice
These days, more often than not, the hearing notice for a Social Security disability claim will specify that a vocational expert (VE) will testify at the hearing. This is often alarming for disability claimants, who are not clear about the role of a VE at a hearing.
The vocational expert attends the hearing to assist
Merry Christmas
Photo: Bridget at a Christmas party
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas!
Our offices will be closed for Chrismas eve, Christmas day and Boxing day. The office reopens on the 27th.
Social Security disability blog roundup – last day edition
I regularly highlight articles of note from the Social Security disability law blogs. The Mayan Calendar ends today, December 21, 2012. What better way to spend a few minutes of the last day than to catch up on the latest regarding Social Security disability?
Top Ten Facts About Social Security
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has published an 8-page policy brief titled "Top Ten Facts About Social Security" (link opens a PDF).
The “Top Ten Facts” are:
- Social Security is more than just a retirement program. It provides important life insurance and disability insurance protection as well.
- Social Security provides a guaranteed, progressive benefit
Guide to Requesting Appeals Council Review
The website of the Social Security Administration has a good guide to requesting Appeals Council Review (link opens a 2-page PDF).
Take a look before writing and filing your next AC request for review.
The Forgotten Millions
Paul Krugman, the Nobel prize-winning economist and Professor at Princeton University, recently wrote a New York Times column about mass unemployment entitled “The Forgotten Millions.” He says:
bear in mind that we’re looking at millions of human tragedies: at individuals and families whose lives are falling apart because they can’t find work, at savings consumed,
Disability Blog Roundup
Every other Friday, I publish links to articles of note regarding Social Security disability and related topics:
- Social Security Disability Holiday Tips by Dirk May
- Honesty, Compliance, and Side Effects: How Medical Records Tell Your Story by Anna Westfall & Anita Feldkamp
- 3 Arguments that Work by Jonahan Ginsberg
- Getting Ready For Your Indiana Social Security