An ALJ decison regarding TItle II disability usually contains a sentence like this:
The claimant’s earnings record shows that the claimant has acquired sufficient quarters of coverage to remain insured through December 31, 2024.
A successful disability claimant may read that sentence and think that it means that the Social Security disability benefits will terminate…
I get inquires regarding partial disability every now and then. Potential claimants believe they may qualify for partial Social Security disability benefits. They could still work a bit, but can no longer do the same job, or earn the same income, they earned before. Or perhaps, due to their medical condition, their earnings have dropped significantly…
This question brought a reader to my blog recently: Can a lawyer represent a claimant for a Social Security initial determination?
The answer is yes. You do not have to wait until you receive a denial letter to seek the help of an attorney.
There are some good reasons to get a lawyer involved early…
Every now and then I see a claim involving mental impairments where the GAF score assessed in the clinician’s treatment notes is higher than you want to see as a disability lawyer.
A GAF score of 65, for example, normally would not denote a disabling mental impairment. However, most of the GAF scores in a disability…
I am frequently asked about the timeline for a Social Security claim. How long does it take?
The initial consideration of your claim usually takes 4-5 months. If your claim is denied and you appeal, the next step depends upon where you live. 40 states, including Maine, use an intermediate Reconsideration step in the claim process. In…
Social Security disability is an insurance policy, and you gain that insurance coverage through the Social Security taxes that you pay when working. Social Security counts each quarter that you work as 1 credit.
How long do you have to work before you are initially covered for Social Security disability? It depends upon your age.…
This search query brought a reader to this site today: how strong does your case have to be to request an on the record decision?
An on the record request asks Social Security to grant your case "on the record" without a hearing. This request is for claims awaiting a hearing at Social Security's Office…
I am asked this question on a regular basis: Should I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
People who unable to work and are thinking about filing a claim for disability benefits will often contact me. They don't know how the Social Security system works, and perhaps they have heard some horror stories about the…
I am frequently asked questions about attorney's fees from prospective Social Security disability clients. This is understandable. Many claimants are unfamiliar with the contingency fee arrangement used for Social Security claims. Some are concerned that retaining an attorney will cost them money at a time when they are not working and need every penny.
To explain how attorney fees are handled…
This question brought a recent visitor to this blog: Does a medical statement from my doctor help with social security disability?
The short answer is YES! A medical source statement from your treating physician regarding your functional limitations is usually the most powerful evidence available for a Social Security disability claim.
It is not just…
