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March Madness: Social Security disability roundup
Each month I highlight articles of note regarding Social Security disability. This month brought several stories in the mainstream press regarding the Social Security disability program. Links to three of them are below:
- Unfit for Work: The startling rise of disability in America and Expanded Definition Of Disability Created Million Dollar Opportunity For Lawyers by
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Part-time work at SGA can be past relevant work
Social Security disability lawyers must bear in mind that part-time past work at SGA can be past relevant work. I had this issue come up in a hearing recently, and it could have derailed the claim, had I not been prepared for the issue.
Social Security considers whether or not you can return to…
2012 Waterfall Chart
The 2012 waterfall chart has been published by the Social Security Administration, and is available on its website: 2012 Disability Decisions (link opens a PDF).
The chart shows that the ALJ allowance rate for Social Security disability hearings is down to 52% nationally. This should not be surprising to anyone practicing in this area, but…
Request a complete earnings record
As I review Social Security disability files to prepare for hearings, I have noticed that the “Summary Earnings Report,” which is found in the “D” exhibits in the disability claim file, is sometimes incomplete. Lately I have had several claims where the report only dates back 15 years from onset.
In one respect, an earnings…
Sequestration and Social Security disability
Sequestration's mandatory budget cuts are scheduled to take effect tomorrow, March 1, 2013.
The press has reported that "Social Security will not be affected." This is not completely accurate. While it is true that the payment of benefits will not be affected, the sequestration cuts will affect all other aspects of the SSA, including…
Second Social Security disability blog roundup for 2013
Linked below are recent articles of note regarding Social Security and Social Security disability.
For the past two years or so I have published these "roundups" every other week. However, there are not always notable articles written on that schedule. Going forward, I anticipate publishing a Social Security disability blog roundup on a monthly basis…
Commissioner Astrue departs the SSA – soon
The 6-year term of Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue is complete on Saturday January 19th, and he will depart the SSA. Here is a timeline of Mr. Astrue's term compiled by Charles Hall.
Despite strong progress addressing the hearing backlog of disability claims, Mr. Astrue may be best remembered by Social Security disability lawyers for…
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.
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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.