General

There is a question whether part-time work is worth it while your social security disability case is pending. The rules allow you to earn up to $900 a month while waiting for your hearing. The problem is that the Social Security judge may rule that you are able to work full time and this means you are not disabled.

I realize that many people must work part-time or they will not be able to live. If you find yourself in this situation and you think you can work and you have job that will accomodate your disability, then you can try it. The law allows for work attempts. Some people cannot come close to the $900 limit because they cannot tolerate the hours required. The best approach is to document your limitations, and why you cannot work full time. For example, you could ask your employer or supervisor to write a letter explaining what breaks it gives you that it does for other full time employees, or that you tried working full time and it did not work out. You might ask your doctor to document your limitations and what recommendations she has for your work limits. Above all, remember you will have to explain why you can work part-time but cannot stretch to work full time.

The Federal Budget battles continue and this affects everyone who is applying for Social Security Disability. No budget, then no additional judges to hear cases faster. No budget, then no overtime pay to allow SSA employees to work on more cases. No budget, then no new workers to prepare more cases for hearing.

The Social Security disability case back log continues to make news throughout the country. Radio and television stations have been running stories about disabled people losing their houses and going bankrupt due to the long waiting times for decisions. Any changes are going to be slow, but at least the federal elected officials are aware of the problem and know that they are in the spot light.

It does not hurt to make phone calls and send emails to encourage your congress people and United States Senators to support more money for the Social Security budget.

I just had a Workers’ Compensation trial today for a client who wanted open medical benefits. He had a hand injury and was concerned that at some point in the future he would need medical treatment. The insurance companies want you to settle the case so everything closed out. Good for them. Not so good for you. When you settle, all future medical is your responsibility.

The trial takes a little more work but it preserves your rights to future medical benefits. It is not a perfect system, however, it is the only way to protect your opportunity to get medical benefits. You receive your money and keep your medical in play.

Any questions call Dirk at 309-827-4371 regarding Workers’ Compensation claims in Bloomington, Springfield, Peoria, Pontiac, Decatur and Champaign, Illinois.

People often ask if it matters when they file for Social Security Disability.

You should file for Social Security as soon as it appears that you will not be able to work. The reason is that the process takes a long time. Up to three years in certain parts of the country. So the sooner you get started the better. In Central Illinois, I am now representing clients in hearings who filed for a hearing 2 years ago.

Another reason to file quickly is that you can only recover back benefits for one year before your Social Security application date. You want to protect as much of your back benefits as possible. Finally, you are eligible for medicare approximately 30 months from your onset of disability. This is an important benefit that you want to take advantage of as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about filing for your Social Security disability please call me. I cover Peoria, Bloomington, Pontiac, Springfield, Decatur and Champaign, Illinois.

The main problem injured workers have is finding a lawyer who will take their case to trial.

You should ask your prospective attorney if they are willing to bring your Workers Compensation case to trial. If they will not, then your settlement value will drop.
In addition, the only way you can get open medical benefits is to have a trial.

If your Workers Compensation Lawyer will not bring your case to trial you have the right to seek another attorney.
Remember this is your case, the attorney works for you.

I have brought cases to trial for many Workers Compensation clients throughout Central Illinois- Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield, Decatur and Champaign, Illinois.
Please feel free to call me- Dirk May at 309-827-4371.