General

Going through health problems and seeking social security disability involves more than  physical and emotional issues. It is also a spiritual journey. Life is not easy and it takes twists and turns that test us.

I am reading a book that may help some of you. It is called “90 minutes in heaven” by Don Piper. It is about a man who dies in a car accident, goes to Heaven, and then comes back to life. The book touches briefly on his time in Heaven, and the remainder of the book deals with his struggles with his injuries and health after he comes back from Heaven. It has some good reminders about the gift of life and health, and the need to be spiritually prepared when we die. He also talks about letting others help you. The author touches on the depression he went through because of his pain, his lack of progress, and the desire to return to Heaven. Sometimes God uses our pain to touch the lives of others and encourage them.

I recommend this book. It does not sugar coat the pain he goes through and it gives us reason to hope.

When a lawyer represents you in Social Security disability cases the Social Security Administration controls the fees that can be charged. You can only be charged if you win your disability case. The fee is limited to 25% of back benefits or $5,300 whichever represents the lower amount. This means if you have back benefits that approach $30,000 or above then you pay no fees on this amount. Fees are also limited to back benefits. That is, only on benefits that accrue through the date of hearing. When you win, in most cases, you will also be entitled to a monthly check for the rest of your life. There are no attorneys fees on the monthly social security disability benefit check you receive for the rest of your life.

The system Social Security has set up is advantageous for you. You can have an attorney represent you in a disability case and you pay no up front fees, and you pay no fees on your lifetime benefits that may result in hundreds of thousands of dollars for you.

A lawyer is allowed to charge you separately for the costs of medical records and reports in addition to the fees.

Please feel free to call me, Dirk May, at 309-827-4371 to discuss how an experienced Social Security disability attorney can help you be prepared for one of the most important days of your life: your Social Security hearing.

Is there an advantage to using a social security lawyer that is located near you versus one of these national companies? The ones that advertise on the internet are based in New York or Florida or California. They may have a regional office in Chicago. But basically you do business with them through the mail or over the phone, if they will return your call.

You can always reach me on the telephone, or drive to my office, or I will drive to meet you if we cannot meet any other way. I meet with my clients throughout the disability process to discuss forms that need to be completed, doctors’ treatments, prepare for the hearing, and to answer any questions you may have. If needed, I even give my clients rides to the hearing. Some company from out of state is not going to do this.

Another thing the out of state companies do is make you pay for your own medical records at the time they order them. Why would they make you do this when you are sick and cannot work. The costs can add up. I pay for all medical records up front, and only ask for repayment after you win and you get your money from Social Security.

You can still do business face-to-face, in today’s world, and in a way that is cost effective to you without sacrificing experience and a personal relationship.

Finally, I know the judges you will have to testify before and their preferences. There is no way someone from Chicago or out of state can do this. Only your local social security disability lawyer can do this.

Remember, I cover Peoria, Bloomington, Pontiac, Springfield, and Champaign, Illinois and I would be glad to talk with you about the ways I can help you in your social security disability claim. Call Dirk 309-827-4371.

For those looking for a way to pay less for their prescriptions; found an interesting post on the www.Freakonomics.com/blog/ re crack dealers would make a lot more if they followed Walgreens business practices. It points out that Walgreens and CVS charge much more for prescriptions than Sam’s Club and Costco. There is apparently a wide price range for many prescription drugs. You do not have to buy a membership to fill your prescription at either Sam’s or Costco. With the insurance problems many of us face, any information regarding lower prices for healthcare is vital and welcome.

What do you do when the judge turns to the vocational expert and gives him the hypothetical question?

The reason the judge is asking the question is to find out if you can do your past work or any other work. If you can then you will be found not disabled.

You need to listen carefully to the type of limitations the judge provides to the vocational expert. If you have a limitation that he does not list or that is in your medical records you need to ask the expert about the effect the limitation would have on your past work.

The vocational expert will often be asked to provide examples of jobs you could perform based on your limitations. Once again, listen carefully for the types of jobs listed. If you do not understand the job duties ask for details. Listen for the exertional level, such as sedentary or light. Ask what makes the particular job sedentary or light.

If you have pain problems or medication side effects ask what level of concentration and productivity are required for the job. If you need to change positions often, ask if the jobs have a sit/stand option.

Remember, this is a crucial part of the hearing. If the judge finds you can do your past work, you lose. If the judge finds you can some other job, with limited exceptions, you lose.

Questions? Call me. I would be glad to talk about the specifics of your case.