What to Do When You Get Forms from Social Security Disability

When you file for Social Security Disability they will send you forms in the mail with lots of questions about your past work and daily activities.

Do not ignore these forms.

If you fail to answer the questions, then Social Security will deny your claim.

Social Security reviews the answers to decide whether you can work and what type of jobs you can perform.

This is why it is important to answer the questions correctly.

You should fax the forms back to Social Security.

This will insure that the forms are not lost and that they get to them quickly.

You want to make sure that your daily activities reflect your limitations and problems. Often people are able to do some chores around the house, but need to take frequent breaks or ask for help from friends or relatives. This must be explained to Social Security.

Past work is important because if Social Security believes it can be performed, then you are not disabled according to its rules.

You will need expert guidance to get through the questions properly and understand why they are being asked.

Make sure that you get an experienced Social Security Lawyer to help you. It does not cost you anything unless you win and receive back benefits. Of course receiving lifetime benefits are worth the assistance of an expert attorney to help you win.

Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Disability- It Takes Forever

Social Security Disability seems like it takes forever to get through it and it seems to be getting longer.

Some common questions about the disability process.

Can we just skip to the hearing level?

No, Social Security will not allow this. You must apply and go through 2 levels of review before you reach a hearing with a judge.

Are there some type of temporary benefits while I wait?

Not from Social Security. However, some states have assistance programs if you meet certain qualifications.

Why does it take over 2 years to get to a hearing?

Many, many people are applying and not very many workers are reviewing the cases is the simple answer.

Can I cut to the front of the line?

If you can prove you have lost your house, you are homeless, or are close to death then you may be able to jump in front of the line for a hearing.

Why are there so many people on disability who look like they can work?

People will probably say the same thing about you if you get on disability. Only by reviewing your medical records can someone tell if you are disabled.

Is there any good news?

The Central Illinois hearing office is hiring 3 new judges. Hopefully this will move cases at a faster pace.

More questions? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Disability and Proof of Disability

Quick example and good reminder of the importance of telling your doctor about your problems.

While in a Social Security Disability hearing recently the Judge was asking the claimant to explain his problems.

The claimant said that his leg would swell after walking for a while and he had to sit down and elevate it.

The person had explained this to his doctor several times and it showed up in his records that he needed to elevate his leg to deal with the swelling.

This was enough for the Judge to rule in his favor and he won his case.

Your testimony at the hearing is important because it allows the Judge to see you and have you explain your daily activities, however it must be backed up with your medical records detailing your complaints, restrictions and limitations.

You never know when what you tell your doctor months earlier will help you win your disability case.

Questions about Social Security Disability. Call for a free appointment with Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Disability- State of the State

Just as the President of the United States provides an annual address explaining his view of the future of America, I will take a stab at explaining recent trends in Social Security Disability.

Many more people are being denied disability benefits at the initial application stage and the reconsideration level.

It is taking longer to get a hearing; up to 2 years.

Judges are being tougher on people seeking benefits.

More people who receive Social Security Disability benefits are being taken off benefits because SSA claims that they have made medical improvement and can now work.

There is a perfect storm of a large number of people applying for disability benefits, a reduction in SSA employees, and extreme financial problems for the Federal government and the Social Security program.

Congress has made high profile attacks on the Social Security Disability system.

The Administrative Law Judges presiding over the disability cases are feeling the heat.

The Judges are denying many more cases. The approval rating has dropped from close to 50 percent to the low 30s in some regions.

All of this means that you must be very prepared for your case from the beginning.

Do not take any chances.

Hire an experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer right away.

It does not cost you anything unless you win and then fees are limited according to federal law.

Call Illinois Social Security Disability lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

What About Facebook and My Disability and Work Comp Case?

These days there is social media all over the place.

It is fine to be on Facebook, twitter, youtube and beyond. But you need to be aware that once you are injured at work or are seeking Social Security Disability then all these social media are fair game and may impact your case.

For years Workers’ Compensation insurance companies have used private investigators that follow injured workers and take surveillance videos that may prevent recovery or reduce the amount of the award or settlement.

Now you can really damage your case if you post pictures, videos, or statements that show you are performing questionable activities or acts that are beyond your restrictions.

You must be truthful when seeking relief from the Federal government or in Court and reveal the your Facebook pages, twitter accounts and video postings if they exist.

Remember that insurance companies and administrative agencies may misinterpret what you put out in the public domain through social media and use these things to argue that you are not disabled or seriously injured.

Disability cases, personal injury cases and workers’ compensation cases are complicated legal proceedings so make sure that you seek an experienced lawyer to help you protect your interests.

Seek a free consultation with Illinois Social Security Disability and injury attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.