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Considering how long it takes to make a decision and the large number of disability cases pending money would be better spent in moving the cases faster with more staff than chasing a few bad guys down while the people with disabilities die or become homeless.
This is a composite of different discussions and experiences I have had with Social Security staff, attorneys and people who have had sought disability.
This fictional interview takes poetic license to give you an idea of what happens at a Social Security Disability hearing site.
What is your job?
I give the claimants the computer disc with their disability information just before the hearing, and get their paperwork completed.
I also help the Judge gather the information for the hearing and do whatever else the Judge may need to help the hearing run smoothly.
How many claimants would estimate show up without a lawyer?
I would guess about 35 percent of the people do not have a lawyer.
What do you notice about claimants who do not have a lawyer?
They really do not understand what is going to happen at the hearing. I have to walk them through the paperwork and how to open the electronic file.
And they do not know what is going to happen in the hearing.
What have you seen in the hearing?
The people without a lawyer do not know how to explain to the Judge why they are disabled under our rules.
They have no idea how to respond to the vocational expert when they testify the person can do a job.
Why do you think some people go into something so important as a Social Security Disability hearing without a lawyer?
They think that they have to pay a lot of money to get a lawyer to represent them.
They do not understand that the lawyers only get paid if they win, and the government limits how much the lawyer charges.
Make sure that you are well prepared for your Social Security Disability case. Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.
Omega conference will shed light on Lyme disease.
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Lyme disease is hard to win in a Social Security Disability case, but it can be done. Definitely need a supportive doctor.
Social Security Disability is hard to get so make sure your lawyer is helping you as much as possible.
If you need your lawyer to come see you in the hospital or at your home make sure that you ask the lawyer.
Your lawyer should help you file your application online. You want to have all the advice and input necessary before you provide any information to Social Security.
When you get any paperwork from Social Security make sure you call your attorney. Completing forms regarding your past relevant work and your daily activities are very important. You should go over all answers with your lawyer before submitting it to Social Security.
If you are denied make sure you call your lawyer right away, and go over the appeal information together and have your lawyer submit it to Social Security.
Once you reach the hearing stage you should go over and update all medical information with your lawyer several months before the hearing.
Getting ready for the hearing and discussing the questions that will be asked at the hearing is crucial.
Only an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can prepare you for the questions the Judge will ask at the hearing, and explain what you need to prove to win your case.
Finally, if you need a ride to get to the hearing then your attorney should be able to help if you cannot get there with family or friends.
Questions about your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.
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Tragic. Crazy. Infuriating. Social Security Disability really is a bad system. Takes years of waiting and then it is a crap shoot regarding the Judge you get.