Social Security Disability

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

Dirk May Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income ,

In order to get Social Security Disability you must have worked and paid enough into Social Security to get your disability.

Current rules require enough paid in credits for 5 of the last 10 years.

Some examples of problems qualifying for SSDI are people who have been out the work force for a number of years, self-employment, or working for a school district or university that does not pay into Social Security.

The advantage of SSDI is that you are typically paid more money per month than SSI, there are no limits on the assets you can possess, and you can work part time up to a set amount without penalty.

You should apply for Social Security Disability as soon as you determine you can no longer work. This will prevent you from missing out on important SSDI benefits because you waited too long to file.

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

Disability Denials: Congressman wants investigation

Dirk May Social Security Disability ,

https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2019/06/05/social-security-disability-benefits-gao-investigation-rep-john-larson/1359732001/

Click above to read.

Social Security hires doctors to review a large number of people applying for disability. The quality of the reviews was the subject of a newspaper investigative report in Tennessee. This happens in every state.

Doctor letters for Your Social Security Disability

Dirk May Social Security Disability ,

Ask your doctor if she is willing to write a letter that you may use in your Social Security Disability case.

Some doctors are willing to help out if they know what to write.

A general letter with the conclusion that you are disabled will be ignored and will not help.

The Judge is interested in the severity of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily activities.

For instance, do your headaches occur once a week and you have to lay down for 3 to 4 hours at a time? Are your medications reducing the frequency of your headaches but not eliminating them?

Will your condition cause you to need to take multiple breaks throughout the day on a regular basis?

Do you need to elevate your legs waist height and above for several hours throughout the day?

Ask the doctor to include your specific limitations in your letter.

The medical records must support what your doctor writes so make sure that you keep your doctor and nurses informed on your ongoing problems and limitations.

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

Preparing Your Social Security Disability Case

Dirk May Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income ,

If you cannot work and need to file for Social Security Disability you must make sure that you have the foundation laid for your case.

First, going to the doctor and explaining your major conditions and limitations is mandatory.

Social Security relies on what is in your medical records.

Your testimony paints the picture, but what is in the medical records is the main part of your case.

An example is “my low back hurts most of the day and it is hard to stand more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. I have to sit in a recliner with my feet up off and on throughout the day.”

Second, get prescriptions from your medical providers.

For example, do not just use a cane. Ask the doctor for a prescription for the cane. Then you can ask insurance to pay for the cane and it shows the doctor is acknowledging your need for an assistive device.

Third, ask the doctor to explain in writing how severe your symptoms are and how they may impact your daily activities.

Not all doctors will agree to do this. However, it is worth it to ask.

Fourth, get your xrays, MRIs, and testing done so that you have objective proof of your conditions.

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