Supplemental Security Income

How Long Do I Have to Wait for My Social Security Disability Hearing?

Dirk May Denial, Help, Jobs, Law, Lawyers, Medical, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

The good news is that in Central Illinois the wait time for a Social Security Disability Hearing is decreasing.

After you are denied the second time you can request a hearing. This brings your Social Security case before an Administrative Law Judge.

It used to take 2 to 3 years to get a hearing in Central Illinois. This was a killer. Imagine suffering with pain, not able to work, and the government was denying your claim. No money for 2 to 3 years while you wait.

Now it is taking about 12 to 15 months to get a hearing. Not the greatest thing in the world. But much better than 2 to 3 years.

This means you need to have everything in order because your hearing will be scheduled much sooner. You need your doctors’ records, letters, and witnesses ready to go.

Concerned about your Social Security Disability hearing and what will happen? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Annual Statement

Dirk May Denial, Help, Jobs, Law, Lawyers, Medical, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

Do you get your yearly letter from Social Security?

It is usually a 4 page brochure style statement printed in green and white.

The letter contains some important information.

It details the amounts you should receive if you retire at age 62, age 65, and age 67 1/2.

It also explains the amounts you will receive if you are disabled, and what your minor children may be able to claim.

Finally, it lists your earnings history over your lifetime.

This information is important to review to make sure that Social Security has credited you with the proper wages over the years. If they have made a mistake it may reduce the amount of Social Security Disability you are entitled to, or even keep you from getting any Social Security Disability payments.

If you do not get this important mailing you should contact your local Social Security office and  request it.

Questions about filing for Social Security Disability or being denied? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Who Reviews Your Social Security Disability Case?

Dirk May Denial, Help, Law, Lawyers, Medical, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

When you get a Social Security Denial letter in the mail you may wonder who made this decision.

In Illinois it goes to Springfield at the Office of Disability Determination Services. This is a State office, however Federal employees housed there review your medical records and other information.

Someone with the title of Adjudicator reviews your medical records, your work history, your date of birth, your education and the Social Security law and regulations.

This person is most likely not a lawyer, and is not a doctor. They make a decision whether you are eligible for Social Security Disability and then other employees review their determination.

The review is usually not very thorough. That is why it is important to appeal your Social Security denial.

If you do not appeal the case is over. If you want benefits, then you will have to reapply at some point in the future. Failure to appeal may also result in lost benefits.

I always recommend appealing if denied at the initial stage and reconsideration stages. Administrative Law Judges usually do a better job of reviewing your case.

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

Bloomington Normal Disabilities Expo

Dirk May Children, Help, Jobs, Law, Lawyers, Medical, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

The annual Parenting and Disabilities Expo has been set for October 5, 2010. The hours are 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

The location is Bloomington High School Student Center.

The focus of the Expo is children and adults with disabilities.

There will be over 30 exhibitors, and over 200 people attended last year.

The Expo is very informative and a great way to meet people dealing with disabilities and providing access to services that may be very helpful to you.

Access Allies of Bloomington Normal and the Transition Planning Committee are putting on the Expo.

Any questions about the Expo? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371 and I can put you contact with the organizers.

Neck and Back Pain and Your Social Security Disability

Dirk May Help, Law, Lawyers, Medical, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income

Many people who suffer from neck and back problems apply for Social Security Disability.

Administrative Law Judges look to see if you have had any surgeries on your neck and back. Such as surgeries to address pinched nerves, herniated disks, or narrowing of the spinal canal.

Fusions and permanent placement of rods, screws and plates are also important factors to whether you will get Social Security Disability.

Ongoing problems with headaches, chronic pain, the need for pain management doctors can also help you win your Social Security Disability case.

Functional limitations are very important for Social Security Disability cases. For example, does pain radiate into the arms and limit your ability to reach and handle items? Does low back pain cause weakness in your legs? Do your pain medications knock you out?

Questions about your back and neck problems and how Social Security will see your case? Feel free to call Illinois Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.