When Should You File for Social Security Disability?

If you can no longer work, then you should file for Social Security Disability benefits right away.

There are several reasons for filing immediately.

First, the process takes a very long time.

It can take from six months to over two and one-half years to get a final decision. This includes multiple appeals and a hearing before the administrative law judge.

Second, you can lose benefits if you delay.

Social Security rules only allow you to go back 12 months from the application date to recover back benefits.

For instance, if you were found disabled 24 months before your application date then you lose 12 months of back benefits.

Third, you want to get your Medicare started.

Medicare is available 30 months after your disability onset date is determined.

If you cannot work there is no reason to delay.

File your Social Security Disability as soon as possible.

Need to help with the application process? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Two people use Holland woman’s Social Security number | Fox17

HOLLAND, Mich.— We need it to work to identify ourselves and even get loans. When it comes to our Social Security number, we expect it to stay secure. However, as some Americans find out from time to time that’s not always the case.One Holland woman found out that some state and Social Security departments have access that can prove someone else was using her number, but they don’t alert you.

Source: Two people use Holland woman’s Social Security number | Fox1

Click above to read.

Crazy story. Gives you a glimpse into some of the things that go on within Social Security Administration. If you run into problems with SSA make sure that you get some backup. Such as your United States Senator or a lawyer who deals with SSA on a regular basis.

What Happens Inside a Social Security Disability Hearing?

If you are applying for Social Security Disability you should know what happens when you have a hearing.

It is very important because the hearing determines whether you will be granted benefits for the remainder of your life or not.

The people in the room will be yourself, the Administrative Law Judge, a hearing monitor and a vocational consultant.

The Administrative Law Judge works for Social Security and spends her days listening to testimony of people who allege they are disabled, and then she writes hearing decisions explaining why the claimant is either disabled or not.

The Judge is the most important person in the room.

She asks you questions and questions the vocational consultant and makes the final decision.

The hearing monitor records all of the statements, questions and answers in the event there is an appeal.

The Administrative Law Judge will ask the vocational consultant questions near the end of the hearing.

The Judge will want to know if there any jobs available based on certain physical and mental limitations.

Most cases will result in two category of responses from the vocational consultant.

The first group of responses are that there certain jobs available based on the restrictions.

The second group of responses are that there are no jobs available based on the restrictions.

The Judge has to decide which group you fit in.

If there are no jobs available to you, then you will be found disabled.

The hearing lasts approximately one hour.

You must explain within those 60 minutes why you are not able to work.

Questions about how to make sure you win those 60 minutes with the Judge? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Preparation Tips for Your Social Security Disability Case

Ran across some tips regarding the President’s recent case before the United States Court of Appeals.

Let’s steal them and apply them to your Social Security Disability case.

Cannot hurt right?

First, put your best evidence forward in the record.

In Social Security disability cases this means make sure you go to your doctor early and often and get all your complaints in the medical records so that SSA will see them.

Do not forget to ask for tests such as xrays, MRIs, heart tests, EMGs, etc.

Second, be prepared.

In your disability case this means know the questions the Judge will ask and why.

I help you do this from day 1 and we think it about these questions starting with the application, the question packets SSA sends out to you, and continuing with preparation for the hearing before the Administrative Law Judge.

Third, do not give the Judge a reason to rule against you.

This means do not do something to make the Judge angry.

Judges are supposed to follow the rules and the law, but they are people too.

Make sure that you are polite and answer the questions respectfully and on point.

Why antagonize the person who holds your future in their hands?

Questions about the best way to win your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.