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Sometimes people who are older wonder if they should file for Social Security Disability or just wait for retirement age?

There are advantages to applying for Social Security Disability.

If you win your case you can get Medicare coverage sooner than 65 years of age. This is a big advantage. Especially if you have no medical insurance, or limited coverage.

If you win your Social Security Disability case you also will receive a higher monthly payment than you would get for early Social Security retirement benefits.

You can also work part-time and earn less than $1,000 per month gross when you are disabled.

All pretty good reasons for applying for Social Security Disability.

Questions about what you need to do to apply for Social Security Disability? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Yes, it is possible to be found disabled if you suffer from Bipolar Disorder.

Social Security Disability recognizes mental health problems as keeping you from working.

Some tips if you have Bipolar Disorder.

Keep a simple log. Use a calendar to record the bad days you have and the symptoms.

Tell your therapist and psychiatrist what affect your symptoms have on your daily activities. This will show up in your medical records and give you more credibility with the judge.

Use your spouse or close friend to testify at your Social Security Disability hearing. They should describe what they observe about your symptoms and how you are limited around the house. They should also testify about what they do to help you.

Questions about Mental illness and Social Security Disability? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

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.

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.