If you appeal your Social Security claim to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and receive a hearing, you typically must appear at this hearing or at least send a representative to stand in for you. Your representative can be either an attorney or a non-attorney licensed to advocate for Social Security applicants. Ideally, you should … Read More »
You can get a second opinion if your doctor denies you for Social Security disability. While your doctor does not decide whether you get approved or denied for Social Security, their cooperation can be vital to making a successful claim. This is because there are two ways to get approved for Social Security disability. The … Read More »
A Social Security Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is a judge appointed by the federal government to make decisions on Social Security disability applications. ALJs conduct hearings with applicants who were initially denied benefits and appealed their claims. ALJ hearings take place at local review offices. During the hearing, a judge listens to applicants appeal their … Read More »
A common reason for denial is that the SSA believes you are still capable of performing work you did in the past. When the SSA evaluates your ability to work, it looks not only at your most recent job but also at positions you have previously held, sometimes going back as far as 15 years. … Read More »
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if you are disabled. The SSA asks five questions of the applicant and depending on his or her answers they grant or deny the claim for social security based on a disability. Aside from satisfying the SSA’s disability requirements, you also must meet certain … Read More »
You are responsible for obtaining medical record evidence for your administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing. If you hire a lawyer to represent you at the hearing, then your lawyer is the one responsible for gathering this evidence. Because your medical evidence forms the backbone of your claim, it is essential to be thorough and meticulous when … Read More »
The non-medical disability requirements for SSD and SSI differ, but in general, they revolve around your income, assets, and work history. Both Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have non-medical requirements you must meet to get approved for benefits. These requirements are in addition to the medical standards you have to satisfy before the … Read More »
It can take several months, or even a year or more, to get an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. So, you will want to make the most of it when it arrives. Here is how to prepare for a disability hearing to win SSD or SSI benefits: Hire a Social Security disability law team Get the Social … Read More »
There is a strict definition of disability according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The organization defines a disability as a medical condition that meets all of the following criteria: It is a medically determinable physical or mental impairment; It prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity; and It has lasted or is … Read More »
To be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must submit a claim to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA reviews it and determines if you are eligible for benefits. If the decision is not in your favor, you have access to a multi-step appeals process to try to … Read More »