SSD lawyer

Sequestration: How Will it Affect Social Security Disability?

The federal government sequestration’s mandatory budget cuts are in effect as of the beginning of March this year. The Social Security Administration (SSA) benefit payments will not be affected, though all other aspects of SSA will be by reducing the SSA’s administrative budget. SSA field and hearing office operations will be affected, with predictions of longer wait times in the offices and on the phone lines. Initial disability claims at the pending level will increase by over 140,00, and may have to wait an additional two weeks for an initial decision. Thousands of employees may be let go in result… Learn More

Social Security Administration Adds New Compassionate Allowance Conditions

In late 2012, the Social Security Administration (SSA) added 35 new Compassionate Allowance (CAL) conditions, increasing the total number of conditions to 200. CAL conditions include cancers, neurological, immune system, and other disorders. For people who have a condition on the list, Social Security has eliminated the need to fully examine the applicant’s work history to make a decision, as these conditions are severe enough. About 150,000 claimants each year are able to “fast-track” to the initial claims level because of the Compassionate Allowance and Quick Disability Determination (QDD). Though QDDs occur only at the initial claims level, conditions on… Learn More

Social Security Implements Changes for 2013

Social Security has created several new rules that are in effect this year. Many tasks that required a visit to a Social Security office can now be completed online. For example, the amount of retirees claiming Social Security payments online is increasing. Beneficiaries can now access their statements, payment history, and benefit verification letters online. This convenience will minimize conversations that need to occur face to face between Social Security workers and the public. Social Security offices have been closing 30 minutes early since November of 2012 in order to save money and avoid paying overtime to its workers. The… Learn More

Social Security Disability at The Initial Level: The Factors

A study of the initial level allowance rates for Social Security Disability has shown that several factors that are outside the control of Disability Determination Services (DDS) may explain difference in allowance rates from one DDS to another. Results from the examination show that the following factors affect the likelihood that a claim will be allowed at the initial level of disability: Older individuals are more likely than children to receive a favorable decision at the initial level. Those with a musculoskeletal diagnosis are less likely to receive a favorable decision than applicants with other primary diagnoses. Applicants with intellectual… Learn More

Social Security Disability in Federal Budget Balance

Leading up to the presidential election, there was heavy discussion about spending cuts in order to balance the federal budget. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits program was among one of the items many politicians argue to be a waste of federal budget spending. The basis of their argument is that there is an increasing number of claimants receiving benefits who are not disabled. However, adversaries of the program do not mention vital facts about SSDI. The increase in the number of SSDI cases is due to two things. First, the baby-boomer generation is getting to the age where… Learn More

Social Security Administration Budget Cuts

The Social Security Administration has faced budget cuts that have prompted it to make changes that effect both its employees and the public. Due to a Continuing Resolution passed by Congress, the SSA’s funding has been frozen at the fiscal year (FY) 2012 level for the first half of FY 2013 (October 2012 through March 2013). Field Offices (FOs) hours to the public have been altered to close 30 minutes earlier starting November 19, 2012. On January 2, 2013, FOs will close at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in order to avoid FO employees from working overtime. Another change SSA has… Learn More

Reopening Old Social Security Disability Claims

Many Social Security Disability claimants become disabled many years before their current case. They repeatedly file claims which are denied and they never proceed to a hearing. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer may be able to recover substantial benefits for these claimants. That is because Social Security Disability regulations permit some old claims to be reopened. A Social Security Disability claim may be reopened within 12 months of the notice of initial determination for any reason and within four years of the notice of initial determination if good cause is shown. SSI claims may be reopened within one year… Learn More

Responding To A Consultative Examination Report

A Social Security Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may order a Consultative medical or psychiatric examination as part of the Social Security Disability Hearing procedure. When this occurs, the Social Security Disability claimant has several options in responding to the Consultative Examination: Submit no response Submit written comments to the examiner Submit additional records in response to the Consultative Examination including a report from the treating physician Submit written questions to the consultative examiner Request a Supplemental Hearing to produce evidence and question the consultative examiner Unless the consultative examiner’s report is favorable to the claimant, a response is mandatory. The… Learn More

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The National Advocates organization is pleased to announce that Mr. Fred Fleming has been selected for inclusion into its Social Security Disability Law specialty, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers as recognition of their superior skills and qualifications in the field.

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