Waiting for Disability or SSI decisions is a lengthy and frustrating process during a desperate time. Most initial applicants are denied, which results in an appeals process that results in waiting for disability for two years. This time period should not simply be treated as a wait. If denied at […]
Disability Information
41 posts
Though an ALJ Disability Hearing typically lasts for less than an hour, they cover a lot of ground. Knowing what to expect going into a disability hearing and preparing appropriately are keys to success. Here is The Law Firm of O’Brien & Feiler’s list of 10 things all Claimants should […]
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) are truly insurance, not a handout. A wage earner must have paid into the system through OASDI contributions and earned sufficient work credits to be eligible to claim disability insurance benefits. To be clear, these benefits are not a handout and there should be […]
What is Past Relevant Work? Discussion about a Claimant’s Past Relevant Work (PRW) happens at nearly every SSI and Disability ALJ hearing. PRW is the work that Claimant performed in the 15 years preceding the hearing. The work that Claimant performed on a full-time basis is generally considered “Past Relevant […]
When starting a Disability case by filing for SSI or Social Security Disability, there are a number of items to evaluate. Here are OBF’s list of 10 Things to Know Before Starting a Disability Case. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it contains a number of things Claimants […]
To qualify for Disability or SSI, a Claimant must meet the SSA’s Durational Requirement. This means a Claimant must be dealing with a severe impairment that is expected to last a year or more or result in death. While this does not mean that one must wait a year to […]
ALJ approval percentages (those cases approved by Administrative Law Judges) can vary widely throughout the country. It is not hard to imagine that when a Claimant is scheduled to have their case heard, one of the first questions that gets asked is, “How is the judge, and are they likely […]
O’Brien & Feiler always recommends having competent representation at Disability Hearings. If you are in Georgia, we would like to help. If not, it is always advisable to seek local counsel that specializes in representing disability claimants. After waiting for months or even years, the date of your ALJ disability […]
Social Security uses a 5-step analysis process when evaluating whether or not an individual’s medical condition will establish eligibility for disability benefits. With one exception, noted below, each step represents a “gateway” that must be passed in order to proceed. If you have any questions about some of the terms […]
