Learn more about the Social Security Appeals Council. The Social Security Appeals Council is the final administrative level for Social Security disability claims. It is a judicial body that reviews decisions made by administrative law judges (ALJs).
alj
11 posts
A disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge represents a chance to communicate your conditions and functional limitations in a way that is personalized and clear. Proper planning for this court appearance is vital.
As we quickly head through summer toward fall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes are taking place, but the needs of our country’s disabled have not changed. Attempts to flatten the curve have considerably altered work, educational, and pleasure activities, and in many cases not for the […]
In every disability case, a Claimant’s cash flow (Passive Income and Regular Income) are observed. These earnings may be examined for evidence of Substantial Gainful Activity, or they may be examined for the purpose of reducing SSI benefits. In all cases though, the nature of the earnings is important. In […]
One of the more technical and intimidating aspects for individuals who worked in highly skilled jobs is understanding how transferable skills are analyzed during the disability hearing. For claimants with skilled or highly skilled work backgrounds—as opposed to those with only unskilled backgrounds requiring little training or education— winning a […]
The Social Security Disability application process provides a path to secure vital support for disabled individuals who can no longer perform work in the national economy. However, various things to avoid can derail claims that should otherwise win. The key factor to winning a disability case is to ensure that […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]