Filing an initial claim for disability benefits is a watershed moment in most workers’ lives. By the point filing disability has been considered, a Claimant has almost certainly experienced such significant mental or physical health issues at to prevent or remarkably reduce the ability to work. As such all communications […]
social security
20 posts
When individuals file for disability, the odds are initially against them. Most disability claims are denied at the initial level of application. In fact, nearly 70% of claims are denied at the initial stage. Claimants should not give up because the odds of success will improve (just not as quickly […]
While proving disability may seem like a universal task, the journey can be widely different for individuals based on the disability claim types presented by their health challenges. This article will lay out a few of the major categories and types of disability claims, and the special challenges and opportunities […]
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are payable to disabled individuals over the age of 18 whose parents receive Social Security benefits. This name is confusing (what is an adult child anyway?), but the reason that Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are named as such is because these benefits are paid […]
Disabled individuals who have also suffered work-related injuries should be aware of the “Workers Compensation Offset”. The Workers Compensation Offset may reduce available disability benefits, affect future Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, and can potentially be made better by crafting settlement documents properly. What is the Workers Compensation Offset? In […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Author’s Note: This article contains a number of defined terms used by the Social Security Administration. If you are not familiar with disability terminology, in particular the role of a Vocational Expert, please see our list of Common Disability Definitions. For most Claimants, especially those younger than age 50, one […]