Frequently Asked Questions Archives - Disability Specialists

Are there other benefits to receiving Social Security Disability?

July 26, 2019 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

Everyone talks about the monthly cash stipend from Social Security, but are there non-monetary benefits after being approved for Social Security Disability? The answer is yes. After you are approved for Social Security Disability, several additional benefits can be accessed. Here is a list of some non-monetary benefits for…

Why do I need a Social Security Disability Representative?

March 18, 2019March 18, 2019 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for one of the largest and most complex programs within the Federal Government[efn_note]https://www.ssa.gov/history/ssa/ssa2000chapter1.html[/efn_note]. Having a knowledgeable Disability Representative to help guide a claimant through this process can be critical to ensuring a favorable outcome. Successfully navigating the process of applying for benefits generally…

My Hearing Is Scheduled: Who will be present? What should I expect?

November 9, 2018November 9, 2018 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

Your hearing has been scheduled. Instead of wondering when your hearing will take place, you are now wondering, “Who is going to be asking me questions? What are they going to ask?” Every case is different. There are a number of factors that determine what questions will be asked, including…

My Hearing Is Scheduled: What Questions Will I Be Asked? What Should I Say?

October 2, 2018October 19, 2018 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

You are placed under oath at the beginning of your hearing. Therefore the most important advice regarding testimony is, to-be honest. If your testimony is not consistent with the medical record, it will be given very little or no weight in the determination. You don’t want to exaggerate or fabricate,…

How long does the Social Security disability process take?

September 18, 2018 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

The answer is dependent on a number of factors. Most significantly, the length of the process depends on what level an individual is at when they receive their final determination. Additionally, the workload and backlog of the federal office processing their claim can be a factor. It is important to…

What does it mean now that Congress has passed a spending bill with a funding increase for the Social Security Administration?

May 29, 2018May 29, 2018 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has faced funding difficulties for quite some time. Some estimates indicate the Administration saw an 11% cut since 2010 after adjusting for inflation. Over this time the number of retirement and disability beneficiaries is reported to have increased by approximately 7 million individuals. The years…

What does it mean to “meet a listing”?

April 18, 2018 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

At step 3 of the disability process, a claim is approved if the individual meets or equals a “listing.” The Social Security Administration has a publication called the Blue Book Listing of Impairments. In this publication, the Social Security Administration identifies situations in which individuals would be disabled regardless of…

Why was I denied Social Security Disability?

March 19, 2018March 12, 2018 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

It can be very difficult to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits. These are some common reasons for denial: Lack of a firm diagnosis: Sometimes claimants complain of symptoms but file applications for disability before receiving a firm diagnosis. Social Security cannot assess a person’s symptoms without an actual…

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