The Disability Process Archives - Disability Specialists

Is my child eligible for Social Security Disability?

April 4, 2019April 4, 2019 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

Low-income disabled children may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits through Social Security. There are many costs involved in caring for a disabled child. These include transportation to medical appointments (which often include longer commutes for specialty care), medications, special mobility equipment, therapy, etc. Income from SSI benefits helps…

What to expect at the hearing.

January 4, 2019January 4, 2019 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

To have a hearing with an administrative law judge, an individual must have been denied at the initial level and reconsideration level and then filed a Request for Hearing. The hearings are typically scheduled in the order that they are received and as an administrative law judge and a date/time…

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 is a “Consultative Exam”?

July 23, 2018 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

What is a “Consultative Exam” and why is Social Security asking that I attend one? Consultative exam (CE) are either physical and/or mental health appointments you are required to attend as part of your Social Security Disability application process. These exams are not conducted by doctors who work for the…

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…

5 Steps to take to improve your chances of being approved for Social Security Disability

May 8, 2018 by Disability Specialists

Disability Specialists

Talk to your doctor. Before applying for Security Disability benefits discuss with your doctor whether or not he/she will support a disability claim. It is helpful for your doctor to write a written statement attesting to the severity of your condition. Furthermore, a written statement to corroborate that your conditions…

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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