Getting problems solved at Social Security
I was recently asked how to take care of bad information in a Social Security file which was preventing the release of back Social Security disability benefits.
Of course the first issue is whether there is a deadline that may affect the individual’s rights. If there is, then the suggestions below may go out the window. You always have to first preserve your legal rights. There are often time limits and deadlines in Social Security cases. If you miss a deadline, your entire case may go away or at a minimun, you may lose some of your rights.
Put another way: these are tips on working with Social Security to get general problems solved
Social Security Hearings: Competitive and Non-Competitive Work
What does it mean if the Administrative Law Judge or Vocational Expert mentions “non-competitive work” during a Social Security disability hearing?
“Non-competitive” refers to types of work:
Competitive work is, well, just regular work; with no set-asides, no accommodations beyond the norm.
Work that is performed under special circumstances or that is set aside for disabled individuals (for example: work through Goodwill Industries) is typically viewed as “non-competitive.”
SSR 05-02 (a Social Security Ruling) provides guidance about what constitutes “work under special condition.”
Expedited Processing for Social Security Disability Benefits for for Wounded Warriors
Wounded veterans can get faster processing of their Social Security disability benefit cases (Disability Insurance – DIB, and supplemental security income – SSI) under the Wounded Warrior program.
Note: Social Security disability benefits may be in addition to any benefits paid by the VA.
To have the case flagged under this program (and receive expedited processing) apply online through www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors, or at your local Social Security office.
After reading the online material, a question I had was whether expedited processing applies through the hearing level (if the case is denied) or only in the initial disability determination …
Criminal records, hire-ability, and Social Security disability
What if you cannot get a job because a criminal record? If no one will hire you, does that affect how Social Security will view your disability case?
I have a felony record from a stupid thing I did years ago. I did my time and I have not gotten in trouble since. When I was younger I did jobs that did not require a background check. Now, I’m older and I can’t do construction work any more. But I can’t get lighter work because I can’t get hired because of my record.
This is truly a “between a rock and a hard place” situation. There is no doubt that a criminal record affects an individual’s ability to get hired for jobs. Many jobs are completely foreclosed. Other jobs are at the discretion of a hiring supervisor – who may not want to hire someone with a criminal record.
