Category Archives: Basics

Basic information about Social Security claims

What does Social Security mean by sedentary, light, medium, and heavy work?

Social Security classifies work into different exertional levels. You might have heard that somebody was denied  because he was still able to do “light work.” Does  light work in the Social Security case mean the same thing as light work an … Continue reading

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What happens if you have more than one lawyer on a Social Security case

Maybe you have moved out of state and had to get a new lawyer on your Social Security disability case. Maybe you fired your lawyer. Maybe your lawyer fired you. But now, you have to find a new lawyer! What … Continue reading

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Reviewing your Social Security exhibit file – Part 3 work history

Now that I know the critical dates and the medical history I review the work history. Social Security reviews cases using the 5 step sequential evaluation process. At step 4, if you are still able to do any of the jobs … Continue reading

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Reviewing your Social Security exhibit file – Part 2 Critical Dates

What’s the next thing to review in the Social Security exhibit file after the medical records?Check these critical dates: Alleged Onset Date (AOD) & Date Last Insured (DLI)! The E section usually contains for two documents that provide this information: “Disability Report … Continue reading

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Do you have to give bad evidence to Social Security on your disability benefit case?

One of my colleagues in the fight to help disabled individuals get their Social Security disability benefits, attorney Johnathon Ginsberg, tackles whether you have to submit unfavorable medical evidence to Social Security. I see this frequently in cases where there … Continue reading

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My Social Security file is missing records

Let’s say you are reviewing your Social Security exhibit file before your disability hearing and you discover that some of your doctor’s (or other records) are not there. I have mentioned before that it is not unusual for the medical … Continue reading

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Reviewing your Social Security exhibit file – Part 1: Medical Records

How do you begin to review your Social Security exhibit file? Here is a quick guide to finding the really important parts. Start with the “F” section to review the medical records. If you do not review anything else in … Continue reading

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What is in a Social Security file?

Just before your Social Security hearing, you will be given a cd and pointed at a computer. If you ask, someone may help you load up the disk and get you to a screen that looks like this: Ok, now … Continue reading

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Social Security benefits decreasing in 2010 and 2011?

The news has been going around for some time that there will be no cost of living adjustment in Social Security benefits (including retirement and disability benefits) for the next two years, 2010 and 2011. However, it looks like the real … Continue reading

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Social Security Debit Cards

There is a new Social Security blog written by a 34 year veteran of the Social Security Administration. One of his recent articles talks about the pros and cons of Social Security debit cards … paying benefits digitally rather than … Continue reading

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Will it hurt my child if I apply for children’s SSI Social Security disability benefits

I was asked to address some of the issues parents should consider when deciding whether to start an application for Social Security disability benefits (typically children’s Supplemental Security Income – SSI – benefits) for their disabled child. Many parents worry … Continue reading

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Trying to work can sometimes help a Social Security disability case

Working while applying for Social Security disability benefits is a topic I have previously discussed. However, reading that article, you might come to the conclusion that it is never a good idea to work if you are either on, or … Continue reading

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What is a “closed period of disability” in a Social Security case

What happens to your Social Security case if your condition improves and you can go back to work? If your disability meets the “durational requirement,” you may still qualify for a closed period of disability and still be entitled to Social Security … Continue reading

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Seven facts about complex partial seizures

Today’s guest article is contributed by Meredith Walker, who writes about the masters in public health. She welcomes your feedback at “MeredithWalker1983 at gmail.com” Enjoy the article and please make her feel welcome! Complex partial seizures are epileptic seizures that affect … Continue reading

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I earn too much for Social Security disability benefits, what can I do?

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits you have to show that your disability prevents you from being able to work. In Social Security’s words, you have to show that you are unable to engage in a substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA translates … Continue reading

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