Tag Archives: Appeals

Can I win my disability case at the Social Security Appeals Council?

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Tomasz Stasiuk

You have been denied disability benefits by an Administrative Law Judge at your Social Security hearing. You filed an appeal with the Social Security Appeals Council. If they approve the appeal, you can get your disability benefits? Right? Probably not. The … Continue reading →

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Why can’t I find a lawyer to appeal a hearing denial?

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Did you represent yourself at your Social Security disability hearing? If you were denied, you may find it is difficult to find a lawyer to represent you if you  Sadly, this is a common problem.  It is much harder to … Continue reading →

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Overpayment choices: reconsideration or waiver

Posted on November 24, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

If Social Security alleges that you owe them money to repay an overpayment, you have two choices to fight it:   You can either file a “Waiver of Overpayment,” or  You can file a “Request for Reconsideration.“ Social Security may direct you … Continue reading →

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Is your case on track? Call Social Security to make sure!

Posted on October 16, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

Tim Moore writes about his experience with claimants who wait patiently for Social Security to contact them after filing a claim or an appeal: In the case of disability applications, some found that while they continued to wait on an … Continue reading →

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Denied at hearing? Here’s how to appeal the Judge’s decision to Social Security Appeals Council

Posted on September 12, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

If you are denied at your Social Security hearing by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you have the right to appeal the judge’s decision to the Social Security Appeals Council.   To do this, you need to file form HA-520-U5 … Continue reading →

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How long does It take to get a Social Security hearing?

Posted on June 20, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

In my experience with Colorado Social Security cases, hearings are usually scheduled approximately 12-14 months after the appeal is filed.   That is the most common time frame that I see for having a hearing scheduled. However,  I occasionally see cases … Continue reading →

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The one element missing in most Social Security cases: a medical opinion of limitations

Posted on March 19, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

To be found disabled, generally you have to show that you are unable to perform some type of full time work. This is a simplification of the Social Security disability standard, but it is sufficient for this article. The most common … Continue reading →

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Social Security denial: should you appeal or reapply?

Posted on March 12, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

I often hear the following question: I just got my Social Security denial letter. Should I appeal or re-apply? While every case is different, based on my experiences handling Social Security claims in Colorado, I often find the you stand … Continue reading →

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When problems arise, watch out for deadlines!

Posted on February 25, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

You, or your child, are on Social Security, when out of the blue, you get a letter: Your benefits will cease as of … or An overpayment was detected due to your failure to notify Social Security of your spouse’s … Continue reading →

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What if Social Security loses your appeal?

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

After you were denied Social Security disability benefits, you got the appeal forms, you struggled to fill them out, but you made sure to get it all turned in before the appeal deadline. Then you wait. And wait. You should … Continue reading →

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Denied at Hearing? Request the Hearing Tapes

Posted on January 19, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

DisabilityAppeal.com has a interesting article on the importance of requesting the hearing tape if you are denied at hearing. In many instances, once the tapes are obtained and listened to, parts of the record will be inaudible. And in a … Continue reading →

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CBS Reports: 2/3rds of Claims are Denied, Appeals Taking Over 2 Years

Posted on January 16, 2008 by Tomasz Stasiuk

CBS reports on denials and long waiting periods in Social Security Disability cases. Disability Pay Rejections A two-month CBS News investigation has revealed that many individuals who are disabled are either being rejected or waiting years for a decision on … Continue reading →

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Social Security myths: you have to be denied twice before you can win

Posted on December 15, 2007 by Tomasz Stasiuk

MYTH: Clients often tell me that you have to be denied two or three times before Social Security will approve your case. I am not sure how these rumors get started but unfortunately, this belief often causes people to take … Continue reading →

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