A few weeks after your disability hearing, you’ll receive a letter in the mail explaining the administrative law judge’s decision. In the best case scenario, it’s a fully favorable decision. Social Security processes your backpay, and you’re able to begin collecting...
W. Christopher Freiberg
Social Security Looks to Limit Past Relevant Work
Here’s something all too frustrating and common at disability hearings: We gather all the medical records. There are hundreds of pages of medical records detailing my client’s mental and physical limitations. Their testimony? Almost perfect. They explain to the judge...
Why Does It Take So Long to Get a Decision After a Disability Hearing?
It can take years for a Social Security disability claim to get in front of an administrative law judge, so often my clients expect they’ll get a decision at their hearing. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. And even if a judge says they plan to approve your case,...
What is a Partially Favorable Decision?
After years of waiting, you’ve had your disability hearing before an administrative law judge. It seems to go well. And then there’s more waiting. It’s usually another 30-60 days after a hearing before the decision arrives in the mail. And sometimes the wait can even...
How Are Disability Benefits Calculated?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a critical safety net designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to disability. For those facing uncertain times, understanding the average payment of SSDI benefits can be essential in...
Can You Get Disability for Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide, though fortunately, it is a condition that can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder characterized by widespread pain,...
Social Security to Permanently Move to Virtual Hearings
In March 2020, the Social Security Administration began holding all disability hearings over the phone in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As the pandemic continued, the SSA also allowed for the option of video hearings held over Microsoft Teams. The expectation...
Are There “Magic Words” to Win at a Disability Hearing?
Something that claimants often ask me before a hearing is what they need to say to be approved by an administrative law judge. First, your attorney can’t tell you exactly what to say at the hearing. Second, even if I could, there’s no such thing as “magic words” that...
What’s the Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?
While both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income provide financial support to individuals with disabilities, they differ significantly in terms of eligibility requirements, funding sources, and payment amounts. SSDI primarily caters to...
What is a Continuing Disability Review?
Unfortunately for those receiving Social Security Disability benefits, the journy doesn't end with approval. The Continuing Disability Review (CDR) process continues to evaluate recipients' ongoing eligibility for years after they’ve been found disabled. The CDR is a...
How Does Marijuana Use Effect a Disability Case?
Currently, 38 states allow the use of medical marijuana while 21 have legalized recreational use. Despite the growing acceptance at the state level, marijuana use and possession remains illegal under federal law, complicating how Social Security views cases involving...
Can You Get Disability if You Return to Work Full-Time?
Often, I speak with clients who after applying for disability have returned to work and insist that they’re done with their claim, there’s no way they’ll be approved, and they just want to withdraw their application. While withdrawing an application can be the right...
Congress Again Fails to Raise SSI Savings Limit
While the previous Congress passed a flurry of legislation in the closing days of 2022, one issue that again failed to pass was raising the income limit to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits. Currently, the asset limit for SSI is $2,000 for...
Social Security to Accept Self-Attestation Gender Policy
As more individuals come to identify as a gender different from the one they were designated at birth, the Social Security administration is starting to catch up to the times with a new policy. If you would like the Social Security Administration to recognize you as a...
Why Do I Need a Second Disability Hearing?
There are numerous reasons why you might need to have a second disability hearing. Sometimes, judges get sick. Vocational experts are unavailable. Hearing recordings aren’t properly made, or technical issues lead to rescheduling. But generally, the number one reason a...
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