I've had a lot of calls this week regarding the COVID19 crisis. The bottom line is that Social Security is still working. If you are currently receiving benefits your benefits will not stop. Social Security is working as hard as they can under the circumstances to get your claim for disability processed and Disability Determinations Services (DDS) in North Carolina…Read More
“How are you doing?” is a loaded question for my disabled clients. I've learned to ask, "How are you doing today?" instead. This week in a disability hearing, when the judge asked my client how he was doing, my thoughtful client struggled with how to answer. After thinking for a moment he responded, “My spirit is well.” I loved that…Read More
As you may know, if you have paid enough into the Social Security system you are eligible to receive early retirement when you turn 62. Just because you elect to take your retirement at that point does not mean that you cannot also file for disability benefits. In fact, you can file for disability up until the point that you…Read More
If you’ve been denied twice by Social Security the next step is to request a hearing. When the hearing is scheduled you will receive a written notice that includes the “When, Where, and What” details for the hearing. The hearing notice will likely include a notice that a Vocational Expert has been scheduled to testify at your hearing (and potentially…Read More
There are multiple types of benefits that you can file for that are generically called disability benefits. For each of them, you must be found to be medically disabled before you are eligible to receive the benefits. The primary benefit that most people are filing for is a Title II disability benefit. This is the benefit that you can receive…Read More
Not all disabilities are disabling. The definition of disability through Social Security is often different than how private disability insurance policies and state disability pensions define disability. It is very important to understand what makes someone disabled in the eyes of Social Security before deciding to file a claim for those benefits. While you may have a health limitation that…Read More
Primarily geared toward people who are over age 50, the “Grid Rules” or Medical-Vocational Guidelines may help Social Security find you disabled due to an inability to perform work that is similar to work you have done in the past. As I discussed previously, disability is generally defined as an inability to perform any type of job. Congress recognized that…Read More
