FAQs – Social Security
Q. What Happens in a Social Security Disability Hearing?
A. Social Security Disability hearings are informal. The decisions are made by an Administrative Law Judge who generally lives in the same general area in which your claim is being filed, though some hearings in Western NC are conducted by closed circuit television by Judges who live all over the United States. The people likely…
Read MoreQ. Does Social Security Disability Pay for My Medical Bills?
A. Not immediately. If you are receiving Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widows or Widowers Benefits, or Disabled Adult Child Benefits, you must wait for twenty-four (24) months before qualifying for Medicare, which will pay most of your medical expenses. Medicare pays for doctors visits, for acute care in a hospital, and prescriptions, among other things,…
Read MoreQ. How Long Do I Have to Wait to File for Social Security Disability Benefits?
A. There is no waiting period at all. You can file for Social Security Disability benefits the day you become disabled. Social Security law requires that your disabling condition either result in death or last for a period of twelve (12) months or more. Since the appeals process generally takes several years, you should apply…
Read MoreQ. Can a Child Disabled Since Birth Receive Social Security Disability Benefits Even if S/He Has Never Worked?
A. Yes. If the child is under age eighteen (18) and you are poor enough, s/he may be able to qualify for Social Security child’s disability benefits. If the child is over age eighteen (18), he may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits without regard to your income. If you or your…
Read MoreQ. Once I Am Approved for SSD, Will I be Reviewed for Continued Disability?
A. Probably. You will have an ongoing requirement to report any earned income while you draw SS disability benefits. The Social Security Administration will not terminate your benefits unless your medical condition has improved. Most people who are required have their cases reviewed continue to receive benefits. If Social Security proposes to end your benefits,…
Read MoreQ: What Steps Should I Take if My Social Security Claim Gets Denied?
A: It’s important to remember that many claimants face multiple denials before finally receiving a favorable decision on their disability claim. It’s crucial that you DO NOT GIVE UP. Your optimal chance to substantiate your disability claim typically occurs at an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, ideally with legal representation. You’ve contributed to Social Security…
Read MoreQ: Could You Explain What an Administrative Law Judge Social Security Hearing is?
A: Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Social Security Hearings are proceedings presided over by an Administrative Law Judge, a final evaluator of disability claims in the Social Security Administration. These hearings are relatively less formal compared to other court proceedings, and there’s no District Attorney or U.S. Attorney representing Social Security. Some ALJs may ask questions,…
Read MoreQ. Can I be Disabled Under Social Security Guidelines if My Problems are Psychological in Nature?
A. Yes. SS law requires a consideration of mental as well as physical factors in deciding disability. The key to establishing disability is the proof that the disability condition continue at least twelve (12) months or more. Mental ailments that have or are expected to last more than twelve (12) months qualify for disability if…
Read MoreQ. Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability if My Ailment is Not Permanent?
A. Yes. Social Security law requires only that the disabling condition (1) result in death OR (2) exist for a period of twelve (12) months or more. No part of Social Security law requires the disabling condition to be permanent. While many disabling ailments are permanent, the law does not require any duration longer than…
Read MoreQ. Do I Have Any Chance of Winning a Social Security Disability Case if I Am a Young Person?
A. Yes. While age is an extremely important consideration in deciding disability cases, the Social Security Administration will also look at education, job experience, and vocational possibilities in a national job market. Naturally, the younger claimants are considered employable for more types of jobs requiring retraining, classes, relocation, and other adjustments than older claimants may…
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