What to Expect at a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge

Once your application for reconsideration of your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). However, due to the high number of appeals, it may take up to two (2) years for the ALJ hearing to be scheduled. In our local district,…

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Will My Age Be a Factor in Determining My Social Security Disability Claim?

A. Yes.  In our society, youth and appearance are often highly valued. However, when it comes to Social Security Disability claims, being younger can be a disadvantage. The Social Security Administration considers various factors, including age, residual functional capacity, education, skills, and work experience, to determine if you qualify for disability benefits. They assess not…

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What Happens if I am Able to Return to Work Before my Social Security Disability Claim is Determined?

A. The Social Security disability process is often lengthy, sometimes taking three (3) years or more for a final decision. Claimants typically go through an initial application, a Reconsideration appeal, and an Administrative Law Judge hearing before a favorable decision is reached. During this time, some claimants may experience an improvement in their condition, enabling…

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When Will my Social Security Disability Benefits Become Effective?

When your application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is approved, your entitlement to receive disability payments will start from the fifth full month that the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines your disability began. During this initial five (5) month waiting period, you are not eligible to receive disability benefits. For example, if the SSA…

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How Does the Social Security Administration Determine if I am Disabled?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines disability based on three main criteria: (i) having a medical condition (physical, mental, and/or psychological) that prevents you from performing any of your previous jobs, (ii) being unable to adjust to other work due to your medical condition, and (iii) the disability lasting or expected to last for at…

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How Do I Begin the Process of Applying for Social Security Disability?

To begin the application process for Social Security Disability benefits, you need to complete and submit three important forms to the Social Security Administration: the Social Security Benefit Application, the Adult Disability Report, and the Authorization to Disclose Medical Records. The Social Security Benefit Application is the primary form for submitting your claim, the Adult…

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Can my Social Security Disability benefits be garnished or seized to pay my debts?

In most situations involving non-governmental creditors, the answer is NO. Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, Railroad Retirement pensions, Veterans Benefits, and other types of federal benefits are all exempt from the collection efforts of most creditors such as mortgage lenders, auto loans, and credit card companies. Section 207 of the Social Security Act prohibits…

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Understanding the Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two programs administered by the Social Security Administration. Both programs provide monthly benefits to disabled individuals, and in some cases, an individual may be eligible to receive both SSD and SSI benefits. Before starting the application process for disability benefits, it’s important to understand…

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The Disability Claims Process

At the Law Office of Russell Bowling in Franklin, North Carolina, we understand that navigating the disability claims process can be both confusing and overwhelming, particularly when dealing with financial challenges that often accompany the inability to work. Our firm is committed to providing supportive services, doing our utmost to make the Social Security claim…

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Can I Collect Social Security Disability Benefits for Cancer?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates there are about 13.7 million Americans who are either currently being treated for cancer, or have been treated for it in the past. About 1.6 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year and about 1,600 Americans die of the disease every day. ACS estimates 52,550 people in North…

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