You should make a “Request for Reconsideration” within 60 days from the date of your denial letter. More than two-thirds of the people who are denied at the first stage fail to ask for reconsideration. If you do not appeal within the 60-day period, you will have to most likely start all over, and could [...]
No. In fact, if drug or alcohol addiction is considered a material contributing factor to your disability, you may be denied disability benefits.
Once you are denied at the Reconsideration stage, you should hire a Social Security Disability attorney. Your attorney will ask that your case be set for hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. At this hearing, you will have to be present and testify regarding your medical problems. However, the trial process is very informal. It [...]
From the time you first apply for benefits until you have your hearing will normally be about 1 year. It will then be another 2 to 4 months before the Judge decides if you will be granted benefits. It will then be another 60 days before you actually receive any money.
Your first check will pay your past due benefits in one lump sum. You will receive a monthly check after that.
Yes. Most SSD cases are reviewed every 3 years to determine if you are still disabled. Normally, you will not require the assistance of an attorney when your case is reviewed, as long as you continue to follow-up with a doctor every so often.
Yes. You can draw SSD, SSI and Workers’ Compensation. Your SSD and/or SSI benefits will not affect your workers’ compensation benefits. The amount you receive from SSD or SSI may be reduced if you are receiving, have received or may be receiving workers’ compensation benefits. You should discuss this with an attorney who is experienced [...]
Yes. If you are found disabled and awarded benefits, you will become eligible for Medicare and Medicaid approximately 24 months from the date your disability began. This is another reason to apply as soon as you think you are disabled.
