Blog Topic

Social Security Disability and Social Networking
Posted by: Anna ONeil
January 06, 2010

As we greet a new year it is apparent that one of the most transforming trends of the previous decade is here to stay: online social networking.  While popular online social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter provide a convenient way to stay in touch with family and friends, Social Security Disability claimants should remain vigilant about the pictures and status updates that are posted on their profiles.  As a claimant for Social Security Disability benefits you want to make absolutely sure that there is nothing on your online profile that contradicts your disability claim or anything within your disability application.   

A status update detailing snorkeling while on vacation or pictures showing a claimant skiing, ice skating etc. can be fatal to a claim depending on your disability.  It is important to remember to make sure that your privacy settings are set to only allow friends and family to view your status updates as well as your pictures.  Also, status updates, tweets, and pictures give a precise date and time of their posting.

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Compassionate Allowances and the Social Security Administration
Posted by: Anna ONeil
December 14, 2009

Anyone that has been through or is currently in the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits knows first hand how lengthy the process can be.  The average wait for an initial determination can be as long as three months, and in the Central New York area it can take anywhere from twelve to eighteen months to be scheduled for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. 

In October 2008, Social Security implemented Compassionate Allowances to expedite the processing of claims for individuals that are facing devastating disabilities.  Compassionate Allowances are designed to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that qualify under Social Security listing of impairments and therefore provide individuals in these particular situations with an expedited approval process. 

In order to determine which conditions should qualify as a Compassionate Allowance, the Social Security Administration held a series of public outreach hearings.  This gave the public a rare opportunity to have direct input on what types of diseases and disabilities should be considered a Compassionate Allowance.  Additionally, Social Security considered the comments received from the Disability Determination Service, medical, and scientific communities.  Examples of impairments that qualify for the expedited determination process are rare diseases, cancers, traumatic brain injury, stroke, early onset Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. 

Most recently, in November 2009, Social Security hosted a public hearing to consider adding schizophrenia to the list of Compassionate Allowances.  The Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Michael Astrue stated at the hearing, “Schizophrenia is a devastating disease that affects more than two million Americans, primarily individuals in their teens and twenties.  The onset of schizophrenia has life-changing consequences, which can include unemployment and homelessness. This hearing will help us to potentially identify the most severe cases and consider bringing them under our Compassionate Allowances umbrella."

If you think you have a disease or disability that qualifies as a Compassionate Allowance, or have any other sort of impairment that might qualify you for Social Security disability benefits, please give Stanley Law Offices a call at 1-800-372-3760 to speak with a member of our team. 

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Helpful Information for Filing a Social Security Disability Claim
Posted by: Anna ONeil
November 25, 2009

The Social Security Disability benefits program pays benefits to you and your family members if you meet certain specific qualifications.  Generally, you must have worked long enough to have the necessary work credits, and have a disability that has lasted or is expected to last at least twelve months. 

What the Social Security Administration is determining is whether you are able to engage in what is known as “substantial gainful activity.”  Substantial gainful activity is work activity that involves doing significant physical or mental activities. Gainful work activity is work that is usually done for pay or profit.  It is important for you to know that you are able to work on a limited basis and still qualify for benefits. 

The first step if you think you qualify for benefits is to fill out an application.  The application can be found online, on the Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.gov.  You can also pick up an application by visiting your local Social Security office.  Once you have completed the application, it will be submitted to Social Security Disability Determination Services for an initial determination on your case.  Do not get discouraged if you are denied at this step of the process.  The vast majority of applications are denied initially. 

The second step is to consult with an attorney that represents claimants in obtaining Social Security benefits.  Your attorney will answer all your questions and help you file the necessary paperwork to put in a request for a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.  Your attorney will also represent you at your hearing.  Additionally, keep in mind that you only have sixty days from your date of denial to submit a request for a hearing.  Waiting longer than sixty days will result in you having to re-file your application for benefits.

Our firm handles claims for Social Security benefits at all stages of the process.  If you think you may qualify, give our office a call and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  A consultation is always free. 

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