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  Disability Group 11:58 am on February 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  How To Keep Your Social Security Disability Benefits 

  Did you know that once you have been awarded disability benefits, your claim may come up for review in the future?  Usually these reviews won’t come up for a couple of years, but sometimes your award may result a review in as early as eighteen months or a year.  This can happen especially in cases where it seems like your condition is likely to improve in the very near future pending surgery or proper medical attention.

  In order to keep your disability benefits it’s important that you continue to see your doctors regularly.  We recommend seeing a doctor at least every three months in order to maintain regular treatment.

  The purpose of social security disability is to provide medical care and financial assistance to those who become unable to work due to disability.  Hopefully, with proper medical care, a disabled person is able to get better and return to the work force.  If the claimant doesn’t get better, then he or she cannot return to work.  As long as your condition does not improve and this is documented in your medical records, then eligibility for disability benefits should not end.

  Therefore, the most important thing for you to do in order to keep your disability benefits is to continue going to your doctor.  Social Security wants to know that disabled persons are trying to get better.  This is why it is important to maintain regular treatment and to comply with your doctor’s orders even after you have received an award for disability benefits.

  Remember to:

  1)      Go to your doctor(s) regularly (or at least every three months)

  2)      Comply with doctors orders, i.e., take your medications, get XRAYs and blood work (etc.) done as the doctor orders, undergo and/or talk seriously about pros and cons of any suggested surgery or procedures.

  3)      Let your doctor know if there are any changes in your condition or in the symptoms you are experiencing, for the better or for the worse.  If there are no changes, talk about that too!

  4)      Refrain from drug, tobacco, and alcohol use:  Social Security also wants to know you aren’t doing anything that could possibly make your conditions worse.

  When your claim comes up for review, as long as your condition  hasn’t improved to the point you are able to return to fulltime work and you have maintained regular treatment as discussed above, you should not lose your disability benefits.

  

  David, and glen are discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    glen 5:57 pm on August 19, 2011 Permalink | Reply

    is it possible to lose your ssdi benefits when you don’t see a doctor regularly? i don’t work but haven’t been to a doctor in a few years.

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    David 10:39 am on March 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply

    glen, The number one thing to do is see your doctor regularly. My last review was determined by the previous 90 days of physician records and I was never interviewed directly. In short, if you are healthy enough to live without medical help you can work.

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  Disability Group 10:00 am on February 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Retiring Early? Receiving Benefits? What You Need To Know 

  First, what IS Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

  Social Security Disability Insurance benefits fall under title II of the Social Security Act. In order to qualify for SSDI you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

  SSDI works almost the same as pension, where you pay into the plan throughout your working years.  Social Security establishes whether you have worked long enough by assigning work credits to your wages/FICA taxes you paid per year.  For grown adults you need 40 work credits. Once you have 40 work credits you have “insured status.” SSDI benefits are paid to those who have been found disabled as defined by Social Security and have “insured status.”

  
  

  If I am 50 years old and have poor physical health, should I retire or file for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI)?

  If you are unable to continue to do your job because of your physical limitations, you should file for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits instead of filing for early retirement.

  
  

  Why?  What is the benefit of filing a Social Security Disability claim instead of filing for early retirement?

  • If you start collecting Social Security retirement benefits early (before the age of 67, for people born in 1960 or later) your benefits are reduced for each month before you reach your full retirement age.
  • If you receive SSDI you receive full monthly benefits and annual cost of living increases. You are entitled to Medicare and prescription drug coverage.
  • When you reach retirement age your SSDI will be converted automatically into retirement benefits.
  • When the Social Security Administration calculates your retirement benefits the years you receive disability insurance is not included and your retirement benefits will be higher because your earnings are averaged over a shorter period of time. The earnings from SSDI are considered but the number of years you were disabled is not. It ends up looking like you earned more money per year, which equals a higher monthly retirement check.

  How can a Social Security lawyer help?

  If you are between the ages of 50 and 64 and you stopped working because physically you just could not do your job anymore, you may be entitled to SSDI. SSDI are benefits funded by the taxes you paid during your working years. SSDI is not welfare. A lawyer can evaluate your individual case and help you with the application process. The lawyer will represent you at your hearing in front of the administrative law judge. SSDI are benefits you are entitled to if you have a strong work history and are found disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration.

  
   
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  Disability Group 10:00 am on January 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Seizures and Social Security Disability Claims – How To Prepare Your Case 

  There are more than 29 different seizure disorders, and not all of them result in convulsions. In fact, seizures are experienced differently from person to person.

  
  

  Many individuals with chronic seizure disorders are able to control seizures with medications.  If you take medications as directed and still continue to experience seizures that prevent you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

  
  

  When evaluating your case, Social Security checks if you are seeing a neurologist, for compliance with all prescribed medications and doctor’s orders. They make sure that your seizures are not because of drug or alcohol abuse, and they check to see if medication prevents the seizures.

  
  

  It is sometimes difficult to prove seizures, because tests are often normal even after seizures.  To prepare a strong case, it is important to go to the hospital after every seizure and report seizures to your neurologist. Witness statements are helpful.  Also, it’s a smart idea to create and maintain a dairy to track the frequency and severity of your seizures.

  What Do I Put In My Seizure Diary?

  Keep your diary up to date, and write in it after every single seizure.  Here is the data you should record:

  • The date of your seizure
  • The time of your seizure – when did it start, when did it stop?
  • A description of your seizure – what did it feel like?  How did you notice when it was coming on?  Was it worse or better than your last seizure?

  Residual effects from a seizure and how long they last should also be documents in your diary and your medical records.

  
  

  Seizure disorders are difficult to prove because there are not always objective findings that prove they exist. Regular treatment and documentation of the seizure and residual effects by you and a specialist is of utmost importance in proving this disorder.

  If you keep track of your seizures by maintaining a regular diary, and by regularly seeing your physician, you will help strengthen your Social Security Disability case!

  
   
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  Disability Group 10:00 am on January 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  10 Ways You Can Help Win Your Social Security Disability Benefits 

  10 Ways To Help Win Your Social Security Disability Benefits Claim

  1. See a doctor regularly

  The best thing you can do for your case is keep your medical records consistent and up to date. When Social Security (or an Administrative Law Judge) review your claim these records are what they give the most weight in their decision, so see your doctor often and keep them informed on your conditions.

  
  

  2. Comply with your doctors orders

  It is important that you comply with the treatments that your doctors prescribe for your conditions. If you refuse to take medications or follow other prescribed methods of recovery, Social Security is likely to think that your actions are keeping your conditions from improving. By following all of your doctor’s orders, you show Social Security that you are doing everything in your power to help your condition improve.

  
  

  3. Make sure that DGI gets your medical records

  As previously said, a solid medical history is the best thing for your Social Security case. Medical records are what make up this history, and therefore it is extremely important that you inform DGI of when there are new records to collect. It is also important for us to know when you are going to the doctor, as we may have forms or questionnaires for your doctor to complete regarding your case.

  
  

  4. Refrain from drug and alcohol abuse

  Social Security no longer pays benefits if drugs are alcohol are a contributing factor to a disability. If your medical records show drug or alcohol abuse, your case will be denied by Social Security. If you have used drugs or alcohol in the past, it is important that the fact that you have stopped is noted in your medical records.

  
  

  5. Be detailed on your applications and paperwork

  It is extremely important that you describe, in detail, how your disability affects your day to day activities on your Social Security paperwork. For example, you would not want to fill out a report by saying “I watch TV all day,” because Social Security will say “If you can sit and watch TV for 8 hours a day, you can sit and answer phones at a job for 8 hours a day.” Rather, you would want to explain how long you can sit in one place before having to readjust, stand up or lay down.

  
  

  6. Keep in contact with your lawyers and the Social Security Administration

  Everyday Social Security denies applications for benefits because they are not able to find the applicant. If you move or change your phone number, it is important that you give the new information to Social Security. In the same regard, it is important that your lawyer knows how to get a hold of you, as we may have forms you need to complete or update information on your claim.

  
  

  7. Comply with Social Security’s requests

  Through the decision process, Social Security makes many requests of applicants. It is important that you fill out any paperwork and go to any exams that they request you to go to. If you do not, you may be denied benefits for non-compliance.

  
  

  8. Keep an eye on your earnings

  Social Security has very specific qualifications that must be adhered to in order to qualify for benefits, and the monthly earnings limit is one of the most important. When you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, this limit is called SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). For 2011 the limits are as follows: Non-Blind individual $1,000, Blind Individual $1,640. If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits the amount differs depending on marital status and state of residency.

  
  

  9. Write your local congressman

  This is a good time to call in the artillery. You elected them, now use them. Write your local congressman a letter outlining your situation and they may make an inquiry about your case to Social Security. While a letter from a congressman cannot influence the decision on your social security claim, it may speed up the process (especially in dire need situations).

  
  

  10. Don’t give up

  Receiving social security benefits is a long and difficult process. We are here to help you in your fight for benefits. Denial rates are high and the majority of cases will not be resolved until an Administrative Law Judge hearing. Keep this in mind and trust that we are doing everything within our power to get you the benefits you deserve.

  
  

  SSDI Benefits

  - Monthly cash benefit checks- Average check is $500-$2000

  - Medicare benefits after 1 year wait period

  
  

  About Disability Group

  Disability Group was founded on the principles of dignity of respect.  We are a national law firm focusing exclusively on helping people get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.  For more information about Social Security or to see if you qualify for benefits, visit http://www.socialsecuritylaw.com