Social Security Disability Law Blog

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75235643313882973112012-03-12T11:24:00.547-04:00Social Security Disability Law BlogDeclan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.comBlogger501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-76380259485119776952012-03-12T11:24:00.001-04:002012-03-12T11:24:00.587-04:00My Doctor Says I Am Disabled, Why Did Social Security Deny Me?

It happens at least a couple of times a week. A person calls and is perplexed as to how Social Security could deny their SSD or SSI application even though their doctor, or doctors say that they are disabled. The truth is, although it's certainly helpful to have a doctor on board and willing to support your assertion that you are unable to work, the majority of doctors do not know Social

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-34071996548383098402012-03-07T20:09:00.003-05:002012-03-08T08:40:23.593-05:00I'm A Veteran and Receiving Veterans' Benefits, Do I Also Get Medicare If I'm Disabled?

If you are a Veteran and already receiving health benefits from the VA (Veterans Affairs) then you may be wondering what happens if you are awarded Social Security Disability benefits and become eligible for Medicare. When you receive Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) you automatically become eligible for Medicare two years from the date you become eligible for benefits. I've had clients

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-84129734199896737562012-03-04T11:13:00.000-05:002012-03-07T20:11:44.435-05:00How Do I Find Out My Date Last Insured?

If you plan on filing for Social Security Disability benefits then an important thing to know is your date last insured. The easiest way to find your "date last insured" or "DLI" is to call Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you are unsure what Date Last Insured is, then you can read what date last insured means.

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-67572302004294404502012-02-04T11:03:00.000-05:002012-03-07T20:12:09.262-05:00Do I Have To Pay Taxes On Social Security Disability Benefits?

This really is a question that you should be asking an accountant or whoever assists you in filing taxes each year. According to Social Security: You will have to pay federal taxes on your Social Security benefits if you file a federal tax return as an individual and your total income is more than $25,000. If you file a joint return, you will have to pay taxes if you and your spouse have a

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-56103528470797450232012-02-03T11:00:00.000-05:002012-02-03T10:55:42.988-05:00What Is Reconsideration?

In most states if you want to appeal Social Security's decision to deny you disability benefits at the initial application you must "request reconsideration." Several states, including New York, have eliminated this stage of the process. If you receive a denial notice from Social Security at the initial application then the letter from Social Security will inform you whether your next level of

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-23302552613752388612012-01-30T11:55:00.000-05:002012-01-30T11:55:44.083-05:00Disabled New Jersey Homeowners May Be Eligible For Tax Deduction & Property Tax Freeze

Are you a homeowner in New Jersey and have been awarded either Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income? If so, you may qualify for a special $250 annual tax deduction. In order to receive the deduction you must show proof that you meet the requirements under New Jersey law. In addition, you may also qualify for property tax reimbursement. This is essentially a

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-84568064016241667982012-01-23T19:35:00.000-05:002012-01-23T19:35:06.596-05:00Can A Lawyer Help Me File For Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Yes, an attorney can assist you with your application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, unlike when applying for SSD, the attorney cannot do your initial application online. The reason why Social Security does not allow applicants to file their SSI application online is because before they review your disabilities and analyze your case from a disability standpoint, they

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-80476652285130133442012-01-20T09:35:00.001-05:002012-01-20T09:35:00.088-05:00My Doctor Is Not Willing To Cooperate With Social Security or My Lawyer, What Should I Do?

Medical records are a crucial component of any Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case. Unfortunately from time to time I have a client that tells me that either their doctor is unwilling to fill out paperwork stating that they are disabled or the doctor is unwilling to assist them in anyway. This isn't usually a deal breaker. Most of the time, if

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-62416520812392007642012-01-19T10:23:00.000-05:002012-01-19T10:23:00.129-05:00I Receive A Social Security Check, Why Must I Sign Up For Direct Deposit?

Truthfully, you do not have to sign up for direct deposit. But, you also will not have the option of receiving a paper check beyond March 1, 2013. If you do not want to set up direct deposit then you can elect to receive your monthly Social Security benefits via the Direct Express prepaid debit card. Social Security is moving to an entirely electronic payment system because they claim it will

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-13027516535435539362012-01-17T15:30:00.003-05:002012-01-24T09:09:20.271-05:00I Worked On The Books, Why Does Social Security Say I Don't Have Enough Work History Credits?

As you probably know, in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits (SSD), you need to have enough work history credits. If you do not have the work history credits, then it is possible you could still qualify for SSI or still qualify for SSD if you can prove that you were disabled prior to your date last insured. Unfortunately, not everyone pays into Social Security while they are

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-73796390623579858572012-01-16T11:44:00.000-05:002012-01-16T11:44:00.887-05:00Montclair, NJ Social Security Office Closing

According to The Bergen Record: As part of its belt-tightening, the U.S. Social Security Administration will be closing its walk-in office on Bloomfield Avenue, consolidating that facility with its office in Clifton, officials said Friday.The closing of the 7,100-square-foot facility will take place in early March, Shallman said. At that point, employees and operations from Montclair will be

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-84690192972855185472012-01-15T10:56:00.001-05:002012-01-15T10:56:00.215-05:00Can I Receive SSI If I Leave The United States?

Under Federal Regulations You lose your eligibility for SSI benefits for any month during all of which you are outside of the United States. If you are outside of the United States for 30 days or more in a row, you are not considered to be back in the United States until you are back for 30 days in a row. You may again be eligible for SSI benefits in the month in which the 30 days end if

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-89595484861992315052012-01-14T09:16:00.001-05:002012-01-13T23:21:36.031-05:00What Is The Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process?

In order to meet the required definition of disability under the law, an applicant "must have a severe impairment(s) that makes you unable to do your past relevant work or any other substantial gainful work that exists in the national economy." If you do not have an impairment that meets one of Social Security's listings, then Social Security will analyze your Residual Functional Capacity under

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-89374614646292976922012-01-13T20:44:00.004-05:002012-01-13T23:24:27.486-05:00What Is Social Security's Definition Of Disability?

The Code of Federal Regulations defines what disability means in §404.1505. According the to the Regulations: The law defines disability as the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-11437076528708253412012-01-12T14:55:00.000-05:002012-01-12T14:55:25.633-05:00I Received Mail From Social Security, What Should I Do?

Once you have applied for Social Security disability or SSI you will begin receiving mail from the Social Security Administration. Sometimes these letters are just confirmation letters and require no response. But, often the letter will require a response from you in order to assist Social Security in making a decision on your case. First, I will tell you what you should not do. You should not

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-17719037442059820542012-01-11T09:01:00.001-05:002012-01-14T17:18:42.736-05:00Where Is My Local Social Security Office?

If you are trying to locate your local Social Security office then all you need to know is your five digit zip code. If you know your zip code, then go to the office locator on the Social Security website and enter that information.

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-11373644028504806792012-01-10T08:57:00.003-05:002012-01-10T08:57:00.731-05:00I Was Recently Awarded Social Security Disability Benefits, What Day Do I Get Paid Each Month?

Social Security has a system in place to determine when you will be paid your Social Security disability benefits each month. Social Security benefits are paid after the month that they are due. Basically, each month that you receive a check from Social Security, that money is for the month preceding the check. If you receive your check at the end of February, that is your monthly benefits for

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-35510386223413851002012-01-09T10:59:00.002-05:002012-01-09T11:03:19.110-05:00What Is A Common Mistake Claimants Make That Is Easily Fixed?

One of the most common mistakes that people applying for Social Security disability benefits make is being overly vague. No attorney or Administrative Law Judge expects you to be the next Stephen King, recalling everything in immaculate detail, but in my opinion this is one area where clients hurt themselves and it is very easily corrected if you realize the mistake and the problems that it can

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-23697464675898777302012-01-07T12:23:00.003-05:002012-01-07T12:25:38.790-05:00Social Security Sent Me A Direct Express Card, What Is It?

Social Security is in the process of making all payment processing electronic, they are eliminating the issuing of checks. As of May 2011 if you are awarded Social Security benefits (either SSD or SSI), you must receive your monthly benefit electronically. Social Security has stated that "You must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. If you don't, the U.S. Department of the Treasury

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-58488321828579089922012-01-06T09:01:00.000-05:002012-01-06T09:01:02.339-05:00How Long Are Doctors Or Hospitals Required To Keep My Medical Records?

Clients commonly want to know how long a doctor or hospital is legally obligated to keep their medical records for. This is especially important in "Date Last Insured" cases, when the person may not have seen a particular doctor who has relevant medical records in quite some time. The law varies by state, so depending on where your doctor's office or the hospital is located, there may be a

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-4820684758732279182012-01-05T10:00:00.002-05:002012-01-28T23:19:12.666-05:00Payroll Tax Cuts Not Good For People With Disabilities

You may have recently heard about the payroll tax cuts that were extended for an additional two months by Congress. Many Americans, especially the lower and middle class, have viewed this as a good thing. Anytime less money is taken out of your pay check it's got to be a good thing, right? Not necessarily, unfortunately. You see the problem is that the tax cut comes at the cost of not adding

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-2167637209577146242012-01-03T09:20:00.000-05:002012-01-03T09:20:00.721-05:00I Was Recently Awarded SSI, Do I Get Medicare or Medicaid?

When you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you become eligible for Medicaid immediately. If you are a low income individual, you can also apply for Medicaid regardless of whether or not Social Security has awarded you SSI benefits. This means that if you have applied for SSI, you should also apply at your local Medicaid office for Medicaid, since it is possible to receive these

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-36145886293167384372012-01-02T10:17:00.004-05:002012-01-03T19:22:33.521-05:00I Was Recently Awarded SSD, When Do I Get Medicare?

When you receive Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) you automatically become eligible for Medicare two years from the date you become eligible for benefits. For example, you receive your Notice of Award in June, 2011 with your onset date determined to be May, 2009. Due to the five month waiting period, you are eligible for benefits as of October, 2009. Under SSD rules you will

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-20479448502291750212012-01-01T11:40:00.002-05:002012-01-05T15:30:50.830-05:00How Important Are Medical Records When Applying For Social Security Disability?

Image Source Medical records are very important and play a major role in determining whether or not you will be approved for Social Security Disability Benefits. When you apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you have to prove to Social Security that you are disabled. You would not believe the amount of people that ask for my assistance in applying

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-41092482938953348352011-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:002012-01-23T22:03:35.193-05:00Alabama Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Birmingham Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review 1200 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. 1st Floor Birmingham, AL 35285 Telephone: (866) 613-2863 Fax: (205) 801-2983 eFile Fax: 877-670-6787 Services the following Social Security Field Offices: ALABAMA: Albertville, Bessemer, Birmingham Downtown, Birmingham East, Gadsden, Jasper, Talladega, Tuscaloosa Florence

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-24885268219337060932011-12-30T23:58:00.000-05:002012-01-23T21:45:48.961-05:00Alaska Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Anchorage Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review 188 W Northern Lights Blvd., 6th Floor Anchorage, AK 99513 Telephone: (907) 271-6285 Fax: (907) 271-6271 eFile Fax: (877) 714-3607 Services the following Social Security local offices: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-81090435055717376052011-12-30T23:57:00.088-05:002012-01-23T22:08:42.821-05:00Arizona Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Phoenix Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review Siete Square, Suite 200 3737 North 7th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 Telephone: (888) 748-1991 Fax: (602) 640-2165 eFile Fax: (877)394-4579 Services the following Social Security Field Offices: ARIZONA: Apache Junction, Chinle, Colorado River Basin, Flagstaff, Mesa, Phoenix Downtown, Show Low, Tuba City Phoenix (

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-41175290835248633592011-12-30T23:56:00.000-05:002012-01-23T22:15:54.472-05:00Arkansas Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Dallas (North) Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review Park Central VIII, 8th Floor, Suite 800 12770 Merit Drive Dallas, Texas 75251-1220 Telephone: (866) 331-7135 Fax: (972) 341-5153 eFile Fax: (877) 904-5524 Services the following Social Security Field Offices: TEXAS: Dallas-North, Denton, Greenville, Longview, McKinney, Palestine, Pleasant Grove, Sherman, Tyler,

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-18434016019512912082011-12-30T23:54:00.000-05:002012-01-23T22:10:26.244-05:00California Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Downey Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review Suite 210 8345 Firestone Boulevard Downey, California 90241 Telephone: (877) 870-6385 Fax: (562) 869-8943 eFile Fax: (877) 394-4581 Services the following Social Security local offices: Compton, Downey, Huntington Park, Norwalk, Watts, Whittier Fresno Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-89112653118503903212011-12-30T23:53:00.004-05:002012-01-23T22:21:38.000-05:00Colorado Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Colorado Springs Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review 121 S. Tejon Street, Suite 701 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Telephone: (888) 844-8269 Fax: (719) 634-1735 eFile Fax: 877-389-4219 Services the following Social Security Field Offices: COLORADO: Alamosa, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Durango, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, La Junta, Montrose, Pueblo, Trinidad

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-19749383583900642042011-12-30T23:52:00.000-05:002012-01-23T22:17:09.417-05:00Connecticut Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Hartford Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review William R. Cotter Federal Building 135 High Street, Room 331 Hartford, Connecticut 06103-1193 Telephone: (866) 931-2878 Fax: (860) 724-9843 eFile Fax: (860) 548-1600 Services the following Social Security local offices: Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Meriden, Middleton, New Britain, New London, Norwich,

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-15669896093005302812011-12-30T23:47:00.000-05:002012-01-08T20:36:43.243-05:00Delaware Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Dover Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review Suite 200 500 W. Loockerman Street Dover, DE 19904 Telephone: (302) 674-7000 Fax: (302) 674-7024 eFile Fax: (877) 548-8803 Services the following Social Security local offices: DELAWARE: Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington MARYLAND: Elkton, Cambridge, Salisbury VIRGINIA: Accomac

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-41461591566615028852011-12-30T23:46:00.014-05:002012-01-23T22:35:24.503-05:00Florida Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Fort Lauderdale Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 1000, 10th Floor Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394 Telephone: (888)436-2637 Fax: (954) 356-7901 eFile Fax: (877)760-0003 Services the following Social Security Field Offices: FLORIDA: Belle Glade, Cocoa Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale (East & West), Melbourne, North Broward, Port

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-43145008562279340632011-12-30T22:35:00.006-05:002012-01-08T20:35:14.194-05:00Maryland Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-84193840855321974442011-12-30T22:35:00.002-05:002012-01-07T22:54:20.220-05:00New Jersey Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Newark Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review 3rd Floor 1100 Raymond Blvd. Newark, New Jersey 07102 Telephone: (877) 405-9798 Fax: (973) 645-2467 eFile Fax : (877) 482-0781 Services the following Social Security local offices: Clifton, East Orange, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, New Brunswick, Newark, Newton, Parsippany, Paterson,

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-28973280960351033082011-12-30T22:34:00.000-05:002012-01-07T23:06:08.290-05:00New York Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Albany Hearing Office SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review 6th Floor 74 North Pearl Street Albany, New York 12207-2211 Telephone: (866) 643-3035 Fax: (518) 462-1933 eFile Fax: (877) 379-8560 Services the following Social Security local offices: Albany, Gloversville, Hudson, Kingston, Oneonta, Plattsburgh, Poughkeepsie, Queensbury, Schenectady, Troy Bronx Hearing

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-29871706674877065592011-12-30T19:32:00.000-05:002012-01-08T20:32:38.066-05:00Virginia Social Security Hearing Office Locations

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-80674123706378708922011-12-29T09:02:00.000-05:002011-12-29T09:02:00.868-05:00What Is Sheltered Work?

As we have already discussed, in order to determine if an individual is disabled Social Security will first look at whether or not that person can engage in Substantial Gainful Activity. However, there are special exceptions for when an individual can be found to be receiving more than SGA but still be found to be disabled. A special exception to this rule is known as "sheltered work" or "

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-22697068169034112982011-12-28T14:15:00.004-05:002011-12-28T14:15:00.295-05:00NOSSCR Responds To New Social Security Policy To Hide Judge's Identity Until Day Of Hearing

The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) has sent a detailed response to the Social Security Administration regarding the new policy which has been implemented which keeps the identity of judges anonymous until the day of the hearing. To view the letter click here Related Post: I've Been Scheduled For A Hearing, Can I Look Up The Judge's Decision Record?

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-84595824086986419282011-12-28T09:00:00.002-05:002011-12-28T19:32:25.336-05:00I've Been Scheduled For A Hearing, Can I Look Up The Judge's Decision Record?

Image Source Up until recently when Social Security scheduled an individual applying for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income for a hearing the claimant was informed who the Administrative Law Judge hearing their case would be. Social Security's policy has now changed as of this month and they are no longer providing the name of the Administrative Law Judge until

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-10401642035854649162011-12-27T21:55:00.000-05:002011-12-27T21:55:23.903-05:00My Spouse Recently Died, Can I Receive Their Social Security Retirement Benefits?

There are several different circumstances when you, as the spouse, can receive your deceased spouse's Social Security retirement benefits. Obviously a surviving spouse can either be a male or female, but more often than not the surviving spouse is a widow seeking to receive Social Security benefits on her deceased husband's earnings record. According to Social Security: If you are the widow or

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-64059716873845998802011-12-26T12:45:00.001-05:002011-12-26T15:48:54.094-05:00What Is Substantial Gainful Activity?

Substantial Gainful Activity often referred to as SGA, is an important Social Security phrase. When Social Security is making a determination to decide whether or not an applicant is disabled they first look at whether the person is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. If an applicant is able to engage in substantial gainful activity then they will not be found to be

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-87394379477294751712011-12-25T08:52:00.003-05:002011-12-25T00:04:26.815-05:00I Have A Private Long Term Disability Policy, Should I Also Apply for Social Security Disability?

Do you have a long term disability policy with a private insurance carrier or through your employer? If you have one of these policies and become disabled you may have questions about Social Security disability. Chances are if you have questions it's because you have filed for disability benefits through the long term disability policy and now the LTD carrier is telling you that you have to file

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-90734233638619016512011-12-24T12:49:00.003-05:002011-12-24T12:51:52.633-05:00If I Don't Have Enough Work History Credits, Can I Still Get Benefits?

If you've been told by Social Security that you do not have enough work history credits to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits then there are two different possible solutions for you. 1) Find out your "date last insured" from Social Security and prove that your disability began prior to that date. An experienced Social Security attorney should be able to tell you fairly quickly if

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-51815776534255211652011-12-23T16:15:00.000-05:002011-12-23T16:15:00.806-05:00Are There Any Disabilities That Social Security Awards Benefits Faster To?

Social Security currently has a list of 113 conditions that it provides benefits for quickly. These conditions are known in Social Security terms as "Compassionate Allowances" and the list was updated most recently earlier this month, with 13 new conditions being recognized by Social Security. According to Social Security: Compassionate Allowances (CAL) are a way of quickly identifying diseases

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-21509475425860644912011-12-22T12:10:00.003-05:002012-01-15T12:04:52.584-05:00How Long Does It Take To Receive A Decision?

Ready for the answer that you didn't want to hear? It depends ... Every single client that walks through the door of my office or that speaks with me on the phone asks me the same exact question. The truth is there is no way to give you a definitive answer. The process can take anywhere from three months to two years (even longer if you file appeals after the Administrative Law Hearing). The

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-7309658940519793542011-12-21T12:00:00.002-05:002012-01-15T12:03:32.214-05:00What Does Date Last Insured Mean?

One of the most common questions I am asked by clients is, what does "date last insured" mean? "Date last insured," only applies to Social Security Disability benefits (SSD), it does not apply to those who are solely applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Your date last insured is typically 5 years after the date you last worked, or had wages paid into the Social Security system. If

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-73211657125472955212011-12-20T12:19:00.001-05:002012-01-15T12:02:02.112-05:00How Far Back Can I Receive Back Payment?

When you are awarded disability benefits by Social Security you will receive a set amount of money each month for as long as Social Security considers you to be disabled. Those who are receiving SSD benefits receive an amount of money each month based on their work earnings record and those receiving SSI benefits receive an amount equal to the maximum amount allowed by Social Security minus set

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-39671078155953621822011-12-19T20:20:00.001-05:002012-01-15T12:00:41.609-05:00What Can A Social Security Attorney Do For Me?

If you are going to hire an attorney for anything it's always a good idea to know exactly what they are going to do for you. It is my opinion that every person that wants to apply for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income should use an attorney. It is obviously not impossible to get disability benefits by applying for yourself, but why would you? Since Social

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523564331388297311.post-76892923050812980292011-12-18T20:18:00.001-05:002012-01-15T11:57:55.122-05:00What Social Security Disability Benefits Are There?

There are several different types of Social Security Disability benefits/programs. The two most common types are Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). When most people refer to Social Security Disability benefits they are referring to SSD. To qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD), an individual must have enough work history credits

Declan Gourley, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08096638781467305238noreply@blogger.com0