tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44065373823088081612024-03-12T21:53:59.958-07:00www.SCDisabiltyLaw.comA forum to disuss the Social Security Disability process in South Carolina, including qualifying for benefits, the length of the process, and first hand experiences with applying for disability.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended as legal advice or an offer of legal representation. All information provided is to promote discussions about topics of interest to readers. Please consult an attorney if you have legal issues or need legal advice specific to your situation.SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-62362636658609855442013-04-14T16:34:00.001-07:002013-04-14T16:34:32.930-07:00Veterans with disabilities may receive compensation<a href="http://durangoherald.com/article/20130414/COLUMNISTS17/130419880/">Veterans with disabilities may receive compensation</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-76567463170652467932013-04-14T16:32:00.003-07:002013-04-14T16:32:58.738-07:00Apply wisely for disability benefits<a href="http://hutchnews.com/Bizag/C2-SUN-BIZ--soc--sec--COPY--1">Apply wisely for disability benefits</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-28939124324712920252013-04-14T16:32:00.001-07:002013-04-14T16:32:39.446-07:00Covering the Bases: Social Security Disability, Medicare and returning to work - CapitalGazette.com: Covering The Bases<a href="http://www.capitalgazette.com/lifestyle/columnists/covering_the_bases/covering-the-bases-social-security-disability-medicare-and-returning-to/article_a840ae25-7fcb-5bbb-a2ad-151051ec05fb.html#.UWs8XH-xPqk.blogger">Covering the Bases: Social Security Disability, Medicare and returning to work - CapitalGazette.com: Covering The Bases</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-46445476246961121332010-11-13T05:59:00.000-08:002010-11-13T06:08:02.937-08:00No Cost of Living Increase for Social Security BeneficiariesFor the second year in a row, the SSA will offer no cost-of-living adjustment<br />for <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">Social Security and SSI</a> beneficiaries in 2011. The COLA is determined by comparing the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2008, the last year that a COLA was determined, to the third quarter of 2010. As there was no increase in that period (unlike the change from 2008 to 2009, which<br />was 5.8 percent, the largest increase since 1982), the SSA declined to grant a cost of living increase.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-43082686153868045762010-10-31T09:10:00.000-07:002010-12-24T07:57:59.401-08:00Applying for Disability Benefits – How It’s Decided If You’re DisabledWhen evaluating your case, consider the following. The more you are educated about your case, the better prepared you are to present your case to the Social Security Administration.<br /><br />1. Are you working? <br />If you are working and your earnings average more than a certain amount each month, we generally will not consider you disabled. The amount changes each year. For the current figure, see the annual Update (Publication No. 05-10003).<br /><br />If you are not working, or your monthly earnings average the current amount or less, the state agency then looks at your medical condition. <br /><br />2. Is your medical condition “severe”? <br />For the state agency to decide that you are disabled, your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities—such as walking, sitting and remembering—for at least one year. If your medical condition is not that severe, the state agency will not consider you disabled. If your condition is that severe, the state agency goes on to step three.<br /><br />3. Is your medical condition on the List of Impairments? <br />The state agency has a List of Impairments that describes medical conditions that are considered so severe that they automatically mean that you are disabled as defined by law. If your condition (or combination of medical conditions) is not on this list, the state agency looks to see if your condition is as severe as a condition that is on the list. If the severity of your medical condition meets or equals that of a listed impairment, the state agency will decide that you are disabled. If it does not, the state agency goes on to step four.<br /><br />4. Can you do the work you did before? <br />At this step, the state agency decides if your medical condition prevents you from being able to do the work you did before. If it does not, the state agency will decide that you are not disabled. If it does, the state agency goes on to step five.<br /><br />5. Can you do any other type of work? <br />If you cannot do the work you did in the past, the state agency looks to see if you would be able to do other work. It evaluates your medical condition, your age, education, past work experience and any skills you may have that could be used to do other work. If you cannot do other work, the state agency will decide that you are disabled. If you can do other work, the state agency will decide that you are not disabled.<br /><br />For more information,call our office at <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">803-929-0577</a> or email us at <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">rita@mettslawfirm.com</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-25260973819242672522010-10-20T15:13:00.000-07:002010-10-20T15:16:23.990-07:00Traumatic Brain InjuriesTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. Recent data shows that, on average, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually.<br /><br />A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,”<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/index.html"> i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury</a>. <br /><br />TBI may result in neurological and mental impairments with a wide variety of posttraumatic symptoms and signs. The rate and extent of recovery can be highly variable and the long-term outcome may be difficult to predict in the first few months post-injury. Generally, the neurological impairment (s) will stabilize more rapidly than any mental impairment (s). Sometimes a mental impairment may appear to improve immediately following TBI and then worsen, or, conversely, it may appear much worse initially but improve after a few months. Therefore, the mental findings immediately following TBI may not reflect the actual severity of your mental impairment (s). The actual severity of a mental impairment may not become apparent until 6 months or more post-injury. We will fully evaluate any neurological and mental impairments and adjudicate the claim. (http://www.ssa.gov/)<br /><br />For more information, visit our site, <a href="http://mettslawfirm.com">Metts Law Firm, LLC</a> or call 803-929-0577. You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you are unable to work for any reason.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-63377701432319683862010-10-20T15:05:00.000-07:002010-10-20T15:10:03.974-07:00If You Are Denied Social Security BenefitsIf you are denied Social Security benefits, it isn’t the end of the world. The Social Security application process has several stages of appeal, any of which can overturn the initial decision and give you the benefits to which you are entitled.<br /><br />The vast majority of applications for Social Security disability will be denied. Even if you have a strong case, the Social Security Administration may deny your claim if you don't prove your disability under the Social Administration guidelines.<br /><br />Over 60% of claims are denied at the Initial stage. The Social Security Administration allows you 60 days to appeal this decision. If you decide to appeal, your claim enters the Reconsideration stage.<br /><br />The Social Security Administration rejects over 80% of Reconsideration applications. If you choose to appeal again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The Hearing stage often times represents your best chance of obtaining disability benefits, and it is important to prepare properly. Having a competent disability advocate or Social Security attorney can significantly increase your chances of being approved at this third stage.<br /><br />If the Social Security Administration has denied your claim for Social Security disability and you would like to appeal, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your benefits, <a href="http://mettslawfirm.com">please contact us</a> for a consultation at 803-929-0577. We offer in office and phone consultations when needed.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-88027264768735915662010-10-20T15:01:00.000-07:002010-10-20T15:04:26.782-07:00VA Disability Compensation: Tips On Working With Your Service RepresentativeWhether you are seeking a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder or an injury on the job, it is always an advantage to have an <a href="http://mettslawfirm.com">experienced veterans service representative</a> assist you in the prosecution of a claim for VA disability compensation. Regardless of the nature of the disorder underlying a claim for benefits, these individuals are familiar with veteran’s benefits law and procedures, and can provide more effective representation than trying to handle the claim yourself. <br /><br />Keep in touch: You should talk to your representative at least once per month while your claim is pending. Whenever you get mail from the VA, call your representative to make sure that he or she has received a copy (as required by VA regulations) and that you understand exactly what it means. <br /><br /><a href="http://mettslawfirm.com">Ask questions</a>: If you do not understand something about your claim, ask about it. Part of your service representative’s responsibility is to ensure that you understand the claims process.<br /><br />Exercise your judgment: Your service representative is supposed to act in your best interests. However, you are the ultimate decision maker with respect to your claim. Your service representative will tell you if he or she disagrees with what you want to do and why. They can make recommendations, but must do as you instruct.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-79361526060334812422010-09-17T13:49:00.000-07:002010-09-17T13:51:00.121-07:00Social Security Disability Appeals: The Grueling TruthThe journey through the applications process for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplement Security Income (SSI) is often a complicated and time consuming process. The procedure to apply for benefits can be straining for many reasons, particularly the because of the success rate. On average, 70 percent of SSDI and SSI applicants are denied benefits when they first apply for disability benefits. Meaning if you are one of these individuals you needn’t feel alone, abandoned, or shocked. Do not give up! Another statistic is an inspirational one -- With a veteran SSI attorney on your side there is no need to feel hopeless and your chances of being approved are increased. Three out of six people who go through the lengthy appeals process will become a SSDI or SSI recipient.<br /><br />You should educate yourself about the the ins and outs of the system for both applying for benefits and appealing a denial. With the help of any disability attorney your case, rights, and disabilities will be represented. There is no reason to do this alone. A South Carolina SSI attorney can take on the hard tasks, such as the seemingly endless waiting and the exasperating paperwork. Your attorney will help ensure that all the proper documentation is acquired, all deadlines quickly met, and that no errors are made when you apply for benefits. When they do finally win your case, a good disability lawyer will make sure all your income benefits are appropriately calculated, so that you and your loved ones are given the rights deserved.<br /><br />Just remember that you don’t have to be alone when dealing with the monster machine that is the U.S. government’s Social Security Administration. If you have any questions or concerns regarding applying for benefits, or appealing a denial, please contact us for a consultation.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-14045424169592071362010-09-17T13:48:00.000-07:002010-09-17T13:49:18.639-07:00When Do Do You Need a Lawyer For Social Security Disability?Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that aims to provide a portion of income and medical coverage to disabled children and disabled adults. It grants financial aid to individuals with inadequate means to attain an income on their own, and consequently have meager financial support, or none at all.<br /><br />This money is given out so that those who meet the income guidelines can provide for their basic necessities such as shelter, clothing, and food.Both children and adults are eligible for social security disability and supplemental security income assistance, granted they meet the necessary requirements to do so.<br /><br />If you have ever attempted to become a beneficiary of SSI, then you are most likely sensitive to the fact that it can be a time consuming and arduous endeavor. Often times the preliminary application process will be a failure. But applying for SSI can be easier and less confusing. With the help of a an experienced and knowledgeable social security disability attorney, you can rest assured that someone is fighting in your corner to get you the benefits that you deserve, and if your application has been denied a reliable social security disability lawyer can help in your appeals process.<br /><br />Applying for, or appealing the denial of, social security disability benefits can be an intensely aggravating process, especially when it is for a child. So a lawyer can prove very beneficial in expediting the process. Living with a disability can be hard as it is, you shouldn’t have to go through the tormenting experience of proving to the government that you are disabled. A social security disability attorney can help you in a number of aspects of applying or appealing.<br />Including:<br /><br /> * Analyzing your case and cross referencing it with state regulation<br /> * Offering peace of mind<br /> * Consulting primary physicians and other doctors for medical information and exam results<br /> * Gather medical evidence<br /> * Preparing witnesses to testify<br /> * Taking care of telephone calls, legwork, and paperwork<br /><br />There are a whole host of other reasons for consulting with a social security disability lawyer that can prove advantageous for your unique situation. It is important to know that you don’t have to be alone when dealing with such crucial matters concerning your livelihood.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-58450408029521161042010-08-24T11:48:00.001-07:002010-08-24T11:48:02.437-07:00When Do You Need a Lawyer For Social Security Disability?<p>Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that aims to provide a portion of income and medical coverage to disabled children and disabled adults. It grants financial aid to individuals with inadequate means to attain an income on their own, and consequently have meager financial support, or  even none at all.</p> <p>This money is given out so that those who qualify for <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com/index.html">social security disability</a><strong> </strong>can have the basic necessities; shelter, clothing, or food.. Both children and adults are  eligible for social security disability assistance ,granted they can determine that they meet the  requirements to do so.</p> <p>If you have ever attempted to become a beneficiary of SSI, then you are most likely sensitive to the fact that it can be a time consuming and arduous endeavor. Often times the preliminary application process will be a failure. But applying for SSI is not a forlorn venture. With the help of a experienced and knowledgeable <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com/index.html">social security disability attorney</a>, you can rest assured that someone is fighting in your corner to get you the benefits that you deserve, and if your application has been denied a reliable <a href=" http://www.mettslawfirm.com/index.html">social security disability lawyer </a>can  be a huge help in your appeals process.</p> <p>Applying for, or appealing the denial of, <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com/index.html">social security disability</a><strong> </strong>benefits can be an intensely aggravating process, especially when it is for a child. So a lawyer can prove very beneficial in expediting the process. Living with a disability can be hard as it is, you shouldn’t have to go through the tormenting experience of proving to the government that you are disabled. A <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com/index.html">social security disability</a> attorney can help you in a number of aspects of applying or appealing. <br />Including:</p> <ul> <li>Analyzing your case and cross referencing it with state regulation </li> <li>Offering peace of mind </li> <li>Consulting primary physicians and other doctors for medical information and exam results </li> <li>Gather medical evidence </li> <li>Preparing witnesses to testify </li> <li>Taking care of telephone calls, legwork, and paperwork </li> </ul> <p>There are a whole host of other reasons for consulting with a social security disability lawyer that can prove advantageous for your unique situation. It is important to know that you don’t have to be alone when dealing with such crucial matters concerning your livelihood.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-11143678680334800882010-08-18T17:53:00.000-07:002010-08-18T17:55:32.796-07:003 Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming for Disability BenefitsWhen filing for claims based on disability, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Here are 3 potential mistakes people usually make and how to avoid them. <br /><br />a. <a href="http://ww.mettslawfirm.com">Not Specifying Mental Illnesses in the Application</a><br />Applications for social security disability or SSD are evaluated on both mental as well as physical grounds. Both physical and mental conditions are evaluated in a very similar manner. If a claimant has a mental impairment, this needs to be included in the application. Sometimes, the presence of a severe mental disability coupled with a mild physical disability can be sufficient to help the applicant qualify for such disability benefits, independently or in support of a physical impairment. Cases of mental illness, such as depression, post traumatic stress, bi polar disorder and schizophrenia such be included when filing a claim. <br /><br />b. <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">Assumption that Disability Lawyers are Expensive</a><br />These days, it is easy to hire a social security disability lawyer and they get paid only once the case has been won. Therefore, anyone can afford the services of such lawyers. Most attorneys will only collect a fee if you get approved for your benefits. Disability lawyers can help you sort through the rules, laws and other guidelines to help you get approved for benefits.<br /><br />c. <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">Not Preparing for SSD Hearing</a><br />Not arriving to the hearing location at the right time can mean rescheduling of the case several months later! Not familiarizing oneself with one’s own claim file and providing a thorough record of medical history and supporting documentation can be a huge mistake for those without representation. However, claimants with access to social security disability lawyer services need not worry about this clause because the lawyer reviews and handles all aspects of the claim.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-35567053389801392912010-08-17T16:29:00.000-07:002010-08-17T21:03:06.816-07:00What does the Social Security Administration look for when Evaluating SSD claims?When the SSA or <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">Social Security Administration</a> begins a review of a claimant’s case, they are not really looking at the exact diagnosis of the claimant’s condition. Instead, they are looking for the effect of this diagnosis of disability on the ability to earn income and work. This is a single, fundamental aspect many claimants are not aware of. It is important to know this because it helps position the case in a better light. This is where the services of a social security disability lawyer can prove to be invaluable. <br /><br />To evaluate SSD claims associated with disability, the examiner for <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">DDS</a> will review the past employment of the claimant to assess if he or she can resume to the earlier employment or transfer skills from this employment to other gainful employment. If the DDS reviewer finds that the claimant is not in a position to resume his or her earlier employment the examiner will proceed to the next phase of evaluation. This process involves ascertaining if the claimant can work on other kinds of jobs. These types of jobs are more suited to disabled persons and take into consideration previous experience and current physical condition of the individual. <br /><br />When reviewing claims based on disability benefits, the evaluation process assumes more complex proportions. Other aspects like the candidate’s ability to perform finger movements or overhead reaching activities, ability raise an arm to shoulder height in cases of severe degenerative diseases, assumes more importance. As you can well imagine, there are subtle nuances in such a review. If you stay near South Carolina, it would be in your best interests to hire the services of a South Carolina disability lawyer to help understand these aspects.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-21981495840226036122010-02-23T16:27:00.000-08:002010-02-23T16:31:11.630-08:00Can you Increase your Social Security Payment?Here's an interesting article that describes 5 ways to <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">increase</a> your payment from <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/retirement/article/108881/what-you-need-to-know-about-social-security?mod=retire-planning">Social Security</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-4260475658038126282010-02-20T09:41:00.000-08:002010-02-20T09:44:05.058-08:00President's Plan to Help Social SecurityWhat do you think of the President's proposal to help Social Security and extend the life of the program? The president recently suggested an <a href="http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=84229&catid=299">adjustment</a> on taxed earnings. Any thoughts or <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">comments</a>?<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-14901978830152045122010-02-19T17:13:00.000-08:002010-02-19T17:41:52.434-08:00Social Security - Is the System Broken?Many Americans are concerned about the future of Social Security and how long the money will last. Are you concerned about a <a href="http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20100213/OPINION01/302139994">deficit<a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com"></a></a>?<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-15315799498363010142010-02-08T18:15:00.000-08:002010-02-08T18:18:04.195-08:00Are you worried that Social Security will run out?Some predict that Social Security is dangerously close to running out. See this <a href="http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=83783&catid=299">post</a> and let us know your opinion or comment.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-15710113263698709752010-02-06T14:07:00.001-08:002010-02-06T14:23:03.194-08:00Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?The general rule is that the Social Security Administrative Social Security pays benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition or injury, where the condition is expected to last for at least one year or may result in death. <br /><br />There are lists of medical conditions called "impairments" which describes are severe enough to prevent an individual from doing any gainful activity, are expected to be permanent or result in death. These impairments meet the SSA qualifications for disability benefits. There are other injuries or illnesses or a combination of the two which may qualify you for Disability benefits.<br /><br />For more information, visit our site, <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">Metts Law Firm,LLC</a> or call <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">803-929-0577</a>. You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you are <span style="font-weight:bold;">unable to work for any reason.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-73111143160410099522010-02-06T13:56:00.000-08:002010-02-06T14:00:03.306-08:00FREE Disabiltiy Seminars in ColumbiaMetts Law Firm, LLC offers free seminars to discuss Social Security Disability questions and concerns. Call us today at 803-929-0577 for details.<br /><a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com"><br />Metts Law Firm, LLC<br />3531 River Drive<br />Columbia SC 29201<br />(803-929-0577</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-87338786605009717672009-09-18T20:08:00.000-07:002009-09-18T20:10:42.141-07:00Will Social Security Run Out of Money?Do you ever worry that Social Security benefits will not be available by the time you are ready to retire? We have all heard the stories, now take a look at this <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/retirement/article/107761/what-you-need-to-know-about-social-security.html?mod=retire-planning">article</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-64630629539053600632009-08-27T05:39:00.000-07:002009-08-27T05:47:17.884-07:00Backlogs in Processing Disability Claims - More People are filing ClaimsIf your claim for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, you can appeal and request a hearing. This is good news because most claims, in my opinion, if approved are done so at the hearing. The bad news is that there is such a backlog of disputed disability claims, some people wait years for a hearing. According to a recent blog, "the Associated Press, the number of Americans receiving Social Security disability has doubled since 1990 to 7.4 million while the number of workers processing the claims has dropped. More than 765,000 people are currently waiting for a hearing -- twice as many as in 1998. The wait time for a hearing is twice what it was in 2000." <br /><br />Unfortunately the recession has not helped this situation. For more <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090731/ap_on_go_ot/us_disability_backlog">read here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-84195941409021568192009-07-26T09:39:00.000-07:002009-07-27T09:33:52.067-07:00Social Security PaymentsThe Social Security Administration provides regular statements which estimate the amounts that individuals should receive for Social Security Retirement, <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">Disability</a>, Dependents, etc.<br /><br />If you need to get a copy of your most recent statement, click <a href="https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/isss/main.html">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-87372659208646076552009-07-22T09:37:00.000-07:002009-07-22T21:37:41.456-07:00MerchantCircle: Using Social Networks to Make Money<a href="http://www.merchantcircle.com/corporate/blog/2009/07/using-social-networks-to-make-money.html#comments">MerchantCircle: Using Social Networks to Make Money</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">Happy networking.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-77475250122173627542009-07-21T15:55:00.000-07:002009-07-22T21:38:25.840-07:00How to Win Your Disability case?The most important point to remember when applying for disability is that you have to prove that your injuries or medical conditions meet the definition and guidelines established by the <a href="http://www.ssa.gov">Social Security Administration</a>. The best way to do that is through sufficient medical documentation.<br /><br />Does anyone out there have any war stories regarding applying for <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">disability</a>? Please share.<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406537382308808161.post-77553173727485164452009-07-19T06:57:00.000-07:002009-07-22T21:38:58.769-07:00Social Security Disability - Frequently Asked Questions<strong>Q. What is Social Security Disability?</strong><br /><br />A. <a href="http://www.mettslawfirm.com">Social Security disability benefits </a>are monies paid to you if you have worked for a long enough period and paid Social Security taxes though your employer and become disabled. <br /><br /><strong>Q. How do I qualify for Social Security Disability?</strong><br /><br />A. You may quality to receive benefits if you have a medical condition or injury that prevents you from working for a minimum of one year.<br /><br /><strong>Q. How does the Social Security Administration determine disability?</strong><br />The Social Security Administration has a five step process in determining disability.<br /><br /><strong><em>Step One</em></strong> -The first step involves determining if you are working. The amount of money you make if you are working is limited. If you make more than allowed, you will not be considered disabled. <br /><br /><strong><em>Step Two</em></strong> - The second step is to consider the severity of your medical condition(s) if you make less than the current guideline amount. This involves determining whether your medical condition(s) significantly affect you ability to perform basic work activities, i.e. sitting, standing, walking, for at least one year. <br /><br /><strong><em>Step Three</em></strong> - If the condition is severe enough to limit basic work functions, the agency will determine if the medical condition(s) are on a List of Impairments for adults and children developed by the agency. The impairments described are considered so severe by the agency that you can automatically be defined by law as disabled. If your condition is not on <br />the list, the agency can determine that you are disabled if your condition(s) are as severe as those on the list of impairments.<br /><br /><strong><em>Step Four</em></strong> - If your medical condition(s) are not on the list of impairments or meet or exceed the severity of an impairment on the list, the agency will then consider whether you medical condition(s) prevent you from doing the type of work you did before.<br /><br /><strong><em>Step Five</em></strong> - If the agency decides that you can do the type of work you did before, then it will decide you are not disabled. If not, then the agency will evaluate your medical condition(s), age, education, past work experience and skills learned from that work, to determine if you can do any other type of work. If you can, then the agency will decide that you are not disabled. <br /><br /><strong>Q. How long will it take to settle my Social Security Disability case?</strong><br /><br />A. This is a hard question to answer as there is no definite answer. The current estimated time for disposing of a case from the filing of the initial application to a hearing is approximately 24 months, sometimes longer. This can be a very long and stressful process. Put your case in our hands and let us help you through this process.<br /><br /><strong>Q. How much will the Social Security Administration pay me if approved?</strong><br /><br />A. The amount of benefits is determined by your average lifetime earnings and whether your benefits will be reduced based on the receipt of other types of compensation for you medical condition(s), such as workers' compensation. The Social Security Administration sends out a yearly statement providing your lifetime earnings and provides an estimate of your disability benefit. <br /><br /><strong>Q. How far back will Social Security pay me if I am approved?</strong><br /><br />A. If you are approved for social security disability, your first check will be paid for the sixth full month after the date your disability started.<br /><br /><strong>Q. What can I do to help win my Social Security Disability case?</strong><br /><br />A. You need sufficient medical documentation to support the severity of your medical condition(s). You should keep up with your medical treatment and doctor appointments. It may also be helpful to keep a diary to help document on a daily basis your disability keeps you from performing your past work; your medications and side effects; your aches and pains; and how disability or medications affect daily activities such as driving, shopping, taking care of family, walking, standing, sitting, memory, concentration, coping with stressful situations, and <br />dealing with other people etc.<br /><br /><strong>Q. Can I work and still receive Social Security Disability?</strong><br /><br />A. Yes. However, the agency limits the amount can make. <br /><br /><strong>Q. Do I have to be permanently disabled to receive social security disability?</strong><br /><br />A. You are entitled to benefits if your medical condition(s) are severe enough to prevent you from working for a period of at least one year. If your condition improves your benefits can be terminated.<br /><br /><strong>Q. Will I receive Medicare?</strong><br /><br />A. You will get Medicare coverage automatically after you have received social security disability benefits for two years.<br /><br /><strong>Q. How much will an attorney charge?</strong><br /><br />A. The Social Security Administration will withhold 25% of your past due benefits to compensate legal fees. <br /><br /><strong>Q. Will my family receive anything if I am approved?</strong><br /><br />A. If you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits, members of your family may qualify for benefits. They include but are not limited to the following:<br /><br />Your spouse, if he or she is 62 or older;<br />Your spouse, at any age if he or she is caring for a child of yours who is younger than age 16 <br />or disabled;<br />Your unmarried child, including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild or grandchild. <br />The child must be under age 18 or under age 19 if in elementary or secondary school full time; and<br />Your unmarried child, age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22. <br />(The child’s disability also must meet the definition of disability for adults.)<div class="blogger-post-footer">This blog is not intended as legal advice, nor an offer of legal representation. We encourage honest communication regarding Social Security Disability. Please contact an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.</div>SC Divorce and Disabiltyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10358387512790429410noreply@blogger.com3