Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance Fare Better With Representation

When stacked against the deluge of applications for Social Security Disability Insurance, applicants who sought representation prior to filing fared better than their counterparts who completed applications on their own. The reason is that representatives who specialize in preparing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications understand the terminology and know how to answer questions so that reviewers have a clear understanding of the applicant's condition.

With more than 1.3 million people waiting for approval, individual applicants who submit applications that are prepared correctly, using the proper terminology with the correct supporting documentation, stack the odds in their favor. Given that the process can average between two to four years, it is important to do as much due diligence in the beginning as possible.

While some cases are simple to evaluate, the reality is that too many get stuck in the system because of missing documentation, unclear answers and missing details. Ultimately, many of these applications are denied. After denial, many of these applicants will find an attorney to represent them at appeal.

Do You Need a Social Security Disability Representative?

If yours is a clear-cut case involving simple answers, a common condition, and requiring a minimal amount of paperwork, the answer is probably no. However, if your case is complex, involves more than one condition, questionable circumstances, or requires multiple care providers to provide documentation, you may want to find a qualified Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representative to help you.

While some representatives, especially attorneys, will not consider your case until it has been denied, there are many organizations and individuals who will offer help in the early stages.

Questions to Ask Potential Social Security Disability Insurance Representatives

When seeking SSDI representation, people typically think of retaining an attorney. However, there are many organizations that hire specialists and representatives to help handle Social Security Disability claims for specific conditions. These firms often have extensive experience with specific conditions while attorneys have legal expertise and an understanding of the laws that are pertinent to your case and state.

When interviewing the representative, don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, it's in your best interest to choose wisely.

When interviewing candidates consider the following questions:

What experience do you have representing people with this specific disability? At minimum you want someone with several years of experience and a solid understanding of your condition and the relevant terminology.
How long have you been in business? Again, this answer may vary greatly, but you want someone who has been in business for at least two years. Ten or more is preferable.
Are you accredited by the Better Business Bureau? Don't take this answer at face value. Verify it by going online or calling the Better Business Bureau to check their status.
What are your fees? Fees may vary, but most disability attorneys and advocates charge a fee only if they are successful in obtaining benefits for you.
Will you provide counsel to complete necessary paperwork? The company that represents you should take responsibility for your case. If they don't complete the paperwork, they should, at the very least, provide advice to you about the answers.
Will you track forms and appeals to ensure timeliness? They should advise you as to which forms to submit and monitor the status of your case.
What documentation will you provide for me? Bi-weekly updates regarding the status of your case will keep you abreast of the progress and ensure that important deadlines aren't missed.
Will you attend any appointments or hearings with me? Is there an extra fee for this service? Any representative who accepts a fee should also be present for appointments or hearings. Those with lower up front fees may charge extra for this service. Organizations that charge a larger up front fee, will typically appear with you for no extra charge.
Will you contact my doctors to obtain medical records for my file? This should be part of the service.
Is there a limit to the number of times I can call with questions? Unlimited access is preferred.
How often will you check with the SSA about my claim? Every two weeks is fair.
Will you be responsible for confirming that my claim file is up-to-date? This should be their responsibility.
How long should I expect the process to take? The answer on this may vary, however currently files are taking anywhere from nine months to four years to be finalized.
Can I talk to any of your previous clients? Interviewing previous clients can give you an idea about what to expect.

Apply for Disability
Disability Claim

Social Security Disability Insurance Eligibility

Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is a benefit paid by the government's Social Security Administration (SSA) to workers who can no longer support themselves through work and are considered disabled. The definition of a disability is a medical condition that is expected to last for a long period of time, at least one year, or will cause death. Unlike other social welfare programs that can give financial assistance for partial or temporary disabilities, SSDI is intended for those with full disabilities.

Workers must qualify for SSDI based upon two separate "earnings" tests by the Social Security Administration:

• The first test is called a "recent work" test and is based upon the age of the worker at the time of the disability; for example, a worker who becomes disabled between the ages of 24 and 31 will generally need to prove work experience for half of the previous ten years; this test uses calendar quarters to mark time.

• The second test is a "duration of work" test; applicants must have worked for a certain amount of time before their disability based upon their age; the years worked do not have to be within a certain time period like they do with the recent work test and can be scattered throughout the previous years.

If the applicant passes the earnings tests, they must provide medical documentation of their disability which will be reviewed by doctors and disability specialists with the SSA's Disability Determination Services office in the applicant's state. The documents provided should be from qualified doctors and medical facilities. They need to show the medical condition, when it began, how it affects the applicant as a disability, and any treatment the applicant has received. The SSA will determine if the applicant is able to perform work related activities such as walking, lifting, sitting, and using cognitive skills or if they are truly disabled and deserve SSDI benefits.

If the SSA rules that the worker is disabled enough to be unable to perform their previous type of work, the SSA will also consider if the worker can perform other types of work different from their original line of work.

For more information, please visit http://www.socialsecuritynethelp.me

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits With No Health Insurance

When filing for Social Security Disability (SSD), one of the largest factors that your claim depends on is your medical records; in general, if you have no record that you've been taking medications or been to a doctor in the past year, your benefits will likely be denied. But if you have no health insurance how can you prove your condition? Read on to learn about applying for Social Security Disability without health insurance.

While every SSD claim is different, most claimants encounter a lot of the same problems while waiting for their Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income claim to be approved. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of the Social Security Disability system. Because it takes so long to be approved for benefits, most claimants have long ago depleted their resources.

Two of the most common problems are often a result of being unable to work: a lack of money to pay bills and living expenses and no health insurance. Without health insurance, a claimant not only cannot receive the treatment or medication they need for their condition, but they can't properly document their recent medical history either. Additionally, if a client has been prescribed medication, but don't have the money to cover it out of pocket, it will negatively affect their claim as well.

While there are no easy solutions for either dilemma, there are some things you can do to obtain treatment without health insurance. Oftentimes doctors will continue to see you as a patient if they know you have filed for Medicaid benefits. Other options for obtaining treatment without health insurance include seeking care at free clinics within your community, or at last resort going to the emergency room at your local hospital.

When it comes to your medication, things can be even more difficult. Without health insurance most medicines are unaffordable. The fact that you cannot afford your medicine may be deemed irrelevant on your SSD claim. The only thing those reviewing your case will see is that you did not take prescribed medication.

Unfortunately, unless you suddenly find a money tree growing in your backyard, there aren't many options for getting your medications without health insurance. Many doctors will have samples of brand name medications on hand at their office, so you can ask them for as many samples as possible while at your appointment. This is only a temporary fix, however.

Some online websites offer medications at lower prices. You can also keep a written journal of all your efforts to obtain medical care and medications. Keep track of your activities, pain levels, and/or diminishments in condition as well. If you hire a Social Security Disability advocate to file your claim, they may be able to make use of this journal in your favor.

Above all, hiring an SSD advocate is your best bet for winning your SSD claim - especially if you have no health insurance or access to medications. You do not have to pay your advocate until you win your case, which is especially beneficial if you are experiencing financial problems, and more people win their cases with an SSD advocate than without. Don't miss out on your SSD benefits, hire an advocate to represent your claim today.

Binder & Binder® was formed in 1975 to help clients all over America research their Social Security Disability eligibility and obtain Social Security Disability benefits. As America's Most Successful Social Security Disability Advocates®, they have served tens of thousands of people throughout the United States and all U.S. territories in matters of SSD and Supplemental Security Income.