Social Security Disability

Witnesses are essential figures in most Social Security disability hearings, since they provide eyewitness evidence of a claimant’s disabilities. That does not necessarily mean that all witnesses are equally useful, however, so it is your Ocala Social Security disability lawyer’s responsibility to weed out the least useful witnesses. Types of Witness Testimony Witnesses can provide either weak or strong testimony. Weak testimony is often characterized by vagueness, brevity, and unsubstantiated claims. Strong testimony is noticeable for its detailed descriptions, characterization job duties, and comparisons between an able worker and a disabled worker. Your Ocala Social Security disability lawyer should have the practice and education to spot the difference. Examples of Weak Testimony “I work as an operating line attendant in…Read More

Once you have requested a hearing, but before it is actually held, an attorney advisor (who also writes decisions for ALJs) may request supplemental evidence and then conduct an informal prehearing conference, which usually consists of a telephone call to your Ocala Social Security disability lawyer.You may receive a fully favorable decision from the attorney advisor, and if so, the request for a hearing will be dismissed unless you make another request to proceed with the hearing before 30 days have passed after the attorney advisor’s decision. The authority to review an attorney advisor’s decision is held by the Appeals Council and not an ALJ. You have the option of attending the ALJ hearing in person or by video teleconferencing.…Read More

Dealing with the Social Security Administration while receiving Social Security disability benefits is not as hard as it was during the claims process. Nonetheless, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some people do have problems. Your Ocala disability attorney will provide you with some tips to reduce your aggravation.  Below is a list of steps you should take to minimize the hassle of dealing with the Social Security Administration: Organize all of the correspondence you have received and sent to the Social Security Administration and keep them in a safe place Make sure you read every mail, letter, pamphlet and booklet that you receive as they all contain information that is important to your Social Security disability benefits…Read More

The majority of new Social Security disability recipients have numerous questions regarding their benefits. Although you can contact the Social Security Office directly, you will get a more detailed answer from your Ocala Social Security disability attorney.  The two major questions recipients have are regarding direct deposit and cashing the first check. Direct Deposit  Social Security disability recipients have the option of signing up to receive their checks via direct deposit. The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally requires claimants to sign up for direct deposit when they initially file their claim. Because it can take months or years to be awarded benefits, some people forget they signed up for direct deposit with a particular bank account.  If you close an…Read More

Congratulations. You finally received the important letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) awarding you Social Security disability benefits. But you still have questions about your benefits. Your Ocala Social Security disability lawyer will continue to help you and answer your questions until you actually receive your payments and are on track. Back Benefits  A common question new Social Security disability recipients often have is how far back benefits go. Back pay of disability benefits is a complex issue. In answering this question, your Ocala Social Security disability lawyer will consider the SSA’s rule that disability benefits can be paid back to the date of application for up to 12 months, subject to a five-month waiting period.  More simply stated,…Read More

In reviewing your Social Security disability claim, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at your ability to perform certain work-related functions. At the CJ Henry Law Firm, PLLC, one of our Ocala disability lawyers will review the details of your case and determine what the SSA needs in awarding you Social Security disability benefits. List of Work-Related Functions In evaluating your disability claim, the SSA will assess how your mental condition affects your ability to perform the following work-related functions: The ability to remember locations and work-related procedures The ability to comprehend, recollect, and execute short and simple instructions The ability to comprehend, recollect and execute detailed instructions The ability to maintain concentration for lengthy time periods The ability…Read More

The majority of Social Security disability claims proceed to the administrative law hearing level, where the judge will have an opportunity to ask the claimants endless questions about their disability and how it prevents them from being gainfully employed.  With the help of an Ocala disability attorney, you will attend your hearing ready to answer any question the administrative law judge may ask. Questions Asked If you hire an Ocala disability attorney who is experienced in filing Social Security disability claims for individuals suffering from postural limitations, he will help you prepare for the various questions the administrative law judge may ask. These questions include: Can you alternate sitting with standing? Is it necessary for you to alternate periods of…Read More

The administrative law judge at your Social Security disability hearing will look at various factors in determining whether to award you disability benefits. One major issue the judge will focus on is “past relevant work.” Your Ocala disability lawyer will go over the details of your file to make sure you can provide the judge with all the relevant and detailed information needed to base a favorable decision upon. Topics Asked About The administrative law judge will ask you various questions about all aspects of the jobs you have held in the past 15 years that constitute “past relevant work.” The topics the questions will be based upon include:  Background Information The judge will ask you background questions regarding the…Read More

The testimony you provide at your Social Security disability hearing will have a big impact on whether the administrative law judge will award you benefits. You need to attend your hearing ready to answer any question the judge will ask with as much detail as possible. At the CJ Henry Law Firm, PLLC, our Ocala disability attorneys have the necessary knowledge and experience to help you properly prepare for your disability hearing. Preparation is Key The most important step you need to take in making sure you secure a favorable outcome at your Social Security disability hearing is to be prepared to give a confident and detailed testimony. Our Ocala disability attorneys know that the only way to ensure a…Read More

The Social Security disability claims process is very complex, requiring the assistance of an Ocala Social Security disability lawyer who is familiar with the rules and regulations. The most important thing your lawyer needs to be well versed on is the Sequential Evaluation Process the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses in reviewing claims and awarding benefits.  The Sequential Evaluation Process involves five steps. Although a claimant must meet the requirements of steps 1 and 2, meeting or “medically equaling” the requirements of step 3 is not necessary to be awarded disability benefits. Step 3: Listing of Impairments  Even though it is not necessary to meet the requirements of step 3 of the Sequential Evaluation Process, if you do, the SSA…Read More