In the first part of our blog series on Vocational Experts and their role in the Administrative Hearing process we explained the legal issues that arise in a Social Security disability claim and the manner in which an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will go through their sequential evaluation process and,…
Should it become necessary to proceed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Social Security disability claimants will typically see from their notice of hearing that a Vocational Expert has been called to testify at hearing. Understanding the role of the Vocational Expert (VE) at hearing goes hand…
Over the course of more than twenty-six (26) years of assisting those applying for Social Security disability throughout Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, we have come across a number of recurring problems for those who contact our office claiming disability benefits for the condition “Fibromyalgia.” With that in mind,…
It might not seem as though it’s an important distinction to make, but when it comes time to pursuing a Social Security disability claim or appeal, the difference between one’s ability to sit for a length of time versus recline or lie down can turn a case on a dime:…
Most individuals applying for or receiving Social Security disability insurance benefits do not understand the many incentives built into the program for a return to work. The disability program is based on a premise that benefits should be afforded to those who remain disabled from performing all manner of gainful…
An application for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can assist with obtaining health insurance benefits in a number of different ways. Whether it’s obtaining Medicaid Insurance (which is a Federal program administered by the states, and which is called Medicaid in New Hampshire,…
As we approach Father’s day this year, I thought it would be a good time to discuss the various benefits available to family members of individuals found disabled and entitled to benefits under the disability insurance program. The term of art used by the Social Security Administration for this family…
For those fortunate enough to have a Long Term Disability (LTD) plan and, thus a corresponding entitlement to a benefit payment through their employer in the event they become long term disabled from working, it will be necessary to look into a potential application for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. Understanding the interplay…
In order to establish a claim for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it’s necessary that you prove you are likely to remain totally disabled from all forms of gainful employment despite prescribed treatment for a year or longer. With the state of managed…
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives is an organization whose membership is comprised of both attorneys and non-attorneys who focus their practice on the representation of the long term disabled in Social Security disability claims and appeals. Two times a year, this organization sponsors a 3 day conference…