Social Security Disability Benefits

Have you recently been denied a Social Security Disability claim? While some people decide to just give up on their claim and some file a new claim, there is the option to appeal the decision.

The good news is that you are in company. At least 60 percent of all claims are denied the first time filed. Once you receive your denial, make sure to file a request for reconsideration by the end of 60 days. Do this immediately so that you will not miss the deadline. This also means you could get your benefits sooner.

This can also be denied, but take heart that you can seek a hearing before a Social Security judge. Those who file for an appeal decision will usually have to go to a hearing before an administrative law judge. It is always a good idea to have someone represent you and give assistance with your claim. While you can represent yourself, a good lawyer or even non-lawyer representative who knows the Social Security system can give their winning expertise to your claim.

The most important thing to remember is to never give up on your disability claim.

Whether you are beginning the journey of filing your first Social Security Disability claim or going through the tedious process of making an appeal to a decision, it is always a good idea to work with an attorney or advocate who is knowledgeable of the Social Security Administration. While plenty of resources are available to help you do either process, many people do not have the experience that an attorney or advocate has. Having help puts a welcome boost in your corner for your case.

When filing your claim for the first time, it is not necessary to have either person work with you. However, having an expert work with you on the case will ensure that you have all of the information and records that you need. An advocate or an attorney skilled in working on SSDI cases will give you ample assistance in filing the claim.

An attorney or advocate is also wise to have during the appeal process. These individuals know Social Security regulations and requirements thoroughly. Either can compile all the information needed to help you win your case and can represent you at a scheduled hearing before an administrative law judge. Take note that going to a hearing unrepresented can decrease chances of winning a claim.

If you have recently been hurt and are unable to work, you may wonder if applying for Social Security Disability benefits is difficult. In fact, it is not as hard as you may think. Follow these simple tips as you apply:

1. Make sure that you have all the names, addresses and phone numbers of all doctors and hospitals you have visited. Giving all this information will give you a better chance of getting benefits. Also list all medical conditions that you currently have. The Social Security Administration will determine if your health affects your ability to work.

2. Include your work, personal and educational history. For your work, make sure you include all areas of employment for the past 15 years. Examiners want to know if your injury or illness could prevent you from work you have done in the past. Also, your age and education may give you a harder time to find a new job. Make sure you list all of these areas and be as honest as possible.

3. Before turning into your application, have a lawyer review it if possible.

Remember that you can apply for benefits over the phone, at an office and even on the Internet. It does take a few months to process an application, so apply as soon as possible so your benefits can begin.

Individuals suffering from mental disorders such as schizophrenia, paranoia or other psychotic disorders may be eligible for Social Security benefits. These disorders are characterized by a deterioration of functioning. In order to be eligible for Social Security income, an individual must show that particular requirements are met.

One way an individual can qualify is if they show that they have the conditions in two different groups. The first group includes showing that an individual has medically documented frequent or reoccuring symptoms of the condition. The Social Security Association defines these conditions include delusions; disorganized behavior; incoherence or illogical thinking or poverty of content of speech if associated with blunt, flat or inappropriate affect; or emotional withdrawal or isolation. The other group includes proving that the person has had restriction of activities; difficulties in social functioning; difficulty concentrating or pacing oneself; or decompensation that has occured for more than one episode.

Another way an individual can qualify is having a medical history that proves the individual has had the condition for more than two years that has limited their ability to work. The individual must be on medication or receiving support. The individual must also show that they have had decompensation for several episodes; that an increase in demands or an environment change could cause decompensation; or that they have lived in a supported living situation for a year or more.

While feeling some anxiety is normal for someone under much stress, some individuals face ongoing anxiety that impairs day to day living. Individuals with anxiety-related disorders have excessive dread for a situation that hurts their ability to deal with everyday situations. People living with these disorders may stay up all night in fear of going to work, may be scared to be in a crowd of people or may even have panic attacks in certain situations.

Anxiety-related disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. All symptoms involve irrational fear that is excessive and dread. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 40 milllion people are living with an anxiety-related disorder. These disorders last more than six months and can get worse if not properly treated. Treatment is available for anxiety-related disorders including counseling and medication.

People with a disorder can receive Social Security Income if they meet certain requirements. One way is to meet requirements in two groups. In the first group, a person must have medical records showing that they have anxiety with three of the following symptoms: motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, apprehension or screaming. The Social Security Administration says an individual must have a fear of something that results in a want to escape that particular activity, object or situation. The individual must also have severe panic attacks that occur at least once a week, obsessions or compulsions or must have frequent memories of a traumatic event.

An additional group asks for the person to have two of the following restrictions or difficulties: day to day living activities are restricted; social functioning is more difficult; have a hard time concentrating or being persistent; or have several decompensation episodes. The third group requires an individual to be inable to function by his or herself when in an area outside of a home.

Mental retardation, or intellectual disability, is a condition affecting at least 1.5 million individuals in the United States. An individual with mental retardation usually has an IQ below 70 and usually lacks appropriate daily living skills.

Mental retardation is more common in boys than it is in girls and can be seen more in African Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some individuals are born with mental retardation, but the causes are not known. However, other children with mental retardation have known causes such as Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or fragile X syndrome. Mental retardation can also be caused by an injury, disease or a brain abnormality, according to the CDC.

The CDC estimates that the average lifetime cost for people with mental retardation is over a million dollars. This includes direct and indirect medical costs. Because an individual with mental retardation lacks living and functional skills, they can receive Social Security income if eligible. However, the individual must have mental retardation before the age of 22. An individual must have medical, IQ or school records that show that they have had mental retardation since they were younger than 22. These individuals must also show that they are dependent on others for personal needs and cannot follow directions; have an IQ of 59 or less; have an IQ of 60 through 70 as well as a physical or other mental impairment that affects their ability to work. An individual can also have a IQ of 60 through 70 that results in two of the following: restriction of daily living activities; social functioning activity restriction; issues with concentration, persistence or pace; or having extended episodes of decompensation.

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease is a disorder that causes individuals younger than 65 to start showing the symptoms of the condition. While most of these people are from 50 to 60 years of age, there have been cases of patients being as young as 30 to 40. Because people with the disorder are younger, they could have issues with their relationships or even have difficulties at jobs instead of being diagnosed as mentally ill, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because of having dementia, these individuals usually have to leave their jobs and then have no income. The condition is inheirited. At least 200,000 people currently have early-onset Alzheimer’s in the United States. The condition is uncommon, accounting for only five to ten percent of all Alzheimer’s cases.

The disease is listed as one of the medical conditions in the Compassionate Allowances Program. The program expedites the application process so that individuals with severe medical conditions can apply for disability benefits quickly.

Under the Compassionate Allowances program, those suffering from certain medical conditions and impairments will have their application processed quickly through the “fast track” program which helps administrators rapidly identify and process medical conditions on the program’s list of medical impairments.

The very term “breast cancer” may sound like this type of cancer only affects the breast, but cancer doesn’t stop there. Cancer can spread to other parts of a patient’s body. There are several types of breast cancer where can be found outside the breast. Breast cancer with distant metastasis means that cancer from the breast has spread to other parts of the body. Inoperable breast cancer means that the cancer can be found in the lymph nodes that are above an individual’s collarbone; the cancer can also be spread to the area near the neck on the same side of a person’s body whose breast has cancer. Unresectable breast cancer is when tissue can’t be removed.

The disease is listed as one of the medical conditions in the Compassionate Allowances Program. The program expedites the application process so that individuals with severe medical conditions can apply for disability benefits quickly.

Under the Compassionate Allowances program, those suffering from certain medical conditions and impairments will have their application processed quickly through the “fast track” program which helps administrators rapidly identify and process medical conditions on the program’s list of medical impairments.

Bone cancer forms in the cells of the bones. It is an uncommon cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, there were 2,570 cases in the United States in 2009 and more 1,000 deaths. Bone cancer with distant metastases is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and the lymph system, where they can affect other organs and tissues. Inoperable bone cancer means that the cancer cannot be operated on or taken out of the body. This happens when the cancer is too widespread. Unresectable bone cancer occurs when the cancer can’t be completely removed by surgery.

The disease is listed as one of the medical conditions in the Compassionate Allowances Program. The program expedites the application process so that individuals with severe medical conditions can apply for disability benefits quickly.

Under the Compassionate Allowances program, those suffering from certain medical conditions and impairments will have their application processed quickly through the “fast track” program which helps administrators rapidly identify and process medical conditions on the program’s list of medical impairments.

Bladder cancer is any malignant growth of cancer cells in the bladder. It is not known what causes the disorder. It is seen more often in the elderly and men are more likely to have the cancer. Bladder cancer with distant metastases occurs when the cancer has spread from the bladder to other organs and/or tissues. According to the American Cancer Society, this occurs in 19 percent of all bladder cancer cases, with 3 percent of the cancer moving to distant sites in the body. Inoperable bladder cancer is when the cancer is too widespread to be operated on. Bladder cancer that is deemed unresectable is when all or some of the cancer cannot be surgically removed from the body.

The disease is listed as one of the medical conditions in the Compassionate Allowances Program. The program expedites the application process so that individuals with severe medical conditions can apply for disability benefits quickly.

Under the Compassionate Allowances program, those suffering from certain medical conditions and impairments will have their application processed quickly through the “fast track” program which helps administrators rapidly identify and process medical conditions on the program’s list of medical impairments.