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Michigan’s Premier Disability Rights Law Firm Since 1958.
NO FEE UNTIL WE WIN!
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9 WAYS TO HELP YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM
Gordon & Pont • July 10, 2019
IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS FOR ANYONE SEEKING SSD / SSI
9 ways you can help your claim
1. See a doctor regularly
The best thing you can do for your case is keep your medical records consistent and up to date. When Social Security (or an Administrative Law Judge) review your claim these records are what they give the most weight in their decision, so see your doctor often and keep them informed on your conditions.
2. Comply with your doctor's orders
It is important that you comply with the treatments that your doctors prescribe for your conditions. If you refuse to take medications or follow other prescribed methods of recovery, Social Security is likely to think that your actions are keeping your conditions from improving. By following all of your doctor's orders, you show Social Security that you are doing everything in your power to help your condition improve.
3. Make sure that we get your medical records
As previously said, a solid medical history is the best thing for your Social Security case. Medical records are what make up this history, and therefore it is extremely important that you inform us of when there are new records to collect. It is also important for us to know when you are going to the doctor, as we may have forms or questionnaires for your doctor to complete regarding your case.
4. Refrain from drug and alcohol abuse
Social Security no longer pays benefits if drugs are alcohol are a contributing factor to a disability. If your medical records show drug or alcohol abuse, your case will be denied by Social Security. If you have used drugs or alcohol in the past, it is important that the fact that you have stopped is noted in your medical records.
5. 5. Be detailed on your applications and paperwork
On Social Security paperwork it is extremely important that you describe, in detail, how your disability affects your day to day activities. For example, you would not want to fill out a report by saying "I watch TV all day," because Social Security will say "If you can sit and watch TV for 8 hours a day, you can sit and answer phones at a job for 8 hours a day." Rather, you would want to explain how long you can sit in one place before having to readjust, stand up or lay down.
6. Keep in contact with us and the Social Security Administration
Everyday Social Security denies applications for benefits because they are not able to find the applicant. If you move or change your phone number, it is important that you give the new information to Social Security. In the same regard, it is important that we know how to get a hold of you, as we may have forms you need to complete or update information on your claim. We expect to contact you every 60 to 90 days to obtain an update on your medical treatment.
7. Comply with Social Security's requests
Through the decision process, Social Security makes many requests of applicants. It is important that you fill out any paperwork and go to any exams that they request you to go to. If you do not, you may be denied benefits for non-compliance.
8. Keep an eye on your earnings
Social Security has very specific qualifications that must be adhered to in order to qualify for benefits, and a monthly earnings limit is one of the most important. When you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, this limit is called SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). For 2017 the limits are as follows: Non-Blind individual $1170, Blind Individual $1,950. If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income benefits the amount differs depending on marital status but is generally far less.
9. Don't give up
Receiving social security benefits is a long and difficult process. We are here to help you in your fight for benefits. Denial rates are high and the majority of cases will not be resolved until an Administrative Law Judge hearing. Keep this in mind and trust that we are doing everything within our power to get you the benefits you deserve.
21700 Northwestern Highway : Suite 1100 : Southfield, MI 48075
Learn why hiring a disability attorney over a non-attorney advocate can benefit your Social Security Disability claim. Discover key differences in qualifications, legal expertise, ethical protections, and more.
Gordon & Pont is a highly reputable Social Security Disability law firm in Detroit, offering expert legal assistance for claims, appeals, and hearings. With years of experience, they provide personalized, compassionate representation to help clients secure the benefits they deserve. Learn about the SSA’s Sequential Evaluation Process for SSDI and SSI benefits. Understand the five steps, including work capacity, severity of medical conditions, and past work limitations. Get expert help from Gordon & Pont to navigate the process and improve your chances of success. Call for a consultation!
The timeline for Social Security Disability benefits can vary, but understanding the process—from initial application to appeal—can help you avoid delays. Learn how to speed up your claim and why hiring an experienced lawyer like Gordon & Pont is essential for a faster resolution. Call 248-395-4100 today and speak to an attorney about your case.
Learn about the SSA’s Sequential Evaluation Process for SSDI and SSI benefits. Understand the five steps, including work capacity, severity of medical conditions, and past work limitations. Get expert help from Gordon & Pont to navigate the process and improve your chances of success. Call 248-395-4100 today and speak to an attorney about your case.
Learn how Social Security work credits are earned and how many are needed to qualify for SSDI benefits. Discover the requirements, including the Date Last Insured (DLI), and get expert help from Gordon & Pont for your SSDI case. Contact us today for guidance! Call 248-395-4100 today and speak to an attorney about your case.
Denied SSDI or SSI benefits? Understand the Social Security Appeals process, including reconsideration requests, ALJ hearings, and further appeals. Get expert legal help from Gordon & Pont to improve your chances of success. Contact us today for a consultation! Call 248-395-4100 today and speak to an attorney about your case.
A recent Washington Post article revealed how frequently the SSA loses when Claimants appeal their denials in Federal Court. Remands back to the ALJ are at a record high. "In the last two fiscal years, federal judges considering appeals for denied benefits found fault with almost 6 in every 10 cases and sent them back to administrative law judges at Social Security for new hearings - the highest rate of rejections in years, agency statistics show." Why is this Happening? "Federal judges have complained of legal errors, inaccurate assessments of whether claimants can work, failures to consider medical evidence, and factual mistakes, according to court rulings and Social Security’s own data." The SSA is making more mistakes and wrongfully denying more claims. “The system has become one of ‘how do we deny this claim’ rather than ‘what is the right answer in this person’s case?’” ... “And the Federal Courts agree: ‘You have to do a better job.’” Success Stories: "At his hearing in March, a new Social Security judge considered the rulings by three federal judges who found that the agency failed to properly consider the severity of his headaches, nerve damage, and other impairments by ignoring treatment notes from his doctors. An outside doctor Social Security hired to examine him also described severe “pain and anxiety” from his injuries. He prepared to wait for months for another rejection. Instead, the written decision came just two weeks later: Sheldon had been awarded the monthly benefits — along with $205,000 in back pay. His first check landed in his bank account this month." This is why we do what we do. To read the full Washington Post article: Click here - https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/25/social-security-disability-denials-court-remands/
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