Social Security Disability
An Overview Of The Application Process
14 Topics
Am I Eligible For Social Security Disability Benefits?
What Is The Definition Of Disability Used By Social Security?
What Is The “One Year Rule”?
“Medically Determinable Impairments”: What Qualifies as a Disability?
What Is SSDI?
What Is The Difference Between Social Security Disability (SSDI) And Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Totally And Permanently Disabled
There is No “Partial Disability” With Social Security
Sequential Evaluation Process: Step 1
Sequential Evaluation Process: Step 2
Sequential Evaluation Process: Step 3
Sequential Evaluation Process: Step 4
Sequential Evaluation Process: Step 5
Who Decides If I Am Disabled?
Initial Application: The Major SSA Forms
4 Topics
Application For Disability Benefits
Disability Report-Adult
Work History Report
Function Report-Adult
Initial Application: The Process
11 Topics
How Do I Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits?
How Do I Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits?
How Long Do I Have To Apply Social Security Disability Benefits?
How Long Does An Application For Social Security Disability Take And What Are The Steps?
Report All Of Your Impairments
Disclose Any Mental Impairments You May Have
Get Medical Treatment
Keep Appointments And Deadlines
Evidence, Credibility, And Consistency
What Kind Of Evidence Is Used To Evaluate And Decide My Disability Benefit Claim?
Don’t Speak In Absolutes
Initial Application: Strategies For Success
12 Topics
What Can I Do To Improve My Chances Of Winning My Social Security Disability Claim?
Organize Yourself
Write Everything Down
Keep A Copy Of Everything
Don’t Mark Up Records
Don’t Try To Hide Things In Your Medical Records
Don’t Lie, Cheat, Or Commit Fraud
Don’t Guess
Don’t Exaggerate
Don’t Minimize
Take The Process Seriously
Be Polite And Courteous
Initial Application: Common Misconceptions
7 Topics
Misconception 1: Everybody Is Denied At The Initial Application Phase
Misconception 2: SSA Will Help Me File For Free
Misconception 3: I Have To Be Unemployed Before I Can Qualify For SSD Benefits
Misconception 4: If I Receive Unemployment Benefits, I Can’T Apply For Or Receive SSD Benefits
Misconception 5: Putting Everything Into Hearing And Not Application
Misconception 6: Better To File Online
Misconception 7: Attorney Won’t Take Case Until Denied
Initial Application: Common Mistakes
12 Topics
Top Mistakes That Will Destroy An SSA Claim At The Initial Application Phase
Failing To Complete Your Disability Application
Waiting Too Long To File An Appeal
Failing To File An Appeal
Failing To File An Appeal On Time
Failing To Cooperate With The S.S.A.
Failing To Provide Supporting Medical Documents
Abusing Drugs And/Or Alcohol
Misrepresenting Material Facts
Omitting Material Facts
Failing to Follow Doctor’s Orders (Noncompliance)
Activities of Daily Living Do Not Match Alleged Impairments
Appealing A Denial
5 Topics
My Social Security Disability Claim Was Denied What Do I Do Now?
What Should I Do If A Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied?
How Do I Appeal My Claim For SSD Or SSI Disability Benefits If It Is Denied?
Do I Have To Go Through Reconsideration?
How Long Does A Social Security Disability Or SSI Appeal Typically Take?
The Hearing: Location and Setup
8 Topics
Arrive Early
Don’t Discuss Your Case With Strangers
The Hearing Room
Recording Equipment
Persons In The Hearing Room
SSA Hearings Are Informal (Casual)
Why We Have Hearings
The Administrative Law Judge
The Hearing: An Overview
8 Topics
What Happens At A Social Security Disability Or SSI Disability Hearing?
Who Will Be At Social Security Disability Hearing?
What To Wear
The Procedural History / Case History
Order Of Questioning
Could You Return To Work? Why Not?
Questioning Of Medical Experts
What Are My Chances Of Winning At A Social Security Disability Hearing?
The Hearing: Types of Questions Asked By A Judge
2 Topics
Basic Questions – Beginning Hearing
Work History
The Hearing: Testifying Before A Judge
20 Topics
Only Answer Questions You Understand
If You Remember Nothing Else, Remember to Testify Truthfully
Approximating Dates (Concerning Work History, Medical Treatment, etc)
The Issue is Whether You Are Capable Of Working – Not Whether Work Is Available Or Easy To Get To
Your Medical History
Symptoms
Side Effects Of Medication
Pain (Classic 1-10 Scale)
How Long Pain Lasts
How The Intensity Of Your Pain Impacts Activities of Daily Living
Estimate Limitations
Provide Detail in Explaining Your Symptoms and Limitations
Another Example Of More Detail “How Long Can You Sit”
Mental Limitations-Symptoms
Mental Health Limitations
The Golden Question – Daily Activities
How Do You Care For Your Personal Needs?
When the Judge Asks, “Do You Have Anything Else To Say?”
Any Chance of Getting Decision at Hearing?
How Long Does It Take To Get A Decision?
The Hearing: Things Not To Do
15 Topics
Don’t Argue Your Case
Don’t Compare Yourself To Others
Don’t Try To Play On The Judge’s Sympathy
Don’t Try To Demonstrate What A Good Person You Are
Don’t Explain You’ve Worked Your Entire Life
Don’t Engage In Dramatics
Don’t Give Irrelevant Testimony
Don’t Give Vague Answers
Don’t Exaggerate (Or Minimize) Symptoms
Don’t Ramble Or Go Off Subject
Don’t Answer A Question That Wasn’t Asked
Don’t Be Embarrassed
Don’t Interrupt The Judge
Treating Judge With Respect
Don’t “Double Up” On Or Deviate From Your Medication
The Hearing: Things To Do
9 Topics
Be Honest / Tell the Truth!
Be Calm And Confident
Answer The Question
Be Specific About Symptoms And Limitations
Be Ready To Explain Gaps In Your Medical History
Be Prepared To Explain Bad Facts
Provide A Detailed Account Of Your Daily Living
Be Amiable (Likable)
Obtain And Review A Copy Of Your Claim
The Hearing: Problem Areas
10 Topics
Can You Do The Easiest Job You’Ve Had Within The Last 15 Years?
Receiving Unemployment Benefits While Applying for Disability
Looking For Work
Part Time Work Activity
Unsuccessful Work Attempts
Turn Your Cell Phone Off
Can You Speed Up The Process?
When You Receive Your Decision
How Long Until Payment?
If You Lose
The Hearing: Issues That Do Not Apply To Every Case
21 Topics
Judge’s Request For More Information
Prior Work Activity And “Off The Books” Work Activity
“SGA” Includes Volunteer Work And School Work
Negotiating The Onset Date
Closed Period Of Benefits
Postponement For A Consultative Examination
Difference Between Disability And Retirement
Lay Witnesses
Smoking
ADLS
Demeanor
Drugs And Alcohol
Pay Attention To DDS Rationale
Check To See If Everything Submitted Is Part Of Claim File
Update Records If Necessary
Send Negative CE Reports To Your Treating Physician
Determine If Need For Consultative Exam
Review Records
Microphone–Speak Clearly
Work History
After The Hearing
2 Topics
Can I Get A Second Disability Hearing If I Get Denied At My First Hearing?
What Happens To My Social Security Disability Benefits When I Reach Retirement Age?
Attorney Representation
4 Topics
Do I Really Have To Hire / Should I Hire An Attorney To Represent Me In My Social Security Disability Claim?
When Is The Best Time To Hire An SSA Attorney?
What Your Representative Does During The Hearing
How Do Attorneys Who Represent Social Security Disability Claimants Get Paid?
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Be Calm And Confident
Social Security Disability
The Hearing: Things To Do
Be Calm And Confident
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