Resources

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

If you are called to a disability hearing, the judge will be particularly interested to hear how your condition has affected your ability to perform physical tasks. Your Ocala disability lawyer will be on hand in case issues arise, but the judge will be the one asking questions. The following should help you mentally prepare for the kinds of questions you might be asked. Limitations on Standing and Moving Because your condition must be found to prevent you from being able to work, basic ability to stand or walk around will be an emphasis during questioning. You may be asked: Are you able to walk around unassisted? How long can you remain on your feet before you have to sit?…Read More

If your claim has been denied twice, you will likely be called to appear at a Social Security disability hearing before an administrative law judge. This is one instance in the process when Ocala disability attorneys can prove invaluable. During the hearing, so-called lay witnesses will almost certainly be called to give their account of how your disability has affected your life. These witnesses are generally selected from those individuals who are very close to you. Sample Questions Ocala disability attorneys can help discern which lay witnesses will best support your case. Usually just a select few witnesses are called. Among the questions that might be asked of them are: Physical Limitations Does the claimant have trouble walking? How far…Read More

While there is no requirement to do so, you may wish to have an Ocala Social Security disability attorney in your corner as you proceed with your claim. Many situations can arise which are difficult to handle without legal assistance. Even after you are approved for SSD, an attorney may be useful if your first check does not arrive promptly. Typical Wait for First Check It will take a bit of time for the Social Security Administration to complete the processing of your claim, but generally claimants can expect their first disability check 1-2 months after they receive notice of approval. This check should include back benefits. If, in addition, you filed for SSI, your check will be delayed considerably…Read More

After all the emotional distress of continued denials which led to a hearing before an administrative law judge, it may seem very unfair that your claim may still be denied, even after it has been approved by the ALJ. While such a case is relatively rare, you would do well to have an Ocala Social Security disability attorney in your corner to assist. The Appeals Council If your claim is denied by the ALJ, you may still have a chance by filing an appeal to the Appeals Council. Conversely, the judge may have granted your claim, only to have it overturned by this very council. Generally this only will occur if some issue with the handling of the hearing is…Read More