From applying for Social Security to receiving a decision, how long can the entire process take? For the initial and reconsideration level, it can generally take about three to five months, depending on your disability, medical evidence, or if you are requested to have a medical examination. Once you request a hearing, the national average [...]

What happens if you become disabled, how long should you wait before applying for Social Security Disability? You should apply for Social Security as soon as you feel you have become disabled.  Social Security cases often take up to two years or more so the sooner you apply for benefits; the sooner you will receive [...]

Have you been denied Social Security Disability benefits and are now wondering what you should put on your appeal? It’s important to put certain information on your claim for Social Security Disability benefits, otherwise, you could be denied. Many times, people are denied because they fail to mention their psychiatric problems, to Social Security because they [...]

You may be wondering if you can collect your spouse’s Social Security Disability benefit. Unless you collect a higher benefit based on your earnings record, your spouse’s Social Security benefits are payable to you when you reach age sixty-two or older. If you are caring for your child who is under age sixteen or disabled [...]

You may be wondering if you can receive Social Security Disability and Retirement benefits at the same time. Reaching full retirement age does not change your benefit amount. You will continue to receive Social Security Disability benefits, only—for the Social Security Administration’s purposes—now those benefits will be called retirement benefits. You don’t have to do [...]

  You may be wondering if there are different ways to improve your chances of being awarded Social Security Disability benefits. You will definitely need to continue appropriate medical care.  Social Security and/or the Administrative Law Judges who may be deciding whether or not you are disabled from work will require documentation by medical professionals [...]

What will happen next if you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits? If you are approved for benefits, you will receive a monthly payment from the Social Security Administration.  You should expect to received your first benefit during the sixth full month after the date your disability began.  If your disability is found to have begun before [...]

What does your age have to do with whether or not you are disabled? Because people are less adaptable to new jobs as they grow older, the Social Security Act requires that age be considered as a factor in determining whether or not a person can adjust to a new type of work. Call the [...]

  Are you wondering if a local attorney, closer to where you live, can get your benefits quicker? The location of your attorney really doesn’t matter, relative to how quickly you are awarded your Social Security Disability benefits. The major reason that some claims take longer than others is due to the back-log of cases [...]

  What if you cannot afford medical treatment while applying for Social Security Disability? Medical records are one of the most important factors in having a successful hearing.  In order for a judge to award your case, your conditions must be supported by medical evidence.  If you are having difficulty finding a treating physician who can [...]