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SOCIAL SECURITY ATTORNEY TACOMA * SSI ATTORNEY TACOMA
Let's say you are unable to work due to a physical, mental or a combination of physical and mental conditions and your doctor said you need to file for social security. After you filed, you get a letter stating you have been denied. How can this be‘? You paid into the system for years and gave your body and soul to your work and now social security is not there for you. You don't deserve this treatment.
Let's say you are receiving State benefits from DSHS because the State has found you unable to work. You filed for Social Security benefits as required and you received a letter stating you have been denied. How can this be? Both the State and your doctor say you are disabled. You don't deserve this treatment.
You deserve your money and health benefits. Winning can mean the difference between homelessness and no medical care, and having a safety net of a monthly check and life-saving medical care.
Let's say you are unable to work due to a physical, mental or a combination of physical and mental conditions and your doctor said you need to file for social security. After you filed, you get a letter stating you have been denied. How can this be‘? You paid into the system for years and gave your body and soul to your work and now social security is not there for you. You don't deserve this treatment.
Let's say you are receiving State benefits from DSHS because the State has found you unable to work. You filed for Social Security benefits as required and you received a letter stating you have been denied. How can this be? Both the State and your doctor say you are disabled. You don't deserve this treatment.
You deserve your money and health benefits. Winning can mean the difference between homelessness and no medical care, and having a safety net of a monthly check and life-saving medical care. Therefore, since it is very important to win your case, you would be wise to call me at 253.224.7590 and as a Social Security Attorney I can help. I set forth a general overview below to answer a few questions:
General Information
Do I need a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
It depends. Sometimes based on your age and the severity of your impairment(s) your application is immediately approved. However, that is very rare. The majority of the time once a person applies for Social Security they get turned down and have to fight for their benefits (See Below).
How Do I Pay The Michael Lind Law Office For His Successful Representation?
Fee agreements in social security disability cases are governed by the law and the Attorney Fee Statute limits the fee to 25% of all retroactive disability benefits awarded up to a maximum of $6,000.00. whichever is less. If the lawyer wants a cash retainer up front dont hire him. I follow the law.
PHASE 1 — NO LONGER CAN WORK - FILE FOR BENEFITS
If you have you become unable to work due to mental health or physical conditions (or both), apply for Social Security Disability benefits. You can apply online at www.ssa.gov or at your local office in person or by phone (I-800-772-l2l3). If you need my help, call me and I will come to your home and apply for your benefits for you.
PHASE 1 — NO LONGER CAN WORK - FILE FOR BENEFITS
PHASE 2 — WHAT TYPE OF BENEFITS?
If you can't work, you should file an application for Title II Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits: worked full time five out of the last ten years and your status usually expires five years from the last date of steady work, or Title XVI Supplement Security Income (SSI) benefits: Asset limitations ($2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple); and Income limitations (from all sources); and be a US citizen (few exceptions). In each case, if you are successful, you will receive a monthly check and medical coverage. If you aren't sure which one, file for Title ll benefits and Title XVI benefits.
PHASE 2 — WHAT TYPE OF BENEFITS?
PHASE 3 — DENIED CLAIM
To qualify for benefits under either program you must prove that you are not capable of doing any substantial, gainful employment in the national economy. However, Social Security denies approximately 70% - 75% of the applications for disability. Approximately 60% -70% of these denials are turned into accepted claims, after either reconsideration or a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Therefore, having a Michael Lind Law Office attorney working for you at these stages can greatly increase your chances of success.
PHASE 3 — DENIED CLAIM
PHASE 4 — REQUEST RECONSIDERATION THEN REQUEST A HEARING
If your claim is rejected, you must request reconsideration of your claim within 60 days or you lose all potential benefits, including all pay and medical benefits. Once you file a timely request reconsideration, your claim will likely be denied again so you must file a request for hearing within 60 days of the denial or you will lose all potential benefits. Don't miss these deadlines. Stuff happens in life but you cannot miss any deadline.
PHASE 4 — REQUEST RECONSIDERATION THEN REQUEST A HEARING
PHASE 5 — HEARING
Once you have timely requested a hearing and waited several months on average, you will have your day in court. This is your opportunity to sit in front of an Administrative Law Judge and tell your story. Keep in mind that your testimony is a small piece of the puzzle. The Judge who presides over your hearing will make an independent decision on the claim. In essence, it is a five step process which requires you to prove the following: 1) That you are not substantially and gainfully employed; 2) That you have a severe impairment(s); 3) That the severe impairment(s) will last at least 12 months or result in death; 4) That your impairment(s) either meets or equals a medical listing; 5) That if your impairment(s) does not meet a medical listing then you are unable to perform past relevant work AND unable to perform any other type of work generally available.
Of course, disability is proved with proper medical documentation from a licensed, credible source such as a doctor or hospital medical staff at a minimum. Even if your physician is supportive, you are typically denied based on the medical evidence from independent experts hired by Social Security.
The ALJ often calls a medical or vocational expert or both to testify live at your hearing in order to make an informed decision. This ability to cross examine these experts is critical in winning your case.
PHASE 5 — HEARING
PHASE 6 — POST HEARING
When represented by a Michael Lind Law Office attorney, you were likely successful in your claim for disability. As such, you still have to meet additional “Non-medical” requirement in order to get paid. Once you receive your favorable decision immediately contact your local Social Security to process the paperwork. It isn't as bad as it sounds since it's required for you to get paid.
On the occasion that you are not successful at the hearing you will have several options. Much goes into making this decision but in essence, you can either keep your current claim alive by filing an appeal with the Appeals Council or start over with a new application, assuming new medical condition(s). This decision should not be made without consulting the advice from an attorney.
Final Thoughts - from an Attorney
From time to time I am asked whether or not a person who applied for Social Security can I work part-time. Let me say it this way. Disability is the inability to perform substantial gainful activity, i.e. work full time, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. If you can work close to that, even if it is working part time, it may show your ability to work full time. Social Security does do "Continuing reviews" which check to see if you remain "disabled." Often times these are done for younger people who have been awarded benefits.
If you have been denied, don't go through this process alone. You deserve your money and health benefits. Winning will not bring back the life you once had, but it can place a safety net of money and medical care over you. Don’t miss the opportunity to obtain your benefits. It is too important for you to do this without the help of the Michael Lind Law Office. Call me. I'll come to you.
253.224.7590
PHASE 6 — POST HEARING
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