Maryland Injury and Disability Law : Washington DC Metro Injury & Disability Lawyer & Attorney : Greenberg & Bederman : Accidents, Falls, Medical Malpractice : Maryland, DC, Virginia

Exercise Your Right to Vote

Many of my clients are caught in a terrible situation regarding health care. When they lose their jobs, they lose their health insurance. COBRA isn’t an option for many of them. It’s simply too costly for those just trying to survive.  COBRA INFO It’s true that some are able to get on medicaid, but for others that’s a long battle, and some just don’t qualify. So, what are they supposed to do for healthcare? How do they get medical treatment? How do they get their medications?

Although my clients often turn to me for answers, I have little advice to give them. I tell them of a few options, but it is clear that a real solution is needed. So, after I inform them of the limited options available, I usually remind them to vote.

We are lucky, that in this country, we have the right to vote. It is a precious right and one that everyone should exercise. Registering to vote is not hard and casting your vote is worth the effort. Let your voice be heard. And, if healthcare for everyone Universal Healthcare is important to you, get out there and vote for the candidate you think will best advance that cause.

Remember election day is November 4, 2008.
To learn more about social security disability law issues please click social security disability law.. To learn about our social security disability lawyer in Maryland, please click social security disbaility lawyer.

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On February 28, 2008, the Commissioner of Social Security (SSA) announced that the agency began making offers to fill 144 Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) positions. (SSA intends to hire a total of 175 ALJs this fiscal year.) This action is possible thanks to an increase in SSA’s budget. The hope is that the additional ALJs will aid in reducing the backlog of cases.

The plan calls for the first hires to report for duty in April. After completing an orientation and training program, the new ALJs will handle a reduced docket. By the end of the year, the expectation is that the new ALJs will be up to speed and capable of handling a full docket of cases.

I certainly applaud the hiring of additional ALJs and hope that this action will, indeed, reduce the backlog. But, I am somewhat skeptical. While I am just a mere observer of various hearing offices, it seems that a large part of the problem lies with the lack of administrative staff. Most offices are woefully understaffed. Although it is clear that you need judges to hear the cases, you also need staff to schedule the hearings, arrange for vocational and/or medical experts, "work up" the cases and get them ready for hearing, notify the parties involved, draft decisions (not all judges write their own), etc. Absent administrative support, the cases still won’t be heard in an expeditious fashion.

Despite my doubts, I salute SSA for taking a step in the right direction. Let’s hope the agency can stay on track.

To learn more about social security disability law issues please click social security disability law. To learn about our social security disability lawyer in Maryland, please click social security disability maryland, and go to our bio section on Dory Sutker or Suja Varghese.

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Filing an application for Social Security disability benefits can be a confusing and often frustrating process. It may seem like you are being asked the same questions and asked to complete the same forms repeatedly. It may also seem like the process is taking an inordinate amount of time. This article will attempt to clear up some issues you may encounter while pursuing your Social Security disability application.

How long does the process take?

Most applicants go through three levels of the application process: initial, reconsideration, and administrative hearing. Social Security Administration (SSA) may take from four (4) to six (6) months to issue a decision at the initial level, six (6) to eight (8) months at the reconsideration level, and about twelve (12) months or more at the hearing level. This is because different SSA entities are reviewing and developing the file, and requesting medical evidence.

Initial application

When you file your initial application, you will be providing the SSA representative with all the information regarding the medical conditions. SSA will then request medical records from all the entities that have provided you medical treatment. Most claims are denied at this level.

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I just got off the phone with a client who informed me that, due to dire financial straits, she is going to get a job. Then she asked , " how will that affect my case" ? The question is common ( I get asked it several times a week) and it seems simple enough.

But, the answer is a little complicated. First, social security (SSA) defines disability as being unable to work. So, if one is working, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to prove one cannot work. Having said that, not all work counts as work. So, when is work not work? Unfortunately, there isn’t a black and white answer to that. But, there are some guidelines. In 2008, if you gross $940.00 or more per month(gross, not take home pay), it is considered substantial gainful activity. If you perform this job for 3 months or less and have to stop due to an impairment, it is usually considered an unsuccessful work attempt. If you do this job for 3-6 months and have to stop due to your impairments, it will probably be counted as an unsuccessful work attempt. But, beware, if you are deliberately keeping the hours down so your earnings will be under the $940 limit, then SSA may find that you are working. Or if you stop working due to reasons other than your impairment, SSA may consider the work to be substantial gainful activity. There are more regulations regarding this issue so, if you are considering a return to work, you should discuss the matter with your attorney.

If you are really able to work, you are almost always better off working. And, if there was a period of, at least, 12 months where you were unable to work, you can request a closed period of disability. That means you can get benefits for the period of time when you were unable to work.

The most important thing to remember is let your attorney know if you are planning on going back to work. That way you can make an informed decision.

To learn more about social security issues please see social security disability law and click on the social security tab.  To learn more about our social security disability lawyers, click onsocial security disability lawyers maryland and read our bios on Dory Sutker or Suja Varghese.

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