Are you unable to work because of a disability? Get the answers you need on Social Security Disability to protect your rights
Keefe Disability Law has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions in response to the overwhelming number of people who need help with the Social Security Disability process in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. If you are disabled and need help with disability benefits, read on to learn how to protect your legal rights.
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Can I Receive Disability Benefits For Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Almost 70 percent of applications for Social Security disability benefits are denied. But, this doesn’t mean that 70 percent of disability applicants aren’t eligible for SSI or SSDI. Most denials occur because applicants do not adequately prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that the symptoms of their disability are severe enough to prevent them from working at a “substantial and gainful” level.
Salary Requirements For SSI/SSDI
To be employed at a “substantial and gainful” level, applicants must earn more than $1,040 a month (or $1,740 if blind). Anyone who earns more than this amount is not eligible for SSI/SSDI benefits, regardless of disability.
Keep Detailed Medical Documentation
The SSA is very concerned with how your disability affects your ability to function both at work and in daily life. More than half of all adults over the age of 40 have from some form of arthritis, but most are still able to work. A diagnosis is not enough. Your doctor needs to document your level of pain and the amount of disability in each affected joint. Your medical records should include your limitations. Are you unable to stand for long periods of time? Are you unable to walk without a cane? Are you unable to dress yourself? These details are necessary to prove your level of disability.
What You Need To Prove
You must also be able to show that your symptoms are not likely to improve for a period of 12 months or more. This may sound easy. After all, there is no cure for arthritis. However, there are ways to relieve your symptoms. You must show that your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working despite following your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan. If you aren’t taking your medications and following your doctor’s orders, your Social Security claim may be denied.
Talk To a Disability Lawyer If You Were Denied
Denied disability? If you are unable to work and believe that you qualify for SSI/SSDI, you have the right to appeal your denial. Let our Boston disability law attorneys help you get the documentation you need to get the benefits you have earned. To learn more, request a free copy of our book titled Unlocking the Mystery – The Essential Guide for Navigating the Social Security Disability Claims Process, or contact Keefe Disability Law at 888-904-6847.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
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Applying For SSI and SSDI With Autism
Autism is listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book of qualifying conditions. To receive disability benefits for autism, you must meet certain medical requirements.
- You must not be working. If you earn more than $1,000 a month, you will not qualify for disability benefits.
- Your autism must be severe enough to limit your ability to work for pay.
- You must meet certain requirements listed on the Social Security Administration’s list of disabilities under section 12.10 Autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders, including medical documentation of your diagnosis showing:
- Difficulties in social interaction
- Difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication and in imaginative activity
- Restricted range of activities and interests
- Any episodes of decompensation
- You must have documentation that demonstrates how these symptoms restrict your activities of daily living, social functioning, ability to maintain concentration, persistence, or pace
Your Age Matters For SSI
Many young adults with autism qualify for SSI. If you received SSI for autism as a child, you will need to reapply on your 18th birthday. If you did not receive SSI as a child because your family’s income was too high, you will be able to apply based on your assets once you turn 18.
Most people with autism do not qualify for SSDI. To apply for SSDI, you must have held a job for a significant period in the past. Since autism is present at birth, having a work history would make it hard to prove that your autism affects your ability to work.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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I recently learned that I have schizophrenia. My boss said I can no longer do my job and suggested that I apply for SSDI. Can schizophrenia keep me from getting a job?
Schizophrenia is a lifelong psychological disorder that generally manifests in early adulthood. The symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person, but can include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Odd ways of speaking
- Strange behavior
- Lack of emotional expression
- Disorganized behavior
- Loss of interest in everyday activities
- Difficulties with cognitive function, including problems with memory, thought, and speech
Some symptoms can make it difficult to keep a job because they make employers, co-workers and customers uncomfortable. Other symptoms, such as loss of memory, can make it difficult to do a job effectively, even if you did that job for many years before the onset of your schizophrenia. Paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations can sometimes make it very difficult, if not impossible, for a person with schizophrenia to function in the outside world.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit that is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI is available only when a person becomes disabled and is no longer able to work for pay. SSDI is available for those with physical or mental disabilities.
If you are suffering from schizophrenia and have lost your job or you’re experiencing difficulty finding a job because of your symptoms, you might qualify for SSDI for schizophrenia. However, the application process can be overwhelming. Don’t despair. Help is available. The Social Security disability attorneys at Keefe Disability Law can help you with the SSDI application process. To learn more, contact Keefe Disability Law at 888-904-6847 and ask to schedule a free consultation.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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I am applying for SSDI for a mental illness and have been asked to see a psychologist for a mental examination. What should I do to prepare?
To approve your application for SSDI, the Social Security Administration must be able to show that you have a disability and that the disability is preventing you from being able to work for pay. If your medical records are incomplete or there just isn’t enough information about your disability in your medical record, the SSA will send you to an independent doctor for additional testing.
You know that you have a problem. You may have listed the symptoms of your mental illness on your application, but you need medical documentation. Whether you saw a doctor in the past but it’s been more than 60 days since you’ve sought treatment, or you never had treatment because of a lack of insurance, the purpose of the examination is to obtain the medical documentation necessary to determine whether you have a disability and to inform the Social Security Administration about your current mental state. Without a recent medical evaluation, your case cannot be decided.
A mental examination is a one-time visit with a psychologist or psychiatrist. There is no cost to you. The SSA pays all expenses related to the examination.
There are three possible types of examinations:
- IQ testing or memory testing: This type of testing is used for learning disabilities, organic brain disorders, brain injuries, and mental retardation.
- Psychiatric testing: Psychiatric testing is often used to evaluate an applicant for personality and mood disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Mental status examination: This test is used to evaluate the mental condition of those suffering from depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.
During the examination, be honest and give the test your best effort. If you are dishonest or try to fake a disability, the doctor is required report his suspicions to the SSA.
After the examination, the doctor who performed the test will have 10 days to send the results to the SSA. The doctor’s report will contain information about your ability to follow directions and remember instructions and your ability to deal with coworkers, supervisors, and the stress of work.
Do you have additional questions about applying for SSDI for a mental disability? Request a free copy of disability attorney John Keefe’s book, The Five Most Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability or contact Keefe Disability Law at 888-904-6847.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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I applied for Massachusetts Social Security disability benefits over a month ago, but have heard nothing. How long will it take for them to make a decision?
We really do wish we had a simple answer to your question. However, there are so many variables and complexities in the SSA disability determination process, there is no such thing as a simple answer.
According to the SSA disability website, a decision on your claim will take three to five months. The site says a number of variables factor into how long it takes to decide, including:
- The type of disability you suffer.
- The length of time it takes to obtain your medical evidence.
- The possibility of sending you for an independent medical examination.
- Whether your claim is selected randomly for an internal review.
That said, there are many stumbling blocks and obstacles embedded in this seemingly simple list of variables. So, if you have questions about the process or need someone to look into your case, the SSA disability specialists at Keefe Disability Law can help. We offer:
- A free case consultation. Just call us, toll free, at 888-904-6847 or fill in the confidential form on this page to get your questions answered—free.
- Free special reports to help you understand your case, including: The Five Most Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability, Seven Costly Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Social Security Disability Claim, and Unlocking the Mystery — The Essential Guide for Navigating the Social Security Disability Claims Process. Order one or all absolutely free today.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Natick, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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I was recently diagnosed with a chronic form of leukemia. What can I expect in the treatment, and should I apply for benefits now?
As New England Social Security disability specialists, we always urge our clients to begin the application process as soon as they possibly can. Approval can take months, and many initial claims are denied the first time around.
You are correct in assuming that the treatment for your leukemia can be lengthy. If you are in early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia, you might not begin treatment for a while. Your doctors will closely monitor you for signs of progression of the disease.
However, if you have reached the intermediate or advanced stages, your treatment will probably be immediate and aggressive. Most patients with leukemia will be given chemotherapy, which can be debilitating during its course.
In addition, you may be treated with radiation therapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, and even a stem cell transplant. Each, of course, has its own timeline and recovery period.
While some patients continue treatment indefinitely, some receive the “all clear” to go back to work at the end of the treatment period. Either way, months and even sometimes years will pass as the leukemia battle is waged and you will be unable to work.
For these reasons, we urge you to start educating yourself now about your disease and the possible outcomes. We also suggest that you begin the SSA disability application process now.
Keefe Disability Law has helped many people with their New England SSA disability applications and appeals. Give us a call toll free at 888-904-6847 to discuss your options. We also offer a free report, “The Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability.” Order yours today by clicking the sidebar link on this page.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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What should I do if I was denied SSD benefits for my osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis can cause disability and in your case, it has. A broken hip is a very serious injury and, of course, you are living with the possibility of other broken bones.
As a Rhode Island disability attorney, I see many New England disability application denials. And nothing is much more frustrating than this when you really need the financial help these benefits can provide.
Usually, you have about 60 days to appeal a denial and you do not mention how long it has been since you received your determination letter. So, you have two scenarios open to you, both of which may cause you to become discouraged.
- If the time for an appeal has lapsed, you can file a new application with the information about your current medical condition included.
- If you still have time to appeal, do so right away! We work on appeals every day and know exactly what the Social Security Administration expects in order to approve your request.
Call Keefe Disability Law toll free today at 888-904-6847 for a free disability case consultation. Or, simply fill out the confidential form on this page and we will contact you. We also urge you to order a FREE copy of our special report, Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability.
Don’t get discouraged. We can help.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
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If I have an angina attack, does that mean I am about to have a heart attack?
When you have an episode of angina, it means that one of the muscles in your heart is temporarily not getting enough blood. Usually, this happens when you are exercising or going up a set of stairs. While you should never be complacent about chest pain, angina itself is not a heart attack.
Angina does, however, mean that you are suffering from coronary artery disease and being aware of the symptoms and feelings of your stable angina episodes will help you to recognize if something more serious is going on.
A heart attack is different from angina and means that the blood flow to some part of your heart is suddenly cut off. While symptoms can vary greatly among people, with a heart attack, the chest pain lasts longer, is more severe, and previously prescribed medications do not help.
If you have angina, you are at a greater risk of heart attack than those who don’t. Also, the risk of a heart attack increases if your angina patterns change. If your episodes become longer, happen without any exercise, or are more frequent, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Knowing your condition and having it treated are the best precautions against heart attack. And if you are having trouble working, or have had to quit your job, you may want to consider applying for disability in Massachusetts.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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I was recently injured at work in Boston and expect to be disabled for at least the next year. Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of getting my SSA disability claim approved?
Yes, there are definitely ways to improve your chances of being approved for SSA disability benefits. In theory, the Social Security Administration maintains the disability program to help people just like you. But, as we hear on the news and from friends, this program is cumbersome, and applicants often wait long periods of time to be approved.
In order to help yourself, you might consider the following suggestions:- Don’t wait another minute to apply. Because it may take some time to get your case approved, you need to get into the system just as soon as possible.
- Be absolutely honest and complete about the condition(s) that disable(s) you. Some people are embarrassed to mention psychiatric problems or learning disabilities. This is a mistake, as the SSA disability program will consider more than one condition in making a determination. For instance, if you suffer from depression and have a spinal cord injury, both conditions will be taken into consideration.
- Most important, get some help. Hiring an attorney either to help you apply or to work through the appeals process will give you the edge. You do not understand the complicated workings of the system, but an experienced disability attorney does.
The Massachusetts disability attorneys at Keefe Disability Law have the reputation, experience and perseverance to take you through the entire SSA disability process. Call us today toll free at 888-904-6847 to schedule a free case consultation. Or, you can simply fill out the form on this page and we will contact you within 24 hours.Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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Will I lose my Massachusetts Social Security disability benefits if I take a part-time job?
Not necessarily. The Social Security Administration wants you to live as full a life as possible. That said, there are some disabled Americans who will never return to the workforce. But most disability beneficiaries want to work.
First, it is difficult to live on the typically small benefit you may receive. Second, working can bring a sense of self-worth and greater wellbeing than remaining at home all the time.
If you have found a job that suits your abilities and want to pursue it, you will probably be able to do it. You can work for nine months with no questions or interruptions in your benefits. This is plenty of time to see if you are able to continue.
After this, you can continue to work for three more years if you are making less than $1000 per month. And many people do not realize that they can retain their Medicare coverage for up to eight-and-a-half years and still work.
So, if you decide to try going back to work, you can do it. And if you still have questions, please call Keefe Disability Law in Massachusetts for answers. Our toll free number is 888-904-6847 and we serve clients throughout the New England area.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Natick, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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I am working with rheumatoid arthritis. How can I work longer and stay off disability?
Yes! There is. Exercise. While there is no known cure for arthritis, many patients have found that physical activity is helpful in managing their disease.
Prevent Arthritis From Getting Worse
Most arthritis sufferers fear exercise because they feel that it will damage their joints and cause more pain. Actually, lack of exercise can make RA worse and even affect your cardiac health. Exercise can help to maintain mobility and ward off cardiovascular disease. It has even been linked to prevention of RA.
How much and what type of physical activity you do should be decided between you and your doctor or a physical therapist. However, the Arthritis Foundation recommends three general types, You can visit their website for more information:
- Flexibility (stretching, range-of-motion) exercises
- Strengthening (Resistance) exercises
- Cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises
So get out and get moving! Medical science and common sense are both behind you. You really can manage your condition by moving more.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
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My family member knows everything that I go through. Can he testify during my hearing?
We always encourage claimants to bring family members or friends to the hearing for support. That family member can sit down with the claimant and the attorney before the hearing to discuss the case and help the claimant feel comfortable leading up to the hearing.
Believe it or not, there are only rare instances when a judge feels it is necessary to hear from someone other than the claimant. During the hearing, the ALJ wants to get to know the claimant and understand the difficulties she is facing because of her impairments. Often, testimony from an additional person only clouds the issues and takes attention away from the claimant's personal experiences. Also, it is inevitable that the family member's testimony will differ, at least slightly, from the claimant's testimony and an ALJ is permitted to use those inconsistencies to evaluate the claimant's credibility. That's why it is almost always best to focus the testimony on the claimant and bring family members or friends for support before and after the hearing.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.