Marken Law – Tips for Appearing in front of an ALJ

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If you have been denied at your initial hearing,appealed in time (60 days),and then were denied at reconsideration – the road to receiving your Social Security Disability Benefits can look daunting,even impossible. It’s likely,you’ve appealed that decision,have waited multiple months,and the day has finally come to have your hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). What happens now? And importantly,what can you do to prepare?

The biggest problems facing claimants who are not represented by an ALJ are not understanding the hearing format and unaware of the medical and other evidence in their file!

Ensuring Your Medical File is Ready For Review

The single biggest obstacle is the medical file. When unrepresented it is YOUR responsibility to make sure your medical records have been properly submitted to the hearing office and have been placed in your electronic file for the judge to review. This is NOT Social Security’s responsibility. No records,or not an adequate file typically leads to frustration with the judges and a possible unfavorable decision for an otherwise great claim. How do you go about fixing this problem? When the hearing office schedules your hearing (typically more than 75 days out) they will mail you a CD with your file. You need to ACCESS this record and see what Social Security is MISSING from your medical record. Social Security must have records pertaining from your onset date to shortly before your hearing. The ALJ’s tasked to decide your case cannot award benefits if there are no medical records for the time in question. For example if you allege disability from 2016 but only have records beginning 2019,the judge WILL NOT find you disabled prior to the medical records on file! You can request your medical record from your providers at little or no cost to you directly from the provider. This then must be submitted NO LATER than 5 DAYS prior to hearing via fax,mail,etc. Do NOT bring records with you to the hearing unless you HAVE TO (i.e.,just received them).

The second biggest obstacle for unrepresented claimants is they are unaware of the hearing format. It is NOT to tell the judge what’s wrong and why they should find you disabled. The ALJ will ask you specific questions about your daily activities,where you worked and the reasons behind leaving work. It is not,in other words,an open forum for you to discuss your problems. It is detailed,specific and if you are not prepared the burden is on you,not the administration.

Other Tips for Your Hearing

We highly recommend you adhere to the following advice as well:

  • Don’t interrupt the judge.
  • Answer the judges specific question. A question about your past work is not a entry to discuss your back problems. The judge knows about your back problems,they want to know about the question they asked.
  • Come prepared with recent medical evidence already submitted well in advance.
  • Arrive early to your hearing. Most offices will screen you for drugs and weapons and have forms to fill out,do NOT BE ON TIME. ON TIME is LATE.
  • Dress comfortably but respectfully; no logos or political statements.
  • Show the judge respect. “Yes your honor” or “No your honor.” They are judges and expect to be treated respectfully. They are the sole decision makers of your claim,so it always helps to show respect.

If you’re interested in finding expert representation to claim your Social Security Disability Benefits,Marken Law Group,does not charge a fee unless you get the benefits you deserve. Click the link below for a free consultation!

Get Expert Help Securing Your Social Security Disability Benefits

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Can You Collect Social Security and Disability?

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With retirement approaching,it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what can cost you your social security benefits or what you can collect on top of them. Also,if you’re receiving social security disability,will your retirement affect those payments? These are important topics to cover,just as knowing what SSI and SSDI are,when to file for each,or switching from one to the other. 

Collecting Social Security and Disability

Many people confuse their social security retirement with supplemental security income,but they are entirely different programs and that matters a great deal if you’re hoping to collect social security disability. The issue here is eligibility and what those payments look like,while it’s tempting to think that applying for various forms of social security will make for higher payments,it isn’t how it works. Essentially,the social security office will only pay you whatever is higher if you’ve filed for both. In most cases,the SSI disability is higher until you reach the age for full retirement which will then automatically convert to your retirement benefits. 

There is a rare exception to the automatic conversion rule and that is when someone opts for early retirement but is then approved for SSDI benefits. This way you can receive early retirement payments until the disability insurance is approved and the additional money comes in on top of the early-retirement benefits,likely along with the retroactive benefits. 

Can You Switch from SSI to SSDI?

Yes,you’re able to switch from SSI to SSDI. If you file for early retirement and then suffer from a disability,you can apply for SSDI benefits. If approved,they will switch your early retirement benefits to SSI disability benefits. This is also true in reverse. This is one of the instances where you would want to speak with an SSI or SSDI lawyer before making any filings or claims,to ensure you’re not robbing yourself of a higher payment or missing an opportunity to benefit from what is rightfully yours. It isn’t uncommon for people to file for SSDI,only to find their social security retirement was much higher,and are now unable to collect. 

Filing for Disability and Social Security at the Same Time

This is another common “trick” people employ to try and receive both social security disability and social security retirement insurance,but it can have costly ramifications. People who retire early and apply for disability at the same time run the risk of their SSDI being denied,then being forced to collect lower benefits for the rest of their life. While this is an option for people who are quite impaired and it’s all but guaranteed they’ll get their SSDI benefits,you have to ask yourself if it’s worth the risk. 

This is another area where it pays to have a lawyer well versed in social security disability benefits and the social security administration. 

A Guide to Social Security Disability and Social Security Benefits

If you’re considering filing for both social security benefits and SSDI,it’s important you have the right guide to ensure you get what is rightfully yours. Being denied social security disability and getting lower SSI benefits is a scary and stressful time,especially if counting on that extra income makes you think you cannot afford an attorney. 

Getting what you need to live and have what you deserve is too important to leave to chance. Partner with an experienced ally that is by your side from start to finish to better secure your benefits. 

Marken Law Group

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5 Methods to Raise Money for Your Service

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1. Taking your business public. Although security laws in the U.S. have made it simpler for businesses to go public,and offer stock as a method to raise needed funds,this is still probably the most dangerous option. It is normally not a suggested option for very new or extremely small companies. Because of the number of legal issues included,talking to a well-informed lawyer beforehand is essential. There is likewise a great deal of stress associated with running a public company,and a significant loss of autonomy and control. Before making this option,be definitely sure that this is the best course of action for your company.

Remarkably,in a current survey,almost 30% of entrepreneurs stated that they raised all or part of the capital they required through household members. If this is your choice,make sure that you have your lawyer draw up a routine business contract. Tell them about how much money they can make,not about how much you require their help.

This is the most common way for business owners to raise needed organization capital. You desire to look at the long-lasting consequences of utilizing your savings,life insurance coverage or credit cards,especially in the occasion that your business endeavor stops working,or does not bring in the projected return on investment (ROI). If you do end up funding your task utilizing credit cards,make sure that you shop around initially,and discover the card that will provide you the best rate and gives you the most “bang” for your buck.

Prior to even looking for venture capital,look at your company from an outsider’s point of view. (Contrary to popular belief,your company does not have actually to be involved in high tech to bring in venture capital). Your next action ought to be to look at your “circle of impact” and see if you understand someone who can provide you an individual introduction to somebody at the venture capital company.

5. Surprisingly,one of the most typical ways (especially for brand-new business) to raise equity capital,is by inviting your potential or current staff members the chance to become financiers. Once again,prior to going this path,talk to your organization attorney,and put policies into location that plan for potential problems. Or an employee goes and gives up as a competitor with you after discovering all of the business tricks?

Here is a lawyer that may help with business and related concern:

No matter which option you make in trying to find equity capital,by planning ahead,doing your research and following the suggestions of your attorney,you’ll increase the probability of raising the cash you need and making the relationship in between you and your investors a rewarding one.

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Are your Fire Doors really fit for function?

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Most landlords and business owners have a lawful obligation to make sure their buildings,and the people that use them,are properly protected against fire. From consistent maintenance to fire risk evaluations,it is essential to make sure fire safety measures are taken seriously. Get in touch with us here Fire Training

Fire doors have a vital role in the fire security of a property. They are created to help prevent the spread of smoke,fire and hazardous gases in the event of a fire. Fire resisting doors are different to ordinary doors,in that they are exclusively created and checked to offer fire resisting properties. Need Fire Training ?

Generally,fire doors are made of hardwood or steel.

Why are Fire Doors crucial?

There are a couple of main advantages of fire safety doors:

Enhanced Safety: Fire doors allow for quick departure of people and their personal belongings,and to let the fire service to deal with a fire.

Lowered Damage: Fire doors decrease the rate of fire damage to a premises.

The minimum period fire doors can endure fire is 20 minutes.

A lot more than only the door

A top quality fire rated door is only as beneficial as its installation. When deciding on a fire door supplier,you need to ensure the installer has the specifications needed and an experienced expert will help to guide you in making a sound purchasing decision.

Are your Fire Doors fit for their function?

Fire doors are only effective if they are maintained to the highest possible standards and are fit to complete their intended functionality in the event of a fire break out. To make certain the safety of a property’s occupants,you must routinely inspect all fire doors.
Whilst your fire doors need to be evaluated periodically by a fire safety professional,your business also has a responsibility to check for any faults and damage on a more frequent basis.

Did you know 53% of people do not know how to spot a dangerous fire door? Find Out more from Fire Door Inspection Course

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