Please request ANY CHAPTER of our educational book, "A Stroll Through The Maze... The Social Security Disability Process." The Table of content is provided below.The requested chapter will be emailed promptly.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE - ARE YOU INSURED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS........................................................................5

• The Misunderstood National Insurance Program

• How Long Must I Work To Be Covered By Social Security Benefits.

• Insured Status and Disability Coverage

CHAPTER TWO - HOW TO ESTIMATE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PAYMENT...................................................9

• Benefit Estimate Chart

• Sample Personal Earning and Benefits Statement

CHAPTER THREE - WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A DISABILITY THAT QUALIFIES........................................................15

• Payment of Benefits While Working.

• Medical Conditions That Automatically Qualify.

• Impact Of Age, Education, and Prior Work.

CHAPTER FOUR - DEALING WITH THE ADMINISTRATION - COMPLETING THE FORMS.............................................................24

• Percentage of Awards at Each Stage - 1992

• The Application for Benefits

• How to File Your Claim

• In Person

• Teleclaim

• Documents Required

• Completing the Application and Required Forms

• Interpreting the Decision

• How to Appeal an Unfavorable Decision

• Request for Reconsideration

• Appealing an Underpayment Due To Later Date of Disability

• The Request for Reconsideration and Related Forms

• Steps to Take To Reinforce Your Case

• Interpreting the Notice of Reconsideration

• Determining What Other Information is Needed to Obtain Benefits

• Request for Hearing and Related Forms

• Appeals Council and Related Forms

CHAPTER FIVE - PROVING YOUR CLAIM - DEALING WITH DOCTORS..............................................................................................49

• Evaluation of Your Symptoms by Your Doctor

• Information From Your Treating Physician

• Use of Independent Medical Examinations by SSA

• Alternative to Examination by SSA Physician

• Specific Information Required from your Doctor

• Use of Functional Capacity Evaluations by SSA

• Importance of Office Notes from your Doctor

CHAPTER SIX - DEALING WITH THE DECISION MAKERS......56

The Role of SSA Personnel

• The Role of The Disability Determination Service

• List of Important Items to Remember When Dealing with SSA.

• The Hearing Process

• Expediting the Hearing Due to Economic Hardship

• Pre-Hearing Activities

• The Hearing Notice

• The Hearing

Expert Witnesses (Medical Experts and Vocational Experts)

• Reviewing Your File Before The Hearing

• Questions Asked At The Hearing

CHAPTER SEVEN - THE AWARD AND BEYOND ..........................84

• The Award Certificate and Your First Check

• Continuing Disability Reviews - Staying on Benefits

CHAPTER EIGHT - RETURNING TO WORK..................................88

• Vocational Rehabilitation

• Trial Work Provisions of the Law

CHAPTER NINE - THE RESTRUCTURING OF SS DISABILITY.........90

• Summary of Proposed Changes

• Changes in the Evaluation Process

INDEX OF FORMS...............................................................................104

APPENDIX I - The Sequential Evaluation Flow Chart

APPENDIX II - The Medical/Vocational Guidelines ( GRIDS )