SettlementBoard.com News, Articles and Information for Legal Junkies

12Sep/110

Appealing a Social Security Claim Decision by the SSA in Alabama

The need:

Do you feel you deserved more but received less when you filed for Social Security disability? Were you denied disability benefits outright? You can appeal the decision by asking Social Security to reconsider. Unfortunately, things get more complicated if your reconsideration is also turned down.

The solution:

If your reconsideration is turned down, you can go through a hearing process. On careful deliberation of the case, the administrative law judge gives a decision based on what he or she thinks you deserve.

If you are not happy with the results of your hearing, you can take your claim to the next level by requesting a review by Social Security’s Appeal Council.

When a decision by the Appeal Council is turned down, you may then proceed with filing a lawsuit in federal district court, as the last step.

The Focus:

Note that the last step of appeal can only be pursued after two rounds of careful interrogation of your case are completed. Be sure that you document all the proof and justifications against the results of the first two levels of appeal.

To avoid this lengthy process, it may be prudent to hire an experienced and skilled Alabama social security disability attorney at the very outset. Such an attorney has expertise in Social Security law, is familiar with the appeal process in your state, and can help you file a successful claim for your particular disability.

12Sep/110

Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Do You Need an Attorney to File Social Security Disability Claims?

If you worked and paid Social Security taxes, and become ill or injured and unable to work, you may be entitled to collect Social Security Disability (SSD) payments. Social Security Disability is a program of the Social Security Administration that is available to people who are unable to work—but SSD benefits are not always easy to claim.

You may apply for SSD by yourself

A person may be able to collect SSD without consulting a lawyer. If your physician confirms that you suffer from a condition that has or will prevent you from working for more than 12 consecutive months, you may get the SSD ball rolling by:
• Applying online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/
• Calling the Social Security Administration (SSA) to schedule an appointment at 800-772-1231
• Visiting your local Social Security office

Benefits vary

Should you obtain SSD, the amount of your benefits depends on a number of factors. In general, the longer you worked and the more money you paid into Social Security over the years, the higher your disability payments. The factors weighed in determining your benefits include the following:
• Age
• Previous work experience and longevity
• The nature of your illness or injury
• The persuasiveness of your medical records

Why you need an attorney

Navigating the Social Security Administration and getting a speedy and proper response is difficult for someone who is not only unfamiliar with the SSA, but suffering from an illness or painful condition. It is always better to enlist the support of an SSD attorney who has experience in this field.

14Jun/110

Social Security Disability Claim for Visually Impaired

If you or a loved one are visually impaired, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits from the United States government.

Special services for the visually impaired

Traditionally, there are two ways to qualify for a Social Security Disability benefit for visual impairment, according to the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). There are also other special services for the visually challenged. The monetary amountof the benefits varies from state to state. If you live in Alabama, you can find out which benefits are right for you with the help of a Social Security disability attorney in Alabama.

The two programs through which the visually impaired can receive benefits are:

  • The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program
  • The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program

You must qualify as one of the below in order to be considered for benefits:

  1. You are considered "legally blind," i.e., when your vision cannot be corrected any better than 20/200, preventing you from working for a living
  2. When you are not considered legally blind but have vision problems along with other health problems that prevent you from working

How do you claim the benefits you deserve?

Whether you need help developing a case for filing a claim or appealing a claim denial, understanding the complex and confusing rules of SSI or SSDI is vital. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you in acquiring the benefits you deserve.

26May/110

Employee Benefits in the University of Illinois

Employees of the University of Illinois receive a variety of university-specific benefits from the state.  The State of Illinois benefits are provided by the Group Insurance Act of 1971, which gives the state's Department of Central Management Services (CMS) the authority and responsibility to design, manage, negotiate and/or contract for benefits.

Any modification in these benefits is determined by CMS and becomes effective for all State of Illinois employees. These benefits include:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long Term Care
  • Flexible Spending Accounts

In order to enjoy these benefits, employees should get in touch with an experienced Illinois employee benefits attorney.

The University also provides optional benefits that are supplemental to the State of Illinois benefits. The University benefits are approved by the Board of Trustees and managed by the University. These benefits include:

  • Life
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Retirement Plans
  • Same-Sex Domestic Partner Health Insurance