Q: Will my Social Security payment be affected if the federal debt ceiling is not raised? A: “Unlike a federal shutdown which has no impact on the payment of Social Security benefits, failure to raise the debt ceiling puts Social Security benefits at risk.”
Many clients wait to hire an attorney or never hire one at all because they do not know how they will afford it. Frequently, clients call in an “emergency” situation and are relieved to learn that we offer free consultations and in Workers’ Compensation and Social Security cases we charge what is called a “contingent …
Read moreHow Can I Afford a Lawyer? Contingency Fees Explained
ODAR (Office of Disability Adjudication and Review) discontinued activities during the federal government shut down: We have heard that, although the Boston ODAR Judges will report for duty and all hearings already scheduled will go forward, it will be with extreme limited staff. This will result in delays. You may be able to contact the …
Read moreSocial Security Disability Claims During Government Shutdown 2013
In an effort to deal with the tsunami of the Sandy Hook tragedy, school districts across the country appear to be embracing what is now commonly referred to as a “zero tolerance” policy. As the term implies, such a policy applies punishments for even minor infractions or deviations with little or no regard to any …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that effective November 19, 2012, field offices nationwide will close to the public 30 minutes early each day. In addition, beginning January 2, 2013 Social Security offices will close to the public at noon every Wednesday. The SSA cites significantly reduced funding by Congress as the reason for the …
Read moreApproval Process for Disability Likely to Become Even More Difficult
In July of 2012 Social Security issued a new ruling, SSR 12-2p, recognizing Fibromyalgia as a “complex medical condition characterized primarily by widespread pain in the joints, muscles, tendons, or nearby soft tissues that has persisted for at least 3 months.” This ruling acknowledges that Fibromyalgia can be the basis for a finding of disability. …
From professional players to local high school heroes, concussion is now one of the biggest health issues in sports. Although the word “concussion” has been used widely it does not seem to evoke the kind of response that “traumatic brain injury” does. In fact, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury. A concussion can occur …
Although the Social Security Administrations allows claimants to be represented by non-lawyers, you must ask yourself who would be a better qualified representative, someone who has been formally trained and schooled in the law and the legal process or someone who has not. It is easy for clients to be confused into thinking that all …