The Role of a Disability Representative: How We Help You Win Your Case

The Role of a Disability Representative: How We Help You Win Your Case

Navigating the complex world of disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with health challenges. The complexities involved in understanding eligibility criteria, the application process, and the various types of disability benefits available can often seem like an insurmountable task. Having access to clear and reliable information, as well as expert guidance, can make a world of difference. The role of a disability representative is to support and assist individuals in winning their disability cases.

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Appealing a Denied Disability Claim – Your Second Chance at Benefits

Appealing a Denied Disability Claim – Your Second Chance at Benefits

Disability Support Services (DSS) of Maryland knows that facing a denied disability claim can be incredibly disheartening. You may have relied on those benefits to support yourself and your family during a challenging time. The good news is that you can appeal the decision and potentially secure the benefits you deserve. In this blog, DSS is going to walk you through the process of appealing a denied disability claim, providing you with the knowledge and confidence you need to give it your best shot.

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Medical-Vocational Allowances: An Alternative Path for Social Security Disability Benefits

Medical-Vocational Allowances: An Alternative Path for Social Security Disability Benefits

Filing for disability benefits can be a difficult process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict list of criteria that applicants need to meet for their particular medical condition for the claim to be approved. These stringent standards leave tens of thousands of Americans who are struggling with disabilities without necessary support through government aid. The good news is there are options for those who don’t meet the standards of the SSA for disability benefits. To learn more about medical-vocational allowances, read on.

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Can You Work After Having a Stroke?

Can You Work After Having a Stroke?

When you think about someone who has had a stroke (also called: cerebrovascular accident), you may picture an older person. While it is true it is common in the elderly, some stroke victims are still of working age. According to Stanford Health, as many as 10% of those stroke victims are younger; Saebo and others put it higher at 20%. Strokes don’t always result from something going wrong in your body. They can be due to accident-caused brain injuries or medical malpractice. A stroke is a medical emergency that can impact every aspect of your life. For example, it can mean weeks or months off of work or, in extreme cases, never returning to your job again. You may be wondering when you can return to work after a cerebrovascular accident. If you can’t go back to work right away or at all, what are your options?

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How to Get Ready for Your ALJ Hearing and Be Better Prepared

How to Get Ready for Your ALJ Hearing and Be Better Prepared

If you have an ALJ hearing, you have already had two decisions go against your case. What happens in your hearing could turn your case around and secure the SSI or SSDI you need and deserve. With so much riding on your hearing, you need to prepare. You will miss an excellent opportunity to persuade an ALJ to grant your claim if you go into your hearing without knowing what to expect or how to respond. Read on to find some ways to prepare for your hearing.

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Two Misconceptions About Social Security Benefits

Two Misconceptions About Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Act of 1935 established a mechanism for providing annuity payments to retired workers 65 and older. This Act laid the foundation for the modern Social Security system. The original program supplemented a retiree’s existing nest egg by providing small benefits. Its intent was never to subsidize most of a person’s post-work life. Through the years programs have been added that assist low income and disabled individuals. Disabled individuals’ spouses and children and even the surviving relatives of deceased individuals can receive benefits. Add to that a sharp increase in benefit amounts, and Social Security has become the country’s largest social program. Proponents of the disability programs laud their contribution to the country’s well-being. Its critics, however, argue against both its perceived overpayments to the undeserving and its inconsistent claims approval process.

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When is the Best Time to Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI?

When is the Best Time to Apply for Social Security Disability or SSI?

Social security disability insurance (SSDI) and supplemental security income (SSI) are federal programs designed to provide financial support for persons with disabilities. When you apply for Social Security disability, it’s crucial to complete the paperwork correctly. You also need to provide supporting documents for your claim to be approved. The timing of your SSDI/SSI application is also important. This guide provides the facts to help you through your application process.

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Should I File for Unemployment or Social Security Disability?

Should I File for Unemployment or Social Security Disability?

We want to address these questions because there are very big differences between unemployment and social security disability. And with the recent rise in unemployment, we feel it’s important to understand why these are very different programs. However, it really comes down to your financial situation and health. Learn more about if you should be filing for unemployment or social security disability below.

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SSA 5-Step Evaluation [INFOGRAPHIC]

SSA 5-Step Evaluation [INFOGRAPHIC]

Our goal at DSS is to make the disability benefits claim process easier on you. Many times people are unsure if they qualify or if they should submit a claim. Check out our easy to read SSA 5-Step Evaluation infographic to help you learn more about the evaluation process.

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