Q: When applying for social security benefits, how important is it that your doctor support your claim?
A: You need a physician who is supportive of your decision to file for disability. Your physician will have to provide a letter on your behalf that includes details of your condition, your outlook and why your condition prevents you from working. The disability examiner will be influenced heavily by the supporting materials from your doctor. A cooperative doctor will also be more likely to assist in obtaining medical records on time. It is vital that you seek out a new physician, if your current one does not believe you should be applying for social security benefits. If your doctor becomes unresponsive after you have already submitted your application, find a new one. It may seem like a difficult task, but it will be time well spent. There is too much at stake to not have a doctor on your side. It is almost impossible to win a social security benefits claim with an unresponsive or unsupportive physician.
Q: If you are applying for social security benefits and you miss a deadline or fail to reply to a mailed notice, should you be concerned?
A: Yes, missing deadlines or ignoring notices can adversely affect your social security disability case. You should always respond promptly to anything you receive regarding your social security benefits claim. You will receive a letter in the mail when your court date is scheduled for a hearing, for instance. By not appearing for a scheduled hearing, your case could be dismissed. Another example would be not opening a request for a medical examination. Just like not appearing for a hearing, ignoring a consultative exam letter will only stall the review of your social security benefits claim and may even mean you lose your case. Act and reply in a timely manner whenever you are sent anything from Social Security. It is also important that you know the timelines for filing an appeal and the required documentation to do so.
Q: Does Social Security deny every claim when it is initially reviewed?
A: No, not every application is denied when it is reviewed the first time. A great number of cases, however, will need to be reconsidered or heard before an administrative judge before they are granted benefits. The reasons for this can vary. Many applicants apply incorrectly or incompletely. Instead of appealing and taking their claim to the next step in the process after they are denied, some simply submit a new application. There are claimants who are awarded benefits after the initial review process. There are even more who win benefits after they are heard before an administrative judge. If you have any concerns about providing supporting documentation for your application or meeting deadlines, you may wish to contact a social security attorney.
December 28th, 2009 at 7:02 am
It is important that your claims representative at Social Security has all your current contact information, so that mailed notifications will be sent to your correct address. An advocate like a social security lawyer will make sure that you do not miss notifications, issues with your claim or a hearing date. The Social Security Administration sends notification to both the claimant and his attorney. If you knew about your scheduled hearing and missed it on purpose, your claim is in jeopardy of being dismissed. If your claim is let go, you will have to start the application process from step one.
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:33 am
For this reason, applicants are frequently advised to tread lightly when declaring that they are attending classes while awaiting approval for social security disability benefits.
Q: Can you receive Medicare once your application for social security disability insurance is approved?
A: You are eligible for Medicare two years after the date social security determined you are entitled for social security disability benefits. Your date of entitlement is the onset date established by social security plus the required waiting period of five months. You begin receiving social security disability benefits roughly on your entitlement date. Medicare benefits can be awarded two years after that.