As a paralegal handling Social Security Disability claims, I speak to many potential clients.  I am astounded by the number of people that don’t know they are entitled to Social Security benefits until it’s too late.  The term “date last insured” (DLI) is a foreign term.   

The DLI for Social Security purposes runs five years after you stop working.  Therefore, if you do not file for disability or you become disabled after that five year period, you are not entitled to benefits unless you can prove that you were disabled prior to the expiration date.

 This happens often to women who are married and are supported by their husbands.  So often, they stay home to take care of their children even though they may have a debilitating medical condition.  Once they realize they may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits, it’s usually past their DLI.

 Everyone should order a copy of their Social Security Statement.  This is as simple as calling Social Security or going online to www.ssa.gov and following the instructions.  Once you have done this, Social Security will send you a statement every year.  The statement tells you exactly what you would be entitled to if you became disabled today, if you retire at 62, 67 or 70, as well as some other useful information.  It is imperative that everyone knows what their rights are.  This is a benefit we have all paid for and we should utilize when necessary.

I witnessed an American tragedy last week. An attorney with Rutter Mills is representing a homeless client in her 50s for Social Security Disability. She was recently taken to a local homeless shelter in Norfolk by the some police officers. She was able to stay as long as she was seeking work. (Remember -- she is disabled.) She tried to find a job with a local fast food restaurant but they would not hire her. The attorney was able to get the hearing expedited due to her situation but she still would not have her day in court for several weeks. She asked the homeless shelter if they would let her stay until her hearing, but they let her go nonetheless.

This poor hopeful but helpless person appeared at her hearing dirty and disheveled but hopeful. After the hearing, the attorney could not bear to leave her at the same bus stop from which she was picked up. He called at least 13 shelters and churches in the Hampton Roads area looking for a place for her to stay the night. Not one homeless shelter or church would take her in. In fact, one church claimed it was too bad she didn’t have any family to go to and no one to help her but it wasn’t their problem and ended the conversation with "God bless you."

In the end, this homeless and family-less person decided she would rather spend the night with her "friends" on the street, than accept a charitable handout. Fortunately, once she wins her Social Security disability case, she will be eligible for Section 8 housing and a new start. Rutter Mills cares about their clients – we only wish everyone had the same compassion.

Have you ever noticed that accidents often come in 2's? I can only imagine that the driver that caused accident 2 was not paying attention to the change in the flow of traffic after accident 1. I would surmise that the driver was either talking on the phone, playing with the radio dial or, the latest trend in driving, texting. How often do you see other drivers texting on the freeway? I’ve tried it once (okay – who hasn’t been tempted), and it is impossible! Virginia Beach and Norfolk!...You have to hang up the phone and drive to prevent accidents. This reminds me of a billboard I saw this weekend as I was driving on the Eastern Shore. It said, "Honk if you love Jesus. Text while driving if you want to meet him."