If you have been denied your Social Security Disability benefits, you always have the right to an appeal.  In fact, it is said that upwards of 85% of all applicants for Social Security Disability are initially denied.  If you are denied, it is extremely important to remember the 90 day window for an appeal.  After receiving your denial you have 90 days to file an appeal, otherwise you go back to square one and have to reapply from the beginning.  If you receive this denial letter, it is a great time to ccontact a Social Security Disability attorney to help you with the appeals process.

The Social Security Disability attorneys of Rutter Mills have helped thousands of people receive their Social Security Disability benefits after being initially denied, and are here to help you with your claim.  If you or someone you know needs help with their Social Security Disability benefits, call the Personal Care Attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

Normally in order to win your disability claim, you have to, in part, prove you are disabled through your medical records. Your medical treatment and records document your conditions, symptoms, and impairments. What you may think about your case may be different than someone at Social Security who is reviewing your case. The people who review your claim do not know you and do not know how credible you may be. Think of it as trying to prove to a stranger that you are unable to work. You need medical proof to have an opportunity to win your case.
Therefore:

- Be compliant with treatment
- Follow your doctor's recommendations
- Take your medications as prescribed
- Be honest with your doctors
- Tell them about all of your physical or mental problems, but never exaggerate
- Honesty is crucial in trying to prove to someone else you cannot work
If you win your social security disability claim you will be eligible for early Medicare coverage or Medicaid depending on whether you have Social Security Disability or SSI coverage.

However, in Virginia as in many states you, with some exceptions, cannot get such coverage without first being found disabled.
If you do not have health insurance and therefore have difficulty getting into regular treatment, there are some options for treatment, whether it is at a local free clinic or a low cost clinic. The disability attorneys at Rutter Mills can help you find places that may be able to treat you. Even if I cannot help you with your claim I can point you in the right direction to facilities who may be able to provide medical care for your disability.

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.

Since 1935, Social Security has touched the lives of almost every American and provided an economic lifeline for millions of people.

To help Social Security Administration celebrate, it is asking you to share your Social Security story. How has Social Security made a difference in your life and the lives of your family and friends?

To read more about Social Security visit the Social Security Form Page where you and write your own stories.

Yes its true. There will be no Cost Of Living Increase (COLA) for 2010. COLA increases are tied to inflation and because the country is in a deep recession there has been little to no inflation.

Nothing has been said yet by the Congressional Budget Office whether there will be a COLA increase in 2011. There is a possibility it won't increase but if the job growth and GDP continues to rise there is a chance.

Unfortunately co-pays for Medicare go up every year because the cost of health care goes up every year. As a result, Medicare premiums rise 4% a year by law.

Unfortunately many people who receive Social Security Benefits will not see a COLA increase this year, but because of the poor economy and the lack of inflation, hopefully these individuals and their families will not be drastically affected. I wanted to clear the air and let people know what is going on. If you have a disability it is still valuable to file for Social Security Disability. If you or a family member has any questions regarding social security please feel free to contact me.