Addressing Four Misconceptions That Can Derail Social Security Disability Benefits
Harrisburg, PA (PRWEB) December 12, 2013 -- A number of situations can lead an individual to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits; an injury on the job, an automobile accident, a chronic debilitating condition. All of these things can, and will, limit an individual’s physical abilities. Many can make even the most routine tasks in one’s daily activities difficult, if not impossible.
A common misconception is the number of qualified people who actually apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The number is relatively low. The Social Security Disability lawyers at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg speak with people regarding Social Security Disability on a daily basis. We have become increasingly alarmed by the sheer number of people who hold off on filing any kind of claim due to failure to understand the process.
Attorney Carolyn Anner has helped numerous disabled individuals navigate the seemingly difficult Social Security Disability Insurance application process. Carolyn is a Registered Nurse, as well as an Attorney. She has been responsible for the successful filing of numerous applications and her position has afforded her unique insights.
“There is a lot of misinformation out there surrounding the Social Security Disability Insurance application process,” said Ms. Anner.
When a client comes to the firm for help, the first thing the attorneys will do is evaluate their situation, oftentimes setting their minds at ease. Most of the time their worries relate to the seemingly endless reams of paperwork, as well as the time it takes to complete the application process.
With that in mind, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg has put together tips surrounding what they see as some of the most common misunderstandings related to Social Security Disability:
1. Qualifying for Disability Benefits- Worries about qualification are perhaps the most common sentiments among those concerned about the application process. Many people believe that their injuries are not necessarily serious enough or that they can only apply based upon one medical problem. This is not true. The truth is that while there are certainly cases where an individual has only one major medical issue, Social Security disability lawyers like those at Handler Henning & Rosenberg will look at the entire person. They'll look at their activities of daily living, the type of work that they did, their age, and their education. Many times, cases will rise and fall on what seem to be less noticeable issues. This can actually be very serious. That's why anyone who is struggling to maintain their current employment due to an injury or chronic illness is advised to look into the possibility of a Social Security Disability Insurance application.
2. Know the truth about partial benefits- There is no such thing as partial benefits. Only full benefits are available under the Social Security Act.
3. If an application is denied, that isn't the end of the journey- There is a right of appeal. Following the denial of an initial application, an individual may apply for a hearing before a Social Security Administrative Law Judge. If that fails, there is another level of appeal. An appeal may be taken to the Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia. This is a “paper appeal” as opposed to a hearing. In the event that this fails, a suit may be filed in Federal Court. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg is one of the few law firms that file Social Security claims in the Federal Court.
4. Working does not necessarily preclude Social Security benefits- An individual can work and get benefits. If one decides to go back to work while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, he or she is strongly urged to contact the Law Firm of Handler, Henning & Rosenberg to discuss a successful return to work and eligibility for benefits.
Handler, Henning & Rosenberg has been assisting injured parties through the Social Security Disability process for decades. Carolyn Anner and the rest of the Firm’s partners also offer representation to those injured in a host of other personal injury areas including, automobile accidents, defective medical devices, premises liability, dog bites, and more. If any such injury has resulted in an ability to continue with one’s gainful employment, please feel free to visit the Firm’s Social Security Disability gateway to obtain a free consultation and learn more about our services.
Becky S. Voras, Handler Henning & Rosenberg, http://hhrlaw.com, +1 (800) 461-4140, [email protected]
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