TRUE: Medicare is sending out new Medicare cards beginning April 2018. If your address on file is correct, you don't need to do anything.
FALSE: Medicare or Social Security will NOT contact you to get personal information before sending out the new cards. They will not call and ask for your Social Security number, date of birth or Medicare number--they already have this information. If someone calls you, it is a SCAM. Do not provide personal or sensitive information over the phone.
On another matter, be careful about fictitious programs offering lots of free benefits or free money just by claiming it. If you are told about a "Freedom Check" that you can get, there is no such thing. You will be asked to send in a payment of $49 to $99 for a "newsletter" to explain how to get money. All you will get, if you are lucky, is a cheap "newsletter." You won't get any money. The government, and nobody else, is giving away free money to the public.
If free money was being given away, you would not have to buy a "newsletter" to find out how to claim the money. This is ridiculous on the surface but thousands have fallen for it. Beware of any scam that you must send money to before you can claim a benefit. It's always a scam.
If you have doubts about whether a call or an offer is legitimate, ask for the name of the caller, name of the company, phone number--and then call the local Better Business Bureau to check on the offer.
THE FORSYTHE FIRM Social Security Disability Counselors (256) 799-0297
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Sunday, April 15, 2018
HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE A STRONG DISABILITY CLAIM....
How do you know if you have a strong disability claim? Here are some give-aways.
1) Your doctor has told you that you should file for disability. This probably means your doctor will fill out a form supporting your claim.
2) You are compliant with medical advice but are still unable to work.
3) You are over age 50. Younger persons may get disability benefits, but being over 50 is an advantage.
4) You have a long, steady work record.
5) You have attempted to go back to work but were unable to continue because of your medical conditions or symptoms.
THE STEPS YOU NEED TO TAKE:
(256) 799-0297
1) Your doctor has told you that you should file for disability. This probably means your doctor will fill out a form supporting your claim.
2) You are compliant with medical advice but are still unable to work.
3) You are over age 50. Younger persons may get disability benefits, but being over 50 is an advantage.
4) You have a long, steady work record.
5) You have attempted to go back to work but were unable to continue because of your medical conditions or symptoms.
THE STEPS YOU NEED TO TAKE:
- File an application for benefits. You may be denied. If so, appeal within the 60 day limit.
- Prepare for your hearing. The best way to prepare is to find a Social Security disability lawyer or advocate who can help you. There is much to be done.
(256) 799-0297
Saturday, March 3, 2018
SHOULD YOU HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY HEARING BY VIDEO?
Responding
to the severe backlog of hearings and the long wait time to get a
hearing, Social Security is now doing a large percentage of their
disability hearings by Video-Teleconference (VTC).
But do you really want to have your hearing by VTC?
You have a choice. You can opt out of video hearings, if you do so according to the rules. (More on that later).
The major advantage of a video-teleconference is that it shortens the wait time for a hearing. However, my research indicates that it only shortens the wait time by 1 or 2 months. Therefore, you are waiting 20 months instead of 21 or 22 months, not a significant reduction.
What is the approval rate of VTC hearings vs. in-person hearings? Again, my research indicates that in-person hearings result in awards about 5 percent more often than video hearings. A 5 percent increase may not sound like much, but it is significant.
What if you want to opt out of a VTC and insist on an in-person hearing where the judge is in the same room with you, not on a TV screen? Here is the rule you must follow:
Social Security will send you a written notice that you they may schedule a hearing for you by Video-Teleconference. This is normally in a packet of materials sent out a few months after you submit your appeal. Once you receive this notice, you must object to a VTC in writing within 30 days of the date of notice. A form is sent with the notice for this purpose.
There may be instances where attending a hearing by video-teleconference is a good idea. An example would be if you are in a hearing office with very low award rates. A video hearing may give you a better chance but there are, of course, no guarantees.
Need help with a Social Security disability claim or appeal? Get a free consultations and case evaluation by calling the Forsythe Firm here in Huntsville. (We work with clients all over Alabama and middle Tennessee).
THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Practice Limited to Social Security disability
7027 Old Madison Pike NW - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 799-0297
SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE - MORE INFORMATION
But do you really want to have your hearing by VTC?
You have a choice. You can opt out of video hearings, if you do so according to the rules. (More on that later).
The major advantage of a video-teleconference is that it shortens the wait time for a hearing. However, my research indicates that it only shortens the wait time by 1 or 2 months. Therefore, you are waiting 20 months instead of 21 or 22 months, not a significant reduction.
What is the approval rate of VTC hearings vs. in-person hearings? Again, my research indicates that in-person hearings result in awards about 5 percent more often than video hearings. A 5 percent increase may not sound like much, but it is significant.
What if you want to opt out of a VTC and insist on an in-person hearing where the judge is in the same room with you, not on a TV screen? Here is the rule you must follow:
Social Security will send you a written notice that you they may schedule a hearing for you by Video-Teleconference. This is normally in a packet of materials sent out a few months after you submit your appeal. Once you receive this notice, you must object to a VTC in writing within 30 days of the date of notice. A form is sent with the notice for this purpose.
There may be instances where attending a hearing by video-teleconference is a good idea. An example would be if you are in a hearing office with very low award rates. A video hearing may give you a better chance but there are, of course, no guarantees.
Need help with a Social Security disability claim or appeal? Get a free consultations and case evaluation by calling the Forsythe Firm here in Huntsville. (We work with clients all over Alabama and middle Tennessee).
THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Practice Limited to Social Security disability
7027 Old Madison Pike NW - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 799-0297
SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE - MORE INFORMATION
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