Archive for January 2015
Are Social Security Judges Actually Independent of the Social Security Administration When You Appeal Disability Case?
(This is the second post in our series about your right to an independent administrative law judge as part of the disability appeal process.) Let’s talk about the U.S. Constitution. While some of its text discusses rights and procedures in criminal cases, the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution also states that “No person shall be…
Read MoreRand Paul Proposes New Standard for Determining Disability Eligibility
“What I tell people is, if you look like me and you hop out of your truck, you shouldn’t be getting a disability check.” Offering his expertise as a politician and former eye doctor, Senator Rand Paul has recently taken the lead in proposing a new two-pronged standard for determining Social Security Disability eligibility. In…
Read MoreAuto Accidents Caused by Drunken Drivers
Despite increased efforts at enforcement by the police, passage of tougher laws, and more aggressive prosecutions, drunk driving remains a major problem in the United States. According to statistics maintained by the Center for Disease Control, 29 people per day die in automobile accidents involving an alcohol impaired driver. That amounts to one death every…
Read MoreAre Social Security judges actually independent of the Social Security Administration in the SSDI appeal process?
“I’m an administrative law judge with the Social Security Administration. I’m going to make a new and independent decision. I’m not bound by any prior decisions made in your claim” You will hear an introductory statement like this when you meet your judge at your hearing. What does he mean? Most importantly, is it true…
Read MoreWhat is the difference: SSD vs. SSI?
The Social Security Administration began its life in the 1930’s as an insurance company with the creation of Social Security as a retirement pension plan. Yes, your Social Security Administration is an insurance company at its core. In the 1950’s, a line of disability insurance was added to the retirement pension program. Later still, in…
Read MoreIs Congress trying to cut my disability benefits
It’s been a week of the new 114th Congress, with Republican majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So how are things going for disabled people so far? It didn’t take a day for the attack on the Social Security disability insurance program to begin. According to the Associated Press, it was…
Read MoreWe are not Binder & Binder
Readers may by now be aware of the fact that Binder & Binder, the self-proclaimed “America’s Most Successful Social Security Disability Advocates” has recently filed bankruptcy. If you are represented by or are considering retaining Goss & Fentress for your Social Security disability appeal, should you be concerned? We are not Binder & Binder. Here’s…
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