CategoryUncategorized - Philip Garrow LLC

What Happens at the Social Security Hearing?

If you decide to represent yourself at your hearing, be prepared! Read all the information provided to you by Social Security. Get to the hearing site early and ask to look at your file. Review any written statements you’ve already given Social Security and make sure they are accurate and up to date. Be ready to tell the judge about all your medical treatment and where the Judge can obtain these records, including names and addresses of your medical providers. Have a list of your medications and explain if they help or not and any side effects. The judge will ask about your impairments and limitations and why you don’t think you can work a regular job for a regular work week. Be sure you have an answer ready.

This is only a partial list and should not be relied upon as a substitute for qualified counsel. If you are represented, make sure your attorney has all this information is ready to represent you at your hearing.

Are you looking for representation? Contact Garrow Law for a case evaluation

Do I Need an Attorney to Help With My Social Security Disability Claim?

We get asked this question a lot. The answer is: Maybe not.

Social Security provides the application and appeal forms and requests that you give them information about your disability, your work background, doctors names and addresses, and statements from people who know about your problems. About 35% of all initial applications for disability or SSI benefits are approved by Social Security.

So, if Social Security agrees your medical conditions are severe and disabling, you may receive benefits in just a few months. If your claim is denied, and your doctors disagree with Social Security’s assessment, we recommend an immediate appeal and contacting someone to help with your case. If you are going to a hearing, competent counsel can be very helpful, someone who can prepare you and make sure all the medical records have been submitted. The Social Security judge is required to give you at least one postponement if you need time to secure representation.

Are you looking for assistance with a Social Security claim? Contact the Garrow Team today

Childrens’ Disability Benefits

What you Should Know Before You Apply For SSI Disability Benefits For A Child

Children from birth up to age 18 may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
benefits. They must be disabled and they must have little or no income and resources.

Here are answers to some questions people ask about applying for SSI for children.

How Does Social Security Decide If A Child Is Disabled?

Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children.

The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and the condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.

A state agency makes the disability decision. They review the information you provide. They will also ask for information from medical and school sources and other people who know about the child.

If the state agency needs more information, they will arrange an examination or test for the child, which Social Security will pay for.

How Does Social Security Decide If A Child Can Get SSI?

Children can get SSI if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and if they have little or no income and resources. Social Security will also consider the family’s household income, resources and other personal information.

Are you looking for assistance in getting an SSI for your disabled child? Contact the Garrow Team today

Adults Disabled Before Age 22

An adult disabled before age 22 may be eligible for child’s benefits if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. This is considered a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.

The “adult child”—including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, or step grandchild must be unmarried, age 18 or older, have a disability that started before age 22, and meet the definition of disability for adults.

Example: A worker starts collecting Social Security retirement benefits at age 62. He has a 38-year old son who has had cerebral palsy since birth. The son will start collecting a disabled “child’s” benefit on his father’s Social Security record.

It is not necessary that the adult child ever worked. Benefits are paid based on the parent’s earnings record.

An adult child must not have substantial earnings. The amount of earnings Social Security considers “substantial” increases each year. In 2019, this means working and earning more than $1,220 a month.

Certain expenses the adult child incurs in order to work may be excluded from these earnings. For more information about work and disability, refer to the Social Security publication “Working While Disabled: How We Can Help.”

Are you looking for assistance with a Social Security claim? Contact the Garrow Team today

How Do I Know If I am Getting a Good Deal on my Insurance Settlement

Q: Last year I was hurt on the job and I have been unable to return to work. The insurance claims adjuster called me about settling my claim. How do I know if I am getting a good deal?

A: Injured workers have the option of settling their claim for future benefits. The amount of the settlement can be negotiated between the parties. Unfortunately, insurance companies usually know much more about the value of the claim that most injured workers. Your claim costs include lost wages (time loss), permanent disability, medical benefits, and vocational rehabilitation/retaining benefits if you are unable to return to your usual job. It is tempting to take the insurance companies offer but you need to know the full value of your claim in order to get the best value. You can contact the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division, the Injured Workers’ Hotline, at 1-800-452-0288, and get some advice from the Workers’ Compensation Division which regulates insurance companies. They can tell you what to look for. You can also contact an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation practice who will give you a free case evaluation to discuss your options and whether a settlement is a good deal.
Contact an attorney

Philip H. Garrow

Attorney at Law

Practice Limited to Workers’ Compensation Cases and Social Security Disability/SSI Claims

Social Security Denies Disability Benefits Despite Doctors Opinion

Q: I suffered severe injuries from a work-related accident. My Doctors have declared me totally disabled. I submitted these reports to the Social Security Administration and I was still denied disability benefits. Doesn’t Social Security have to listen to my doctors?

A: Social Security operates under federal law. Workers’ compensation injuries are based on state law. Federal law requires the Social Security Administration to “consider” the statements from your doctors. However, Social Security will apply its own criteria to determine whether you meet the definition of disability. It is possible that your doctors’ reports were not specific enough for Social Security. It is also possible that Social Security believes that you could do some other kind of less demanding work.

You should appeal the Social Security denial and get some assistance, including getting more specific reports from your doctors regarding your limitations and how they affect your ability to work. You can contact a lawyer who understands the Social Security Disability rules and what is needed to prove a disability claim. There is no fee for a consultation and an attorney is only paid if your application is approved.
Contact an attorney

Philip H. Garrow

Attorney at Law

Practiced Limited to Workers’ Compensation Cases and Social Security Disability/SSI Claims

Insurance vs Doctor: What If I am Still Recovering?

Q: I had a severe back injury at work. The doctor said that I do not need surgery but I am still in tremendous pain and have been getting physical therapy for the past three months. I am not yet able to bend or lift, much less return to work. Now the insurance company is telling my doctor I have had enough physical therapy and I should be released to return to work. The doctor says he does not want to fight with the insurance company. Is there anything I can do?

 

A: Yes, there is a lot you can to do. Insurance companies are interested in saving money for themselves and their clients (employers). Their goal is not to see that you get the best care that you can but to get the least expensive care that the doctor will authorize. Your doctor should carefully explain to the insurance company why you need additional therapy and why a home exercise program by itself will not improve your medical condition that the extent that you can return to your regular work. Therapy and other passive treatments are beneficial at reducing disability and returning workers back to their normal activities, including work, as long as they are given the opportunity to succeed. Constantly delaying or questioning treatment is not helpful to anyone but the insurance company. You or your doctor can appeal the insurer’s decision to the Workers’ Compensation Department.

Get the treatment that you need.talk to an attorney

Early Retirement and Disability Benefits

Q: I am 62 years old and unable to continue working due to multiple physical problems, including back surgery. I am eligible to apply for early retirement. If I also apply for disability, will my disability benefits be reduced because of the early retirement?

 

A: As you know, you can begin receiving early retirement Social Security benefits at age 62. By filing early, you will lose about 25% of your full (age 66) retirement amount. However, if you have a disability which prevents you from returning to work, regardless of your age, you can also apply for Social Security disability benefits while you are receiving your retirement benefits. If you are granted disability benefits, you will be entitled to your full Social Security retirement amount as if you had not applied for your early retirement benefits. When you apply for retirement, the Social Security representative should ask you about why you stopped working and ask you if you want to file for disability. Social Security law requires them to advise you about all benefits to which you might be entitled.

If you have questions, you can talk to your local Social Security representative. Get the help you need.
Talk to an attorney

Is My Child Eligible For Social Security Disability Benefits?

Q: I am confused about the Social Security Disability process. We have a young child who may be eligible for disability benefits based on a diagnosis of autism. Is he eligible for benefits even though he has not paid Social Security taxes?

A: Social Security has two basic programs that pay disability benefits for people who meet certain medical criteria, Social Security Disability and SSI. The disability program (SSDIB) benefit is based on a number of earnings reported to the Social Security Administration and is payable to an individual who becomes disabled and in certain circumstances the spouse, disabled widow, or disabled adult children of the wage earner.

Children under the age of 18 may be eligible for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits if they have physical or mental conditions which meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and their income and resources fall within the eligibility limits. Your local Social Security office can usually tell you about the SSI payment as well as income and resources limits. You can also find information on Social Security’s website www.ssa.gov.

If you have questions about applying for disability or if you have been denied, you can contact an attorney who may be able to assist you with your disability questions.
contact an attorney

What If My Employer Doesn’t Want Me to Report a Work Injury?

Q: I slipped and fell at work, hitting my head on the pavement. The fall was witnessed but my employer asked me not to file a claim with workers’ compensation. They asked me not to go to the doctor. However, I am still having neck pain and headaches even though the injury happened over two weeks ago. My employer has me doing light duty and told me that it could be a “problem” if I filed a claim. Is it too late for me to file and claim and will I get fired if I do that?

 

A: You can file a claim at any time if your employer had notice of your injury. The law says you are required to file a claim as soon as possible. However, if your employer prevents you from filing the claim, you can still go to a doctor of your choice and have the doctor file the claim for you. It is illegal for your employer to fire you because you asked about or sought help for an on-the-job injury. You can get confidential legal advice from an attorney experienced in practicing workers’ compensation law. You can also confidentially call the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division at 1-800-452-0288 and ask them about the procedure for filing a claim.

 

Generally, a claim should be filed as soon as possible and medical treatment sought as soon as possible so as not to delay healing or cause additional problems. If you need helpcontact a legal professional