Learn why procrastination does not pay when applying for your
Social Security Disability benefits.
Hi:
Far too often the Social Security representatives review Disability Digest members’ cases and point out that they have lost hard-earned dollars by procrastinating and not filing for their Social Security disability benefits (SSDI).
Now in all fairness, many look at SSDI as a last resort and/or believe that they will get better and return to work.
But what they don’t realize is that you can apply for benefits if you are going to be out of work for more than 12 months even if you know you will return to work.
So, let’s go back to the price of procrastination. The example I will use is a member (we call him Peter) who first got hurt in 1998.
Peter worked until the end of 2001 and claims that he became disabled in February 2002.
The problem is that Peter never filed for disability benefits until August 2008! He revisited applying in March 2009, after the claim was denied and he filed for a hearing.
The premier, full-service disability representatives (representatives who file initial applications for you) to whom we refer members win almost half of all the cases on the initial application (average 9 months) and 73% of all cases without going to a hearing in an average of 18 months.
The real issue I’m trying to overcome is to get people to understand that if you are going to be out of work for more than 12 months, APPLY FOR DISABILITY. Even if Peter is getting better, he should apply because he will potentially lose out on years of benefits.
The longer one waits to apply, the harder it may be to obtain the medical records necessary to show disability while they are still covered for benefits.
Getting back to Peter’s example: Even if a representative is successful at Peter’s hearing, his retroactive benefits can only go back a year from when he applied. Now Peter has lost six years of benefits!
With an average check of $1,000, this would be $72,000, plus four years of Medicare coverage put your own price tag on that.
Frankly, I would rather have a member contact us when working and understand this rather than years later learn that they have lost out on benefits.
I hope my rant has helped you understand that procrastinating does not pay. If you are guilty, click here and take 4 minutes right now to learn if you have a case and how to maximize your chances of winning fast:
Brian Therrien
The Disability Digest
p.s. Learn how this course has helped people just like you get approved!
Understanding Continuing Disability Reviews: Key Updates and Guidance
Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the critical topic of Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), which are essential for individuals receiving disability benefits. The focus today is on recent statistics and personal anecdotes that highlight the ongoing importance of staying informed about CDRs.
What is a Continuing Disability Review?
A Continuing Disability Review is a routine process for individuals who have been approved for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts these reviews to determine if the health of a beneficiary has improved to the point where they can return to work, and thus no longer qualify for benefits.
Recent Case and Discussion
Recently, a case surfaced involving a person who had been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for end-stage kidney failure since they were 20. Despite their condition remaining unchanged, they received a notification of health improvement at age 50 and were at risk of losing their benefits. This situation underscores the unpredictability and significance of understanding the CDR process.
How CDRs Work
During a CDR, beneficiaries might be asked to complete a short or long form detailing their current health status. The forms are then reviewed, and if further information is needed, a full medical review may be initiated. It's crucial for recipients to respond promptly to any communications from the SSA to avoid complications or cessation of benefits.
Statistics and Trends
In 2022, approximately 1.5 million of the estimated 9 million disability recipients underwent CDRs. Of these, about 125,000 had their benefits terminated. These statistics reflect a consistent review rate, with an apparent annual increase in the number of reviews conducted, emphasizing the necessity for beneficiaries to stay vigilant.
Key Takeaways
Stay Informed: Always keep your contact information up to date and pay close attention to all correspondence from the SSA. Missing a notification or failing to respond can lead to benefit termination.
Understand the Review Frequency: Depending on the expectation of medical improvement, reviews may occur more frequently. Typically, conditions considered likely to improve are reviewed sooner and more often.
Prepare Adequately: If a review is scheduled, ensure all medical documentation is current and complete. Understanding the review process and preparing accordingly can significantly affect the outcome.
Seek Expert Advice: Engaging with professionals who specialize in disability rights and CDRs can provide crucial support and guidance. For instance, next week, we will feature an in-depth discussion with Attorney James Mitchell Brown, a veteran in the field of social security disability.
Conclusion
Continuing Disability Reviews are a standard part of the disability benefits process, but they can be daunting. By staying informed, prepared, and proactive, beneficiaries can navigate these reviews successfully. Remember, the goal is not only to retain benefits but also to ensure that the support aligns correctly with the individual’s current health needs.
Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights in our upcoming posts, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions or for further information.
Brian
The FREE Local Resource That 87% of People Don’t Know About (That Could Make or Break Your Disability Benefits)
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The Spoon Theory: A Real-Life Guide to Managing Energy with Chronic Illness
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What To Do If SSA Surveillance Leads to a Mistake — And You’re Blamed for It
