Maryland Social Security Disability Legal Questions

Eligibility for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is based not on medical diagnosis but on funcational ability as reported by both you and your doctors.  You can apply online at www.ssa.gov.  You can ask for a reconsideration and, if needed, a redetermination yourself.  If you find that you must go before an administrative law judge (the third level of appeal), you may hire a lawyer who will be paid out of the proceeds if you win and nothing if you do not.  To find one see the website of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives.... Read More

First, I am sorry that you can no longer do the job that you did for so long.  It is rare for someone to work in one profession that long.  However, the answer really depends on more facts than you have supplied. If one can't return to their previous work due to a medical condition for 12 months or more, that is just the start of a disability case. The question then becomes can you do "any" other jobs.  Though you "do not know how to do anything else" there are unskilled jobs that can be learned "on the job" in 30 days or less.  If you can do one of these jobs, and the job exists in significant numbers in the national or regional economy, you will be found not disabled. The facts and circumstances of every case are different.  Many attorneys provide the initial consultation, either by phone or in person, for free.  I encourage you to contact someone in your area.  This website makes that easy to do.... Read More

If your mother has a medical condition which prevents her from working, and which is expected to last at least one year, then she may be eligible for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSDI or SSI).  Although there are exceptions, it is almost always necessary to obtain documentation of the medical condition, and of the limitations it causes,  from a medical doctor. If your mother believes that she has a serious medical condition, and if her regular medical doctor does not recognize that condition, then she should consult with a different doctor.... Read More

Based on the facts as you describe them, no. Viewing disability strictly due to amputation, according to the Social Security Administration website: 1.05 Amputation (due to any cause) A. Both hands; or B. One or both lower extremities at or above the tarsal region, with stump complications resulting in medical inability to use a prosthetic device to ambulate effectively, as defined in 1.bib, which have lasted or are expected to last for at least 12 months; or C. One hand and one lower extremity at or above the tarsal region, with inability to ambulate effectively, as defined in 1.00B2b; or D. Hemipelvectomy or hip disarticulation. PLEASE NOTE that an in person consultation is always best when you have a legal problem. DO NOT RELY on information for a legal remedy without having contacted a lawyer. Facts and circumstances of every case have to be applied to the law that is relevant for the state or location in question. NEVER rest on a right or defense you may have. Legal rights are not like wine - they don't improve with age or time. Time limits can completely prohibit recovery. SEEK LEGAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY. Be sure to visit my website for answers to other Social Security Disability questions. ... Read More

Do you see the icon of the house in the top left corner? If you click that it will help you find a lawyer in your geographical area and find someone that works with social security disability cases or someone in contracts or insurance. Based on what you have described, you likely will have to pay it back. In my experience, most contracts of this type, especially if the policy was paid for by your employer, you owe it according to the terms of the disability insurance policy which is a contract. If you are able to locate the first letter sent to you about your monthly benefits you were advised about this "pay back" requirement. If you had a lawyer help you get Social Security Disability benefits, request a reduction in the amount due equal to the amount of the attorney fees and expenses paid. Your social security benefits cannot be garnished if you follow all requirements (beginning by segregating your disability benefits and not commingling them with other assets), but you can be sued. If you have other assets, those could be subject to garnishment. The bottom line is you will probably have to pay it back. Because you have spent a portion of it, negotiating a lump sum payment that is less than the amount due is possible, so try it. You have a tough road to hoe, and that is why I suggested at the beginning that you hire an attorney.... Read More