SSA offices are closed to the public, and their phone service is only available in limited circumstances. Bottom line – unless it’s urgent, don’t bother trying to reach someone at SSA. If you do call, expect to wait 90 minutes or more. ———Message from SSA———– During the COVID-19 pandemic, we Read more…
FYI – SSA has cancelled all in-person ALJ hearings for now. Some are being conducted by telephone. If you have a hearing scheduled – call your hearing office (or your attorney) to find out how your hearing will be handled.
Question: I have a disability hearing scheduled for next month. Can you help me? Answer: Maybe… First, let me be clear – There is MUCH more involved in a disability hearing, than just showing up on the hearing date. We routinely turn down cases where the client just wants an Read more…
Question: Will using Medical Marijuana hurt or help my claim for Disability Benefits? Answer: Medical marijuana isn’t likely to help your claim. But, don’t give up, yet. Read on. Let’s face it, many people who qualify to use medical marijuana in Arkansas are clearly struggling with their mental and/or physical Read more…
Question: I just got a letter from SSA about the 5 day rule. What does this mean to me? Dear Reader: You are not alone. We have gotten many calls and emails from people who received the same letter from SSA. The new five day rule will apply to you if Read more…
Question: Is there a way to check the status of my application for SSDI benefits online? Dear Reader: The answer to your question is: YES. Social Security USED TO have a simple tool where you could type in your claim number and confirmation number, and *poof* just like magic – you Read more…
Question: Does my Rheumatoid Arthritis qualify me for Social Security Disability? Dear Reader: The answer to your question is: Maybe. A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is not enough for you to qualify for disability benefits. There are many people diagnosed with RA who can, and do, continue to work. You will need medical Read more…
Question: What happens to my benefits if I move to another state? Will I have to re-apply? Dear Reader: People move all the time for a variety of reasons: new job or job transfer, to be closer to family (or to get away from family – ha!), cost of living, weather, Read more…
SSA has highlighted over 225 types of cases to receive expedited treatment for their disability claims. Let SSA or your attorney know right away, if one of these applies to you: Acute Leukemia Adrenal Cancer – with distant metastases or inoperable, unresectable or recurrentAdult Non-Hodgkin LymphomaAdult Onset Huntington Disease Aicardi-Goutieres SyndromeAlexander Read more…
Medical Marijuana: No prescription required? Deborah L. Hardin, Managing Attorney Earlier this week, I encouraged Arkansas voters to read the text of Issues 6 and 7, regarding medical marijuana. Since then, many people have shared important questions, legitimate concerns, and examples of outright manipulation. I cannot possibly answer every person individually, so I am Read more…