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Hello. I would like to introduce Karen Hazleton who will be taking over this practice.

Thank you for understanding.

I no longer practice Social Security law. I do not routinely update this website. This site serves solely as a resource. I occasionally update this page but do not routinely update it. This website should serve as a Librarian's pathfinder for those interested in Social Security Law. In addition to a degree in law I do have a Masters in Library Science. I strive to deliver accurate information though I do not guarantee information is current so please, always look at the date published.

Lee Ann Torrans
ltorrans@gmail.com

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SocialSecurityStrategy@gmail.com

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Average SSD Payment

The average SSD payment in 2008 was $1,063 a month. Once you have received disability payments for two years, you automatically qualify for Medicare coverage.

Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, the District of Columbia and Alabama face the 10 worst Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) hearing-level processing backlogs.

Hearings are held when an SSDI decision is appealed, many people have already waited 12 or more months following their application, denial and, for many, reconsideration. By the time they reach the hearing, it's not unusual for applicants to have waited two to four years for an SSDI decision.

The 10 states with the lowest wait times are Delaware, Maine, Texas, Louisiana, West Virginia, Utah, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Hawaii.

The SSA reports the national average processing time for a hearing decision is now 442 days, down from 514 days in September 2008. The total hearings backlog has decreased by more than 71,000 cases since December 2008.

Last year, more than 2.8 million people filed SSDI applications, and the SSA projects 3.3 million will file disability claims in 2010. The SSA recently reported that the level of initial claims pending now exceeds 1 million people - nearly a 40 percent increase over the level from FY 2008.

High Rate Claim Denial in Texas

In Texas at the initial claim level (the application), SSD and SSI claimants have been denied at the rate of 61.5%.

For those who were denied and chose to file appeals, Texas claimants were again denied at an even higher rate: 84.2%.

More initial claims are denied than are approved and an astoundingly high percentage of first appeals are likewise denied.

Steps to protect your Social Security Disability, Veteran's or Pension Benefits:

Do NOT commingle Social Security and exempt benefits with nonexempt funds.

Do NOT obtain a loan or credit card from the bank where your Social Security or pension is deposited. If sued, go to court and demand proof of the debt.

If your bank account is frozen, file an exemption claim within 10 days.

IRS and SSD

The IRS can take money each month from a Social Security disability check.

The practice is part of the agency's Federal Payment Levy Program, which allows up to 15 percent of any federal payments a delinquent taxpayer receives to go directly to the IRS until their overdue taxes are paid in full.

The IRS employs an automated levy system that withholds Social Security payments to taxpayers with incomes below the poverty line. If this is happening to you ... call.

Ask for a person -- not a computer -- to provide a review. You may be classified by the agency as unable to pay.

IRS Taxpayer Advocate: 1-877-777-4778

If your reasonable expenses are more than your income you may be eligible to have an IRS levy from your bank account refunded. The IRS will have a telephone interview with you to determine your ability to pay. This includes and discussion of your assets and resources. They will then ask for your monthly expenses. Typically you will have to fax the IRS your last three months of bank statements.

While the IRS has ten days to decide on a refund they actually can and usually do act more quickly. You bank may require 72 hours to restore your funds. In reality the IRS may act more quickly than your bank.

There is a possibility that you will have a partial restoration of funds rather than a full restoration.

A restoration of funds for hardship and a classification of 'unable to pay' does not mean your debt is forgiven. You will continue to owe your debt. However, your funds for living expenses may be partially or fully restored.

How to File a Claim

Lee Ann Torrans – Medical Records and Your Claim(0)

January 25, 2012

Medical Records and Your Claim File The Social Security Administration will accept medical records which do not contain a physician’s signature and are copies. The SSA Form 827 is signed by the claimant and used by the SSA to request medical records from each provider identified in your SS Application including: Treating physician Therapists Hospitals [...]

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SSI and SSD –

Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are goverened by the same rules for eligibility. The claims are evaluated in the same fashion and by the same rules. The difference is that SSI Supplemental Security Income has a limit on an individual’s assets for eligibility. The limit in terms of assets is $2,000.00. [...]

Claim Evaluation

Your Claim Evaluation 1. APPLY FOR DISABILITY AFTER YOU STOP WORKING. If you stop working due to a disability you should apply for Social Security benefits. You have only a narrow window of opportunity for application which typically is five (5) years. However, if there is a gap in your work record this window of [...]

What Is Involved in Appeals Process – LEE ANN TORRANS

What is involved in the Appeals Process? If you have received a denial of benefits there is a Social Security Disability appeals process. As with any governmental process, there are certain procedures one must follow. According to the Social Security Administration, if you wish to appeal, you must make your request in writing within 60 [...]