Author Archives: Site Administrator
5 Step Disability Evaluation Process
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if any given Claimant is entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. SSA considers each step in this process sequentially before moving onto the next step. In this post, I describe these five steps in their most basic terms. Step One –… Read More »
Maryland Workers’ Compensation – Working Two Jobs – Injured On One
What do you mean – I can’t collect temporary total or partial disability benefits for being hurt on one job if I continue to work my second job? Unfortunately, that is the law in Maryland. In fact, if you do so, you could be subject to criminal prosecution! Let me explain the problem by… Read More »
Mental Illness As Basis For Disability: No Objective Evidence, No Problem
Mental illness can be as devastating as any physical impairment. Depression and bipolar disorder form the basis of SSA disability determinations every day. The key to any social security disability case is proving disability – the inability to work. That proof can be challenging in cases of mental illness. In a low back injury,… Read More »
What Is A Durable Power Of Attorney Anyway?
So many people come in to see me and are convinced that they need a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). When I ask them why, they don’t know. Further probing usually reveals that they aren’t quite sure what a DPOA actually is. Let me see if I can explain the idea. Simply put, a… Read More »
Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims – Reporting Your Claim To The Employer
If you are injured, how and when you report your injury is often the difference between speedy acceptance of the claim by the insurance company and a long drawn out battle with an uncertain outcome. Most claims are denied because the insurer does not believe it happened on the job or does not believe… Read More »
3 Reasons Your Claim Was Denied
1. You Are Still Working The most basic eligibility requirement to receive Social Security Disability Benefits is an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity that has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months. In other words you cannot be working. When the disability examiners evaluate your claim, they will look at… Read More »
The 5 Most Important Reasons To Have A Will
Avoid Intestacy Laws If you never get around to getting a Will, don’t worry – the legislature will write one for you. If you die without a will you are “intestate” and the intestacy laws of your state govern what happens to your property. In almost all situations the legislature’s idea of what should… Read More »