Here are some frequently asked questions that may assist you:

1. How do I begin the process of applying for benefits through the Social Security Administration?

   Although having an attorney is in your better interest from the very early stages of the process, the first step is for you to call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local office, or by going online to the Administration's website, www.ssa.gov. If the disabled person is a child or incompetent, someone else may make the claim for him or her.

2. What happens when I first talk to the SSA?

   The operator will ask you some general questions. We suggest that you call Adrienne before you make that first call. Adrienne will help you figure out what is your real disability onset date. She will let you know what to expect when you first contact the SSA. However, if you have already started the process, and after talking with Adrienne, we decide that your information needs to be corrected, such as your onset date or the list of disabilities from which you suffer, it can be done quite readily.

3. What is the difference between SSI and SSD?

   SSD, or Social Security Disability, provides disability benefits for you and your family. It is akin to a federal policy of disability insurance. You paid the premium for this policy when you paid federal taxes on your incomes. It comes with Medicare insurance; that coverage starts two years after you became disabled. Your dependents are entitled to payments and insurance as well.

   SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a different benefit. It covers individuals who have a brief work history or who have never worked. Even though this person has not "bought" a policy, if they meet the income requirements and they become unable to work, they can be eligible for SSI benefits. SSI beneficiaries receive Medicaid insurance immediately. There is no delay period as with the SSD-Medicare. SSI does not, unlike SSD, provide benefits for your dependents.

4. What if I am covered by a private policy of disability insurance that I have purchase or that my employer provides?

   If you are disabled, you may be covered by a private policy of disability insurance purchased either by you personally or by your employer. The commercial insurance company may require you to apply for social security benefits as a condition of receiving benefits from your disability policy. You can do that without jeopardizing either application. The commercial disability insurance policy will use your SSD benefit as a set off. One strong caution - The disability company may recommend a specific attorney or attorneys to shepherd your social security application. Many attorneys, including this office, believe that using their attorney is quite likely to result in a conflict of interest and that such conflict may be detrimental to both of your claims. It is strongly suggested that you obtain independent counsel to assure that all of your rights are fully protected.

5. If I have commercial disability insurance through my job or through my own policy, do I need a lawyer to get benefits?

   If you are applying for disability benefits under your personal commercial disability policy or your employer's commercial disability policy, you need a lawyer to assist you. This process is very complex. You should not assume that the insurance carrier is on your side. Remember, every claim the insurance company pays costs them money and reduces their profit line. Applications for payment from commercial disability policies often end up frustrated the insured and requiring litigation. You can protect your interests best by having legal counsel to guide you from the start. An independent attorney will protect you so that you do not give up critical legal rights as you make the application to your carrier. You should call us as soon as you decide to apply to your carrier for disability benefits

6. What if I have already received an unfavorable decision regarding my disability claim?

   Virtually all decisions are appealable. We recommend that you talk to us to make a decision about proceeding. Although you are best served by hiring an attorney at the earliest possible stage of your claim, you can do so at any time in the process. We can help you appeal an unfavorable decision or one that is partially unfavorable. You need to remember; however, that the time limitations for filing your appeal are very firm. So please call us right away.

800 N. Kings Highway, Suite 304
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034
Tel: (856) 482-2212
Fax: (856) 482-2312
Email: afjesq@aol.com