Social Security Disability

Social Security strained by early retirements

2009-09-29T08:07:00.002-06:00

"Social Security to pay out more in benefits than it collects in taxes the next two years, the first time that's happened since the 1980s." For complete article, click link.

Backlog of disability claims makes millions wait

2009-08-31T08:50:00.003-06:00

From the Des Moines Register:

Todd Lindberg has lived for a year and a half in a storage garage in northwest Des Moines. He sleeps on a well-worn couch in a dark corner of the building, amid construction equipment, tools and snowmobiles.

With most of one foot amputated and part of the other missing, he qualifies for federal disability benefits that would pay for an apartment and groceries.

But getting those benefits is not easy.

A massive backlog of unresolved disability claims at the Social Security Administration has kept Lindberg and millions of others waiting years for benefits they earned while in the work force. The delays have led to splintered families, foreclosed homes and suicides.

Last year, a 49-year-old Missouri truck driver died in the lobby of a Social Security office while waiting to be called into the office for a hearing on his three-year-old claim for benefits. During the past year, the number of people waiting to have their claims processed has increased more than 30 percent, from 556,000 to more than 736,000. The head of the Social Security Administration, Michael Astrue, has acknowledged that the situation might soon get worse. The agency is "moving backwards" in its efforts to keep pace with a recession-driven influx of new claims, he said. ...

Social Security's West Des Moines hearing office handles most of the cases from Iowa. Individual judges there have tried to catch up on their workload by hearing 70 to 80 cases each month, as opposed to their usual 50 to 60 cases.

"That's too many cases," said Denzel Busick, the office's chief administrative law judge. "We can do that for a while," he said, "but you wouldn't want us doing that on a sustained basis because, as a judge, you start to think, 'What am I forgetting here? What am I overlooking?' ...

There is almost universal agreement about the cause of the disability backlog: Funding and staffing levels at the Social Security Administration have gradually dropped to their lowest levels since 1972, while the number of Americans applying for disability benefits has increased. Early this year, the number of unresolved cases was declining, but the economic crisis is making things worse: As the job market tightens, people with limited abilities have fewer job opportunities.

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Posted By Social Security News to Social Security News at 8/30/2009 10:22:00 AM

Social Security Struggles With Disability Backlog

2009-08-31T08:02:00.002-06:00

NPR article on backlog. Listen to the broadcast.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T07:51:00.001-06:00

Many Left Uncounted in Nation's Official Jobless Rate

2009-07-04T07:18:00.011-06:00

This story was originally aired on PBS on July 2, 2009 on the Jim Lehrer News Hour.
This story covers workers that are unemployed, underemployed, and discouraged workers. It spells out how the unemployment rate, this month reported to be 9.5% (14.7 million people), could be considered higher than 15%, and as high as 20%.

According to the report, in the last year 2.5 million new applications for social security disability have been filed.

The video of the show can be viewed by following this link

Social Security and Income Tax

2009-05-11T13:36:00.003-06:00

I am often asked "Are my social security benefits taxable?" About the best answer I can give is "Maybe." There is an excellent article discussing the various aspects of taxes and Social Security benefits on NOSSCR'S website.

SSI benefits are not subject to income tax.

I direct your attention to the end of the article if the government is now telling you that you owe.

The best resource is always a tax professional. Please note: I am not a tax professional.

Processing Time for Omaha Hearing Office - 631 days

2009-04-14T09:40:00.003-06:00

At the 3rd level of appeal in a Social Security Disability case, there is an ALJ Hearing. This article concerns the processing time after the hearing is requested. In other words, the first two denials don't count.

In Omaha, the time it takes to process a case is 631 days. There are 149 hearing offices like Omaha around the country. We currently rank 127th. These numbers reflect information from SSA through 02/27/2009 and obtained by NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security
Claimants' Representatives).

We have five (5) ALJ's and and an excellent hard-working staff that supports them, but the volume of work obviously is more than can be expeditiously handled. Let's hope that with the increased money SSA received from the stimulus package, more staff will be added.

$250 One-Time Stimulus Payment - MORE INFO

2009-04-14T08:37:00.009-06:00

In a previous post I listed information about the Social Security's Economic Recovery One-Time Payments to those that receive disability benefits.

If you want more information, the Social Security Administration also provides answers to 26 Frequently Asked Questions at the following link FAQ.

Exciting Times Ahead for Disability Claims

2009-04-03T13:20:00.004-06:00

This morning I had the good fortune to attend a seminar concerning Electronic Files and Electronic Records Express. Susan Brown of the Social Security Administration spoke. I believe she is the project manager for the electronic methods we are now seeing in the Social Security Disability process.

Pending cases are now comprised of 92% electronic cases. This eliminates the problems SSA had with the paper files which were primarily "losing the file," transporting them, and damage to a paper file. Where a file was stored and retrieving it was the main problem.

One can now submit records via fax or computer if the case is electronic. The exhibit file is available on CD.

In the future, for representatives, is the ability to see the file online! These are exciting times as it will permit one to access the file and, among other things, see what is not in it.

FIT Decisions was another topic. My prediction is that private vendors will soon enter this market as SSA does not have the resources or manpower to support the technology.

$250 Checks Are Coming May 2009

2009-03-11T19:50:00.008-06:00

The Economic Recovery Act requires SSA to make a one-time payment of $250 to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. The check should arrive in May 2009. No action is necessary to receive the payment.

If you receive your benefit by mail, a check will be mailed. If you receive your benefits by direct deposit, the $250 will be direct deposited to your account.

If you receive SSI and SSDI, you will only get one payment of $250. These payments do not count as income for tax purposes. The payments also will be sent to retirees. If a husband and wife both receive retirement benefits, each of them will receive a $250 check.

DO NOT CONTACT SSA ABOUT THIS ONE TIME PAYMENT UNLESS IT IS JUNE AND YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR PAYMENT. For more complete information on this one time payment, watch a short video.

Attorney Fee Cap Raised to $6,000

2009-03-10T18:42:00.014-06:00

The Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Michael J. Astrue (pictured here) is "increasing the maximum dollar amount limit for fee agreements ... to $6,000." The increase will be effective June 22, 2009.

This is the first time that the maximum fee has been increased in about 8 years. At that time, it was raised to $5,300. Legislation is currently pending in the House of Representatives to establish cost of living adjustments annually to the fee cap.

My current and future clients need not worry about this change. I will not be trying to change or amend existing fee agreements. Some of the newer clients have fee agreements that already spell out that the maximum is $5,300 "including any increases by statute or regulation." All future agreements will contain that language.

Patty Duke Video Promo for Online Ease of SSA Retirement

2009-01-06T11:33:00.005-06:00

"The Patty Duke Show" returns, with Patty Duke in a video for the Social Security Administration. There are 5 videos video can be seen at proclaiming: Retire Online: It's So Easy!

Sure to be a big hit with the baby boomers!

January 1, 2009 - Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T09:32:00.014-06:00

May you and your loved ones have a happy and blessed New Year.

As we begin this new year, "turning over a new leaf" and resolutions are common. Maybe you have some habits you want to change, or start, this year. Personally, I do, and the New Year always gives one the chance to 'begin anew,' to start fresh, with a clean slate.

I hope the Social Security Administration shares my enthusiasm for the fresh start. The Obama administration takes over in less than three weeks - what changes in the disability process will that bring? I have hope, but no predictions. Two wars, an economy that appears worse than the Great Depression, car manufacturers ready to go out of business ... I'm not sure that disability is going to get the attention, or the money, that it needs to make the progress necessary.

Those that work for SSA work hard. SSA has been decimated by retirements and hiring freezes over the years that has left it with a reduced work force and increasing work load due to the aging population.

ALJ HEARINGS BACKLOG In Omaha, the wait for a hearing continues to be intolerably long: 603 days on average. There has been no significant change since my previous reports in October or July. These days are calculated only after the ALJ Request has been filed, not when the Application was filed.

For a complete listing of all hearing offices across the country, go to Social Security News published by Charles T. Hall.

Will this long wait get shorter in 2009? Probably not without more personnel and funding for the hearing office in Omaha. I have nothing to indicate that will happen, but I still have hope.

When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits

2008-12-12T10:52:00.007-06:00

You know that my practice involves Social Security Disability. This entry involves the "retirement" aspect of the Social Security Administration, something you may have considered or others have asked you about.

The Social Security Administration recently posted an excellent podcast that can be listened to on your computer. It can also be downloaded to listen to later on an ipod or other MP3 player.

Follow this link to the SSA page and you can download or listen to the podcast. There is also an option to request notification if the information changes as well.

I hope that you find this information helpful. Please CLICK the "email" enveleope below to send this to anyone that you know that may also find this helpful.

Thank you, and I appreciate your continued interest.

Social Security Perspectives: Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability Benefits

2008-12-06T10:47:00.000-06:00

Social Security Perspectives: Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability Benefits

Will President-Elect Obama Replace The Commissioner Of The SSA?

2008-12-06T09:37:00.020-06:00

There are many decisions and hard choices for President-elect Obama when he takes office January 20, 2009. These would include the direction to take on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, what to do about the economy, whether to bail out the three major car manufacturers perhaps. In the headlines recently have been his appointments to his cabinet.

A very important decision that could be made is about the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Michael J. Astrue. His is a six-year term that is not due to expire until January 19, 2013. He was confirmed by the Senate on 02/01/2007. George W. Bush appointed this Commissioner in part, it is believed, because his predecessor, Jo Anne B. Barnhart, did not buy in to the private savings account plan that Bush failed so miserably at trying to sell to the country and Congress. President-Elect Obama could leave Astrue in charge and do nothing. Let's hope that is not the case.

Since taking over, Astrue has done little to effectively improve the wait for social security disability hearings. The length of time to get to a hearing has in fact increased during his term. Further, one of his first moves was to cancel a new initiative which would have eliminated the Reconsideration level of appeal. This "reconsideration" step is largely seen as unnecessary and a further delay in the process, and had been studied for several years.

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T09:15:00.002-06:00

Thank a veteran today.

Social Security Perspectives: Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability Benefits

2008-11-06T21:36:00.004-06:00

Social Security Perspectives: Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability Benefits

Follow this link to frequently asked questions on Social Security issues. This list is compiled by Charles Hall, someone who has the background and experience to compile this list.

VOTE

2008-11-03T08:42:00.000-06:00

Compassionate Allowances

2008-10-27T09:47:00.011-06:00

The Social Security Administration has released a list of "Compassionate Allowances." According to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances/ “Compassionate allowances are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the Listing of Impairments based on minimal objective medical information. Compassionate allowances will allow Social Security to quickly target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that we can obtain quickly.”

There are 50 conditions on the list; the most notable is “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis” (ALS). The list was compiled after public hearings. A public hearing will be held to hopefully add another Diagnosis to this list: Brain Injuries - November 18, 2008.

I agree with Charles Hall that “ALS” is a very welcome part of this list but beyond it, the others have not been encountered by me in my twenty plus years practicing Social Security Disability. You can view Mr. Hall’s comments at SOCIAL SECURITY NEWS through the following link.

Direct Deposit and ETA

2008-10-22T15:36:00.008-06:00

The safest way to receive Social Security benefits seems to be through direct deposit. "Your money is protected. Government agencies have rules to protect you in case of an error. The Social Security Administration has used Direct Deposit since 1976 and has never lost a payment. Plus, your money is protected up to $100,000 per depositor if it is deposited in a Federally insured institution."

Now, another tool has been added: ETA. This is an option, especially anyone with bad credit:

"An ETA Provider is required to open an ETA for any recipient of a Federal benefit, wage, salary, or retirement payment regardless of credit history, unless

(1) the financial institution is aware that the individual previously held an ETA that was closed because of fraud at any financial institution, or;

(2) the institution, for reasons of fraud or account misuse, previously closed an ETA held by the individual at that institution."

Carrying large amounts of cash is not always safe and both of these options provide one with a safe way to receive their benefits. Click here to see who provides these ETA services in your state.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance

2008-10-21T19:32:00.011-06:00

Prescription prices are out of control. This is not a news flash. Clients consistently tell me that the cost of medication is the biggest problem they are facing.

According to its website "The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America's pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that's right for them. Many will get them free or nearly free. Its mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible." you can call toll-free, 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669).

I have no personal experience with this organization but offer it as a possible resource if you are facing the high costs of medication.

COLA TO RISE 5.8%

2008-10-16T08:27:00.005-06:00

According to a press release today from the Social Security Administration today: "Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2007 through the third quarter of 2008, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive a 5.8 percent COLA for 2009." SSI monthly benefits for an individual will increase to $674.00 per month and $1,011 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse.

IMPROVEMENT IN NATIONAL RANKING FOR ALJ WAITING PERIOD IN OMAHA NEBRASKA

2008-10-15T09:48:00.018-06:00

Numbers recently released show improvement in the ranking and performance at the Hearings Office (Office of Disability, Adjudication & Review - ODAR) in Omaha, Nebraska. Figures released by the Social Security Administration indicate Omaha improved its national ranking of 147 offices from 112 to 104 in a short time (July 1 - September 3, 2008). The actual time to wait for an ALJ Hearing slipped a few days from 601 to 604.

See my previous post on this topic: WAITING - Statistics and Rankings for an ALJ Hearing in Omaha Also, see Charles Hall's excellent Blog SOCIAL SECURITY NEWS and his recent post on the backlog that includes rankings for all of the hearing offices.

These numbers are a dramatic improvement in Omaha without the addition of personnel. We can only hope that a new Congress and President will increase funding for SSA and seriously attack this problem. Without the workers, the work can't get done.

NPR Story on Social Security Backlog

2008-10-02T15:27:00.003-06:00

NPR recently did a story about the backlog. Many posted comments, even an ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) that handles these cases! By clicking the title to this article you can view the comments, and even listen to the story by clicking here

WAITING - Statistics and Rankings for an ALJ Hearing in Omaha

2008-07-30T09:41:00.007-06:00

Information effective July 1, 2008 identified the Omaha office of Hearings and Appeals as one in a group of 147 offices across the country. These offices are assigned to hear claims for disability, and the Omaha office is understaffed as the rankings reveal. The hearing is the "3rd step" in a claim for disability, indicating that two previous denials have been issued. That is, the "processing time" in the report only reflects the time the file was at the Omaha office from beginning to end, that is, from start to finish it is longer if the claim gets this far.

The magic numbers:
601 days for processing time
112 - rank of 147 other offices.

Indianapolis ranked last and the processing time is 896 days.

I am a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) and their recent newsletter published this information that was obtained from the Social Security Administration.

OMAHA HAS NEW OFFICE FOR THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

2008-06-18T13:01:00.004-06:00

After many years at 71st & West Center Road, the Omaha office has moved. Please note that the new address for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Omaha, Nebraska is:

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
OLD MILL CENTRE
604 NORTH 109TH COURT
OMAHA NE 68154-1716

Their new phone number is 402-496-3520.

New website for SSA

2008-06-17T07:29:00.004-06:00

Follow this link to SSA's new "look" as they have launched an upgraded version of their website. Find out how easy it is to use at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ Commissioner Michael J. Astrue referred to the site released June 16, 2008 as SSA's new public face. It certainly appears to be an improvement!

Stuck between a rock and a disability hearing

2008-06-12T08:39:00.005-06:00

Tombstone purchased with Disability back pay after person died waiting for hearing.

Disability Cases Last Longer as Backlog Rises - New York Times

2007-12-15T10:52:00.000-06:00

December 10 Article in New York Times about the backlog.

How Long?

2007-11-09T08:21:00.001-06:00

I began doing disability hearings in the late 1980's. In those days, we waited about four to six months for a hearing. Acquiring a new client as they requested a hearing was good timing as it permitted time to acquire the medical records in the case, and develop the case for hearing.

This is no longer the case. Around the country the time to wait for a hearing can be two to three years after requesting the hearing. Remember, one has to go through a process and be denied twice before asking for that hearing.

I write about this today as I see the headline on the cover of the November 2007 AARP Bulletin that caught my attention:

'They Died Waiting'
Lost in Social Security Hell

The article invites readers to "tell us your disability claim story at" : www.aarp.org/bulletin/socialsec. If you are waiting or have waited for a disability hearing, I encourage you to tell your story too. You can also read the article online if you don't subscribe to AARP like I do.

I will close with two comments about this title:

It is the most often asked question I hear as a practitioner trying to champion the cause of the disabled. My answer: "I don't know. If I guess, history says I will be wrong and you will be disappointed. My 'guess' is something that I have no control over, not unlike the weatherman, except that he does have those satellites in space and cool maps."
This was the title of a song in the 70's. It was the type of lyric that got into your head and wouldn't leave. It has done that to me this morning after viewing this article.

How long has this been going on?
How long will this keep going on?
What can stop the wait from getting longer?

Hopefully, one of the presidential candidates will realize that this is a crisis.

New Form for Attorney Fees

2007-02-09T09:11:00.000-06:00

As of January 1, 2007 ONLY those attorneys who have registered with SSA will receive direct fee payments. If you have not registered, you can do so at www.ssa.gov/representation

Health Care Coverage for Qualified Children Developed by the State of Nebraska

2007-01-10T11:14:00.000-06:00

Many of my clients while waiting for the Social Security "process" to finsh (i.e., receive the benefits that they deserve) apply for this benefit in the State of Nebraka. It is called "Kids Connection." It is intended to provide health insurance for minors. The requirement : based primarily on your family's income. Follow this link to the homepage of Kids Connection, and you can evaluate whether you can or should apply. In a stroke of genius by an administrative agency, the Application is brief and easy to complete. Click "Application" for the link to the PDF form to apply.

Welcome 2007

2007-01-01T10:30:00.000-06:00

As we greet 2007, my prayer is that your hopes and dreams (GOALS) will come true.

Omaha is "Building a Culture of Mental Health"

2006-11-15T08:15:00.000-06:00

On November 12th, our local columnist for the Omaha World Herald, Michael Kelly, wrote a very interesting article about the "culture of mental health" in Omaha, and the state of Nebraska.

Unless you subscribe to omaha.com, the online version of the Omaha World Herald, the link likely won't work. It's free. Register. You can trust these guys. I don't work there.

Give Blood

2006-11-01T08:36:00.000-06:00

Did you know that only 5% of the eligible US population actually donates blood?
Did you know that only 30% of first-time blood donors go back to give a second time?
Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood.

One blood donation can help save three (3) lives. It is so simple. The difference you can make in people's lives is worth your time. You can donate blood every 56 days.

Don't listen to the bad news over and over ... make some good news. Call 1-800-448-3543 or visit www.givelife.org

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

2006-10-21T07:07:00.000-06:00

I get a lot of questions about the relatively new "prescription drug plan" offered through Medicare. My clients that receive disability insurance benefits (SSD or SSDI) are eligible for Medicare after 29 months of being disabled.

With the new prescription drug plan, there are choices and decisions about prescriptions. The SSA has an informative flyer titled: What You Should Know About The Medicare Prescription Drug Plans Qualify For Extra Help And Pay No Penalty In 2006.

Another good source of information is on the SSA website for "Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Costs" as it contains information on alternative resources to help to obtain prescriptions at free or reduced costs, such as "Medicare Direct - RX." It also contains links to other pages answering a variety of questions and providing "fact sheets" on different issues.

My primary focus is to help people obtain the disability benefits that they obviously deserve. Deciding insurance alternatives is not my strong suit, but hopefully these links can direct you to some information that will help you make an informed choice.

National Popcorn Month

2006-10-04T13:57:00.000-06:00

Any one that knows me is aware for my "near addiction" to popcorn. From a very young age I have loved popcorn. My younger sister, trained by me, makes the best popcorn. She had lots of practice preparing it for her "big brother."

For your information, "National Popcorn Month," is observed October 9th -- so mark your calendars!

Just exactly what is a blog, and what is this RSS?

2006-09-27T06:04:00.000-06:00

Being new to blogging and working on my own RSS feed, I was intrigued to read Dennis Kennedy's post today. I thought he did a very nice job explaining both blogs and RSS and have linked his article to this post.

New Website - Haller Law Office

2006-09-22T17:31:00.000-06:00

I am pleased to direct you to my new website for Michael J. Haller, Jr. - attorney at law.

Important Dates - the National Alliance on Mental Illness

2006-09-19T08:40:00.000-06:00

- October 1-7: Mental Illness Awareness Week, Building Communities, Taking Action.

- Tuesday, October 3: National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding

- Thursday, October 5: Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day

For additional information on NAMI, go to their website: http://www.nami.org/

Listen online live to "Ask A Lawyer" Friday, Sept 15 @ 10:30 a.m.

2006-09-14T08:03:00.000-06:00

You can listen to me live on Friday, September 15th at 10:30 a.m. Central time Click on KIOS or the link above to hear the program on your computer.

The show is "Ask a Lawyer" and you can call in with questions. See Post dated August 12th for more information.

Where were you on September 11th?

2006-09-11T06:58:00.000-06:00

The cub scout weekly meeting was scheduled right after school. It was our first of the school year and the 6 boys scheduled to be there would not have rides home if I failed to meet. I left work early and couldn't help but notice the lack of air traffic. It was a haunting image, and I wondered when, if ever, I would see planes fly again.

My son and the other boys ran across the gym to the meeting room, full of energy and exuberance that only 3rd grade boys can display, especially after being in school all day. One of the 'tips' from my training was to schedule a game early in the meeting to help the boys release some of their energy. Just as we were ready to file outside, I heard the familiar sound of a jet fighter flying overhead! I hustled the boys out and we watched Air Force One carry President Bush from Omaha back to Washington, D.C.

We had just discussed the significance of the lack of air traffic, and the historic day we were living through. My attempt to underline the oddity of no air traffic was trumped by the President's "jet-fighter escorted" exit from the strategic underground at Offut Air Force Base (my birthplace!).

By the way, the game we played was "duck-duck-goose." It did help to relieve some of their energy.

May God continue to Bless America!

DSI to be DOA?

2006-08-31T06:45:00.000-06:00

Is DSI (Disability Service Improvement, See previous post: 8/24/06) destined to be DOA (Dead on Arrival)?

Personally, I hope not. If it can provide the lofty goals it aspires to, happy days are here again. Yet, turning the ocean-liner Queen Mary 180 degrees, is not easy, and it is slow. It requires careful attention, and an attentive crew and Captain. The Captain, Jo Anne B. Barnhart, ends her tour of duty in January, 2007. Then what?

DSI is Barnhart's solution to the disability process that has become slower, and slower, and slower.

In a separate move, using technology, "paperless" files, are expected to speed up the process. This change has been going through implementation for several years. Long delays spent "searching for the file" led the Commissioner to this move. A bold, and innovative, step into the future. Certainly, it will solve the problem of lost files. Hopefully, it will not create a new set of problems not anticipated.

At present, the paperless system has only recently been introduced in Nebraska, one of the last states to receive it. It has not yet reached our Hearing Office (ODAR). The learning curve for the Administration and the practitioners, hopefully, will not be long. The current delays which I am sure will be longer due to technology, hopefully, will be short-lived.

So, add DSI on top of paperless, and we may be experiencing delays like never before. Will DSI cripple the system, or save it? More to the point, will the NEXT Commissioner support it or trash it?

Time holds the answer.

Free Alcohol Screening

2006-08-30T13:09:00.000-06:00

You might try this. It's free. I make no representations about its authenticity.

Madison Avenue, and the alcohol industry, makes life look good in their commercials if you drink the right kind of beer. Some of the ads are very funny ("magic refrigerator"). That's how it starts.

Take it or leave it. I found it, and wanted to share it.

Is Reconsideration really disappearing?

2006-08-18T07:32:00.000-06:00

This month, in Region 1, Commissioner Barnhart's "revised" Social Security Disability process began (See, 71 Fed. Reg. 16424 (Mar. 31, 2006)). Region one is a four state region in the northeast part of the country. It is the smallest region, and would appear to be the "test site" for the silver bullet to cure the disability quagmire. Or, will it be yet another effort to fix the system that can be added to the list of others that didn't work.

While parts of the program are encouraging, the focus on a "quick" decision gives this attorney a chill up the spine due to the emphasis on fast rather than fair. All of my clients are tired of waiting for decisions, but all would rather wait than get a speedy unfair decision.

Technology is the keystone.

keystone

(n.)

The central wedge-shaped stone of an arch that locks its parts together.

Just as the last piece placed in the top of the arch in St. Louis, the keystone must fit and hold together the entire structure. We can only hope. Computers were supposed to save us time and make the 4-day work week the norm. Did they?

This "revised" Social Security Disability process has been dubbed DSI. Like any good government thing - it has initials. The actual name is Disability Service Improvement process. The website for DSI is: http://www.ssa.gov/disability-new-approach/

For Nebraska, the latest estimate I have heard is 2 years before the process gets here. We'll see.

Haller on radio 09/15/2006

2006-08-12T09:23:00.000-06:00

I will be on the call-in radio show: "Ask a Lawyer" on September 15, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. Be sure to tune in to 91.5 F.M. & call in with a question or a comment.

On September 15th only, to talk to Haller in Omaha on the radio, call (402) 557-2777

8th Circuit NOSSCR Conference (NCLE)- August 9-11, 2006

2006-07-19T12:25:00.000-06:00

If you handle, as an attorney or representative, more than one Social Security disability hearing per decade, be sure to reserve your spot at the seminar in August. Great lineup of talks. Many great speakers, several of them nationally known. Somehow, even I got on the list of speakers!

For further information, FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW (or copy and paste it into your browser) to see the brochure

http://www.nebar.com/education/calendar.htm

Interesting Fact:

2006-07-11T10:08:00.000-06:00

“SSA has reduced its average processing time for initial disability claims by about two weeks since 2001. While applicants waited on average 106 days for a decision in 2001, SSA improved the wait in 2005 to 93 days.” Source: the “2007 President's Budget” Proposal http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2007/ssa.html

Not bad. It only took four years to shave 13 days from the wait!

New Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Required

2006-07-10T15:26:00.000-06:00

Prior to July 1, 2006, Medicaid recipients were required to sign a statement declaring they were a U.S. citizen to meet the Medicaid citizenship requirement. However, passage of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 changed this rule. Beginning July 1, 2006 all Medicaid recipients will have to provide documentation verifying both citizenship and identity.

People who receive Medicare or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are exempt from this requirement. Qualified immigrants, those with documentation that gives them status to receive Medicaid, are subject to a different process and are not affected by these new requirements.

Homeland Security will no doubt be happy about this new requirement ... HHS workers will not.

Independence Day

2006-07-04T07:11:00.000-06:00

"When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary"

So began, on July 4, 1776, the revolution that guaranteed our independence today. We are so blessed. From tyranny and despotism to laws created by the people for the people. Three branches of government that balance each other, and have survived the test of time.

How true this simple statement, now more than 200 years old, is:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Take time today, and often, to reflect and enjoy this independence that is the envy of the world.

VA LAPTOP RECOVERED

2006-06-29T11:49:00.000-06:00

Less than an hour ago, the following was reported at washintonpost.com:

"Authorities announced the recovery today of computer equipment stolen from an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, saying that the sensitive personal information of 26.5 million veterans and military personnel appeared intact."

Eight Years

2006-06-23T05:27:00.000-06:00

This month marks the 8th anniversary of hiring myself. I went solo in June 1998 without any support staff. I have been using Amicus Attorney the entire time and credit that legal software for keeping me organized. My business has been blessed thanks to referrals from clients and lawyers. I am very grateful.

Haller Law Office, P.C., L.L.O.

2006-06-16T15:32:00.000-06:00

So begins this blog journey ...