Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

I receive numerous telephone calls from my Indiana neighbors asking how to file an initial Social Security disability application. I typically recommend that they start the application process on their own, because most of the initial application involves providing information to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that only the claimant will know.  It is usually easier to provide that information directly to the SSA rather than to go through an intermediary. 

There are essentially three ways to file an initial claim:

• Visit your local Social Security office.  If you want to talk face to face with someone when you file your claim, this is your best option.   One advantage to applying in person is that you can get answers to any questions you may have, and having a Social Security employee assist you with your application should help to ensure you are providing all of the information the SSA wants.  On the other hand, if you go to the office without an appointment you may have to take a number and wait for a long time before finally being able to talk to a Social Security employee.
  
• Call the toll free number.  By calling 1-800-772-1213, you can talk to a Social Security employee who can answer your questions.  Most likely, the employee will make an appointment for you to either visit your local office or complete a telephone interview to start the application process.
• Visit the Social Security's website at www.ssa.gov.  If you are comfortable using a computer, this is by far the most convenient option.  At Social Security's website, you can complete your application online without having to make an appointment or spend time waiting at the local office.  The website takes you step by step through the application form and the Adult Disability Report.  Once you have completed all the steps, the website will instruct you to print some pages and mail them to your local office.  Your local office will then contact you regarding the next steps of the initial application process.

Knowing how to apply, though, is only the beginning.  There are a few things to remember while you are completing the initial application.

First, it is important to understand there are two distinct programs for disability benefits.  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program for disabled workers who have "paid into the system" by having Social Security taxes deducted from their paychecks.  These workers are only entitled to disability benefits if they have worked enough in the past ten years to build up enough work credits to qualify.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that does not require claimants to have work credits, but it does require them to meet certain income and resource limits.  Otherwise, both programs use essentially the same criteria to determine whether a claimant is disabled.  I generally tell my clients to apply for both programs; in the event they are eligible for one program but not the other, they have all their bases covered. 

Additionally, one of the most important things to remember when you are filing an initial application is to provide thorough and detailed answers to the questions. The SSA will want to know all of the medical treatment you have received for your disabling condition as well as the names of all of your medications.  They will need your medical providers' names, addresses, and telephone numbers, as well as the reason each one treated you and the dates of your appointments or treatments.  They will also want to know the names of your medications, who prescribed them, and why you take each one.  This information is critical to your claim, because the SSA will use it to request your medical records and determine your impairments.  The only way the SSA will know which physicians you have seen and what medications you are taking is if you tell them, and the easier you make it for them to contact your doctors by providing addresses and phone numbers the better.  To rely on the Social Security Administration to fill in the blanks regarding this critical data with only minimal input from you may be a big mistake. 

In my experience as an Indiana disability lawyer, I believe you should not rely on the SSA to do all of the work in obtaining the information it needs to decide your case.  Even though your case is very important to you, Social Security employees process numerous cases every day, and they have limited time and resources.  By providing as much information as possible, you may be able to make their job easier and improve the chances that the SSA will have enough information to make a favorable decision.  One of my main goals as an attorney is to submit documentation that makes it easier for the SSA to find my clients disabled. 

The preceding is for your information only and is not intended as legal advice. 

Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis talks to numerous clients about their mental condition(s) and finds that some of his clients may not be receiving the type of medical care they need in order to win their Social security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.  Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not put as much weight in all of the physicians you may be seeing because your medical professional may not specialize in a particular area.

Mr. Lewis attempts to let all of his clients suffering from a mental condition that is preventing them from working to attempt to get appropriate medical treatment and that may be from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist.  In Mr. Lewis' experience a professional in the mental health field is usually more qualified to render a diagnosis that the Social Security Administration will recognize as legitimate when you are trying to get your benefits approved.  While your general practitioner may have a long history with you and may be very knowledgeable about your personal history, he/she may not possess the credentials needed to diagnose you with a mental disorder in the eyes of the Social Security Administration. 

It may be as simple as asking for a referral from your treating physician to get to a treating source the Social Security Administration will put stock in.  In Mr. Lewis' experience many Administrative Law Judges like to see an ongoing therapist patient relationship documenting the progression of the mental illness.  There is usually no substitute for good medical records when stepping into the court room to address your Social Security disability appeal. 

Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis represents his Indiana neighbors with a wide variety of disabling conditions including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.  If you or someone you know is struggling with the Social Security disability appeals process or simply has questions concerning the process contact Mr. Lewis and his staff today for a free case evaluation.  Mr. Lewis can be reached by calling (317) 423-8888.

At times, the Social Security disability claims process can be frustrating and confusing.  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis talks to many clients about their concerns regarding the disability process.  Going through the difficult time of dealing with a disabling condition combined with the paperwork involved in a Social Security disability claim, may possibly create a very stressful situation.  Mr. Lewis strives to alleviate some of his clients worries by assisting them in the claims process.

The Social Security disability claims process has very distinct stages in obtaining an outcome for your claim.  These can include:

•   Filing the initial claim application
•   Filing a "Request for Reconsideration"
•   Requesting a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge
•   Appealing the Judge's decision to The Appeals Council

Obviously the first step in any claim is getting started.  Filing an initial claim can be done by visiting the Social Security Administration's website at www.ssa.gov or by calling their toll free number at (800) 772-1213, or by visiting a local SSA office.  Mr. Lewis often spends time with prospective clients during this initial stage addressing their concerns.

If your initial application is denied, the next stage in appealing your claim is to ask for a "Request for Reconsideration".  This is basically telling the Social Security Administration they have made a mistake in denying your claim and they need to take another look at it.  Unfortunately, the majority of these requests are denied again, but it is important not to give up at this point if you feel you have a valid claim.  Proceeding on in the next steps in appeals process may be in your best interest.

The next step, in what can turn out to be a lengthy process, is to request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  Statistically, studies show that your odds of winning your claim rise at this stage if you have a valid claim.  The setting is an informal hearing in which your testimony is considered in combination with your medical records.  Mr. Lewis spends the majority of his time preparing for and representing his Indiana neighbors at these hearings. 

If an Administrative Law Judge finds your claim unfavorable at the hearing level, you can appeal that decision to the Appeals Council.   Actions taken by the Appeals Council can include remanding the decision back to the hearing level, reversing the decision, or they may agree with the Judges previous decision. 

The above information is just a quick summary of the disability claims process and different claims may have different fact scenarios with different outcomes.  To an individual not familiar with the above process the services of an experienced Social Security disability attorney or representative may be helpful.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis takes great pride in helping his clients through this process.  if you would like a free consultation contact Mr. Lewis and his staff at (317) 423-8888 today!

The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at various factors when deciding if you meet their definition of disability.  Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis often discusses with his Indiana neighbors just what these factors may include.  The Social Security Administration will consider a person's age, education, and work experience when analyzing a claim. 

Why does the Social Security Administration care about your education?  Believe it or not, the Social Security Administration does recognize that individuals with a lower education have less jobs in the national economy available to them.  This does not mean individuals with a higher education cannot receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it just may be a little more difficult to win their claim.  The Social Security Administration may take into consideration not only the education level of the claimant, but also the age and prior work experience when making a determination.

It is also important to note the Social Security Administration may also consider any vocational training or schooling an individual may have.  This is all in an attempt to evaluate the number of jobs that may exist for a claimant in the economy.  Remember the question is are you able to work and to determine that the whole picture must be viewed to come up with an answer.

Many times at Indiana Social Security disability hearings, a vocational expert or "job expert" is present and has the duty of determining with your disabilities combined with your age, education, and prior work experience whether there are jobs that you can perform.  Their answers are generally based on statistical analysis and personal experience and observations in their occupation.

Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis handles claims with a wide range of disabling conditions such as diabetes with neuropathy, cancer, depression, heart conditions, and epilepsy just to name a few.  If you have been denied your disability benefits or have questions about the claims process contact Mr. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for a free case evaluation.

If you only knew how many times Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyers like Scott Lewis have heard this very question. There are many different aspects to a Social Security disability claim and no one case is exactly like another one. While there may not be a clear cut answer to why some Indiana residents find a Social Security disability check in their hands before another person, in Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience, there may be a few reasons this can happen and it can include, but is not limited to:

• Good medical records.  Comprehensive medical records outlining and detailing a disabling medical condition may be the key to a quick favorable outcome in a Social Security disability claim.
• Prior work experience, age, and education.  In the Social Security Administration's approval process they determine your ability to work with your disabling condition while looking at age, education, and prior work experience. 
  
• All disabilities are different and can create different barriers to employment.  While some disabilities may be visually evident, other disabilities like mental disorders may not be visible to the naked eye. 
  
• The guy down the street may be luckier than you.  That's right, he may have been evaluated by someone in the Social Security Administration that was more lenient on granting disability claims.  Believe it or not, actual people look at your claim and make a determination. 

The above are the thoughts and experiences of Scott D. Lewis, and other Social Security disability attorneys or representatives may have different experiences with the Social Security Administration (SSA).  If you have been denied your Indiana Social Security disability benefits and believe it was an unfair decision, contact attorney Scott Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis and his staff are available by calling (317) 423-8888.  Call today for your free consultation. 

An Indiana resident that has a child that suffers from a disabling condition such as a mental disorder or a physical impairment often wonders if they are able to receive Social Security disability benefits.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott D. Lewis has experience with representing child disability claimants.  Unfortunately, some parents assume that filing for disability benefits is different for a child than from an adult applying for disability benefits.   While there may some differences, the application process is very similar. 

Because a child has little or no work history, the child disability claimant in most cases would have to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits rather than Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.  Both programs are offered to disabled individuals, but the SSDI program is for those individuals with a qualifying work history.  The SSI program is offered to those disabled individuals who do not have a qualifying work history and have low sources of income or resources. 

As far as the application a parent or guardian needs to complete on behalf of their child, it is completed and processed in the same manner as an adult disability claim.  Therefore, the child disability claim will be filed at the Social Security Administration (SSA) then forwarded to the state agency handling the claim for the SSA.  This application will be assigned to a disability examiner just like an adult disability claim.  Finally, the child disability claim will either be approved or denied.

Although there are many similarities between a child's disability claim and an adult's disability claim, there are some slight differences.  A child disability claim will be determined on the basis of residual functional capacity just like an adult's claim. However, determination whether or not the claimant can return to past work or engage in some form of other work, generally does not apply to children.  In children's disability claims, determination is made regarding  the child's functionally limitations, age-appropriate activities, school work, etc.  This is the reason that child disability claims that involve a cognitive disorder, an affective disorder, or mood disorder will necessitate the gathering of not only medical records, but also school records.

If your child suffers from disorder such as autism, mental retardation, anxiety, or depression, he/she may qualify for SSI benefits.  Attorney Scott D. Lewis offers a free consultation to parents that have a child with a disabling condition.  To discuss your child's disability claim, contact the law office of Scott D. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation. 

At the Indiana law office of Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis, Mr. Lewis and his staff often find themselves explaining the different stages of the disability claims process to those individuals seeking disability benefits. Individuals that have applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits often find themselves receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA). When the SSA notifies the disability claimant that their initial application was denied, it is up to the applicant to continue the disability claims process by appealing the denial. Within sixty (60) days, plus five (5) days for mailing time, the disability applicant must file the appeal with the SSA.  This stage of the claims process is called the "Request for Reconsideration" stage.  This request is simply asking the SSA to reconsider your disability claim. 

Once this "Request for Reconsideration" is submitted by the Indiana disability applicant, the request for reconsideration goes back to the same state agency who denied the claim the first time, but a different examiner at the Disability Determination Section (DDS) of the SSA reviews both the initial application and the "Request for Reconsideration".  Once the disability examiner at the Disability Determination Section (DDS) makes the reconsideration determination, the applicant will be informed by mail.  Unfortunately, statistically about 80% of the time the reconsideration decision is the same as the initial decision resulting in another denial. However, statistically about 20% of the time a claimant wins at the reconsideration level.  In most states, in Indiana, if you want to appeal a denial of Social Security disability benefits, you must go through the reconsideration appeals process. There is no way to avoid it. In a few states, the Social Security Administration has abolished reconsideration and you can file an immediate request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The denial notice from Social Security will tell you what the next step is that you need to take.

If you are disabled and are unable to work due to your disabling condition, but have been denied SSDI or SSI at the initial application level, you may want to seek representation from a qualified Indiana disability attorney or representative.  Indianapolis lawyer Scott D. Lewis encourages disability claimants to fight for the benefits they deserve.  Mr. Lewis urges disability claimants to file a "Request for Reconsideration" immediately when they are denied.  At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Mr. Lewis and his trained staff can assist the claimant with filing the "Request for Reconsideration." 

Here are some important tips to remember when filing your disability appeal with the Social Security Administration:

1. Provide the SSA with the most updated medical information including recent visits to doctors, hospitals or clinics, and updated medication lists. Submit the medical records from providers that you have visited, from the time of your initial application until your "Request for Reconsideration" was filed.  
2. If you submitted your initial application in writing, make a photocopy of your application.  This can be useful when completing the "Request for Reconsideration" paperwork.  Carefully review your initial application to make sure you haven't forgotten any medical providers, hospitals, or clinics.  If you have, include them on your appeal application.  Also, include any conditions or side effects to medications that you may not have included on your initial application. 
3. File your "Request for Reconsideration" within sixty (60) days of the date on the denial notice, plus five (5) days for mailing. Turn in your request for reconsideration as early as possible. Every day you wait is a longer delay.

These are just a few tips that may help speed up the reconsideration process. While it may not mean that your SSDI or SSI benefits will be granted at the "Request for Reconsideration" stage, you will at least a get "faster" denial so that you can move onto the "Request for Hearing" stage.  At the Indianapolis law office of Scott D. Lewis, we can assist those individuals with the disability appeals process.  We strive to meet all deadlines set by the SSA.  Call (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation regarding your disability claim.  Don't quit, fight back!  Let our law office help fight for the disability benefits that you deserve.   

"I am filing for Social Security disability benefits and I need help with the application process!"  This is a common concern heard among Indiana Social Security disability applicants.  The Social Security disability claims process can be long and frustrating and many claimants struggle with the application process.  Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis assists Indianapolis disability claimants with their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims.  During a free consultation offered by Attorney Lewis, he will ask the claimant where they are in the claims process.  If the claimant is in the initial application stage, he will refer the disability claimant to one (1) of the following sources in order to file their initial application for disability benefits:

• Visit the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) website at http://ssa.gov/ to apply online.  Once on the SSA's website, select the "disability" tab at the top of the home page.  You will be directed to a new page, where you will select the "Apply for Disability" box.  Then you will follow the steps instructed on the application.  It should be noted that this application is for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and that if you are applying for Supplement Security Income benefits that a SSA representative will need to discuss your application.
• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.  Explain to the Social Security representative that you would like to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits and you would like to schedule an appointment to apply in person.
• Visit your local Social Security Administration to schedule an appointment to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits.

Applying for disability benefits online is convenient and fast.  Although applying online has it's advantages, it may have some disadvantages.  Unless you have a family or friend assisting you with the online application, you are completing it on your own.  Some disability claimants struggle with this process. In addition, some claimants are not sure which disability program they would qualify for and should complete an application for.  If the claimant meets with a Social Security representative, he/she would assist the claimant with making this decision.  In addition, the SSA representative would assist in reading the questions on the application and ensure that the applicant completes all necessary forms. Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis recommends that if you are uncertain, visiting or contacting the SSA could be the best option when filing an Indiana Social Security disability claim. 

As the majority of disability claims are denied disability benefits at the initial application level, Mr. Lewis is experienced in assisting disability claimants with the appeals process and representing claimants at an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.  The appeals process can be somewhat frustrating.  In addition to filling out the correct appeals forms and supplying all of the necessary information, the disability claimant also faces filing deadlines that are time sensitive. Someone like attorney Scott Lewis, who is familiar with the system, may reduce a great amount of stress for a disability claimant by helping them with the appeals process. Mr. Lewis and his trained staff assist their disability clients with the appeals paperwork, filing deadlines, and obtaining medical records in hope to receive the most favorable outcome. 

Although it is not necessary to have a professional help to prepare and submit your initial application, it may be very beneficial to the claimant to have a Social Security disability attorney or other representative help with the appeals process.  Scott D. Lewis is an experienced Social Security disability lawyer with years of practice in this area and has knowledge in how to present your case to an Administrative Law Judge and the Social Security Administration.  Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis offers a free consultation regarding your disability claim.  Call the law office of Scott D. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation today!

It is not uncommon for an Indiana disability claimant to have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits since majority of disability claims  are denied at the initial application level.  Many SDDI and SSI claimants face the same question after they have been denied benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  Attorney Scott D. Lewis gets calls from disability claimants on a daily basis asking him why they have been denied disability benefits and what should they do next.

Mr. Lewis always directs the claimant to the denial letter that they have received by the SSA.  This letter specifically states the reason for denial.  So, take the time to read the decision the SSA sent to you to figure out exactly why you were denied in the first place.  Once you know why you were denied, you can begin to collect the necessary documentation to appeal this decision.  Some reasons for denial may include:

• In 2010, you make more than $1,000 per month.  If you exceed this amount, you will immediately be denied disability benefits.
• Based on the information you provided the SSA when filing your claim, they have determined that your disability will not last or be expected to last a minimum of 12 months.
• You failed to comply with the SSA's request for information or medical records.  Not complying with this request may ultimately cause you to be denied benefits.
• The SSA has attempted to locate you and was unable to reach you.

At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Mr. Lewis assists disability claimants with appealing their denied claim.  Either him or his staff will often ask his clients to retrieve the denial letter so he can discuss the reasons for denial prior to appealing the claim.  It is important for Mr. Lewis to know the reason for denial in order to properly fight for what the claimant deserves.  If you or someone you know has a disability and you are unable to work due to this disability, contact Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis for a free evaluation of your claim.  Mr. Lewis and his staff are available at (317) 423-8888 for your free case consultation. 

Indiana residents that have been denied Social Security disability benefits often wonder what to do next in order to get the benefits they deserve. Statistically, it is stated that nearly 2% of Americans apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits each year. SSDI and SSI benefits are available to those individuals with a medical condition or a combination of medical conditions preventing them from working working for twelve consecutive months or longer or expected to be unable to work for 12 months. Unfortunately, approximately 80% of these claims are denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the initial stage of the claims process. Once denied, many disability claimants wonder what to do next.

Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott Lewis often encourages his disability clients to be patient and to not panic. Although the claimant was denied initially, there may be hope for winning your claim. Even though the Social Security disability appeals process is long and may be complicated, it can be manageable and ultimately your claim may be approved.

Once the disability claimant receives their initial denial by the SSA, the claimant should file an appeal within 60 days from the date of the decision letter.  Most of the time, appeals can be filed online at the SSA's website.  The first appeal the claimant must file is the "Request for Reconsideration."  This appeal is simply asking the SSA to review your claim again for consideration of SSDI or SSI benefits.  Within a certain amount of time, the SSA will either approve or deny this appeal.  Again, don't stop there!  As stated before, the majority of these claims are denied so it is important to continue the appeals process.  A second appeal must be filed in order to have your disability case heard in from of a judge.  This second appeal can also be filed on the SSA's website within 60 days of the "Request for Reconsideration" denial letter.  It is important to make the deadlines set by the SSA so you do not have to initiate the claims process again.  The average wait for a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in the Indianapolis area can be 18 months and in some cases longer.  Attorney Scott Lewis accompanies his clients during this long drawn out process to ultimately fight for his client's rights at a disability hearing.

Mr. Lewis encourages his disability client's to continue to visit their doctor(s) regularly and stay on any prescribed medication(s) if necessary while awaiting their hearing. It is also encouraged to document your disabling condition and how it affects your ability to work. When you appear before the judge, carefully explain why your medical symptoms prevent you from working.  Medical evidence may be the key in winning your SSDI or SSI claim.

Scott Lewis offers a free consultation to those individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition or a combination of disabling conditions.  If you are someone that you know have been denied disability benefits, call Attorney Scott Lewis for a free case evaluation at (317) 423-8888.  Don't let that initial denial stop you from fighting for benefits that you may deserve!

With all of the increasing technology we experience on an everyday basis, it should be no surprise for Indiana disability claimants to find out their Social Security disability claim file is loaded onto a compact disc (CD) for viewing purposes. In an attempt to go paperless the Social Security Administration (SSA) has turned to having all of your disability development scanned and turned into space saving technology.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis believes this transition is not only easier for viewing purposes, but has cut down on unnecessary file storage for the Social Security Administration and also Indiana Social Security disability representatives.

Indiana Social Security disability appeals claimants may wonder what exactly is contained in their electronic Social Security disability claim folder.  The items in your Social Security disability claim folder are referred to as exhibits.  There are different sections of the folder and they may include:

• Payment documents/decisions
• Jurisdictional documents/notices
• Non disability development
• Disability development
• Medical records

If you are currently waiting on an Indiana Social Security disability hearing and the Social Security Administration has mailed you a compact disc with your Social Security disability file on it you will want to take a good look at it to ensure your file is complete.  While some of the sections may be difficult to understand, the medical records section should be closely examined to ensure all of your physician(s) records are present and up to date.  Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis strives to ensure his clients electronic file is complete and all necessary documents have been submitted to the Indiana offices of the Social Security Administration. 

If you show up at your Indiana Social Security disability hearing and your file is not complete, some Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) will allow you additional time to submit missing documentation; however, there is no guarantee an ALJ will give you this additional time.  So, a good review of your file may be very beneficial in you receiving a favorable outcome in your Social Security disability claim. 

If you are having a difficult time with your disability claim and currently do not have a Social Security disability attorney or representative you can contact Mr. Lewis for a free case evaluation.  Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis helps individuals with a wide range of disabling conditions including schizophrenia, epilepsy, mental retardation, neuropathy, depression, cancer, and may other impairments.  Call (317) 423-8888 to speak with Mr. Lewis and his staff!

Scott D. Lewis often hears from his Indiana Social Security disability clients and their families that they are confused by the paperwork they receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA).  The forms are usually requesting information in applying for and appealing their Indiana Social Security disability claim.  One of these forms is called the "Function Report - Adult - Third Party".  It is also known as form SSA - 3380 - BK.  Now with that mouthful out, are you afraid to pick up your pen and start the application and appeals process?  Well, Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis advises his clients and their families to not be intimidated in completing forms required by the Social Security Administration.  Most of these forms Mr. Lewis' office can assist in completing or guide you, family, or friends through in completing the forms if you wish to complete them for yourself.

The Third Party Function Report has various parts and these include:

• General Information that includes names, relationship to the disabled person, contact information, and other data.
• Information about daily activities including how a typical day is, whether the disabled person can care for themselves on a personal level, preparation of meals, house & yard work, mobility, shopping, money management, hobbies, and social activities.
• Information about their physical and mental abilities of the disabled person.
• Finally, a remarks section.

Indiana disability attorney Scott D. Lewis tells these third parties that complete this form to be as thorough as possible.  It is important to be truthful and remember their is a reason this form is being asked to be completed.  It is to determine if the Indiana disability claimant has a disabling condition that is severe enough to prevent them from securing and maintaining substantial gainful activity.  In other words, if the Social Security Administration believes you are able to do work like activities as in caring for yourself, caring for others, doing your own laundry, cooking for yourself, shopping, and participating in hobbies and social activities there is a greater possibility you can also perform a job and work like activities. 

Many individuals struggling through application and appeal forms, do not know they have a right to representation.  Indiana Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis offers a free consultation and is available for a phone or in person case evaluation.  By calling (317) 423-8888 you can speak with Mr. Lewis and his staff today.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis handles a wide variety of impairments including cancer, stroke, depression, epilepsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other conditions.

Some individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may decide they need representation to help navigate what can be a confusing disability process.  In order for Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis to represent you in your disability claim and be recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA), he must have an Appointment of Representative Form (Form SSA 1696) completed and submitted to the SSA.

The Appointment of Representative form is a fairly easy form to complete, but at the same time is a vital piece of paperwork to ensure representation in your Indiana Social Security disability claim.  The main parts of SSA form 1696 include:

• Claimant information including name and Social Security number.
• The authorization to appoint the representative which includes the type of claim, release of information, and whether you have more than one representative.  A signature, address, telephone number, and date are also needed by the claimant.
• The acceptance of appointment is then completed which contains information about the lawyer or representative involved with the claim. 
  
• The two final sections concern waiver of the fee and waiver of direct payment.

When Indiana Social Security Lawyer Scott Lewis is hired to represent a disabled claimant, he tries to get this form into the Social Security Administration early so he has access to the disability claimant's information.  Without the submission of the Appointment of Representative form, the Social Security Administration will not release any information or speak with Mr. Lewis about the Indiana disability claimant's appeal.

Many Indiana disability claimants do not know they have a right to be represented in their Social Security disability claim.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis offers a free consultation and his fee agreement is contingent on a favorable outcome in your case.  In other words, plain and simple, Mr. Lewis does not get paid unless he wins your disability claim. 

If you are disabled and you are unable to work, call Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis for a free consultation about your disability claim.  Call (317) 423-8888, Mr. Lewis and his staff are eager to discuss your Indiana Social Security claim!

Many forms need to be completed when appealing a denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis advises his clients to be as detailed as possible when completing these forms. One of these forms is referred to as the "Disability Report Appeal".

The Disability Report Appeal (also know as form SSA 3441-BK) is filed in combination with forms needed to file a "Request for Reconsideration", "Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge", and "Request for Reconsideration Disability Cessation."  It is important that Indiana Social Security disability appeals claimants file the correct forms to ensure there are no unnecessary delays in processing the needed paperwork.

The Disability Report Appeal has various sections concerning:

• Information on the disabled person; (This includes basic contact information.)
• Information about the claimant's disabling condition, illness, or injury;
• Medical record information;
• Medications the claimant may be taking;
• Medical tests that have been performed;
• Job/work information;
• Information regarding training and education;
• Support services you may have received; and
• A final section where the claimant can put information you do not believe was addressed in other sections of the report.
Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott Lewis receives many calls from his clients asking how they should fill this lengthy form out.  Mr. Lewis believes it is important to be as detailed as possible, but also stay focused on the question being asked.  The section(s) involving the Indiana disability claimant's medical treatment can be very important when completing the form. It may be beneficial to take your time keeping in mind there are time constraints when filing a "Request for Reconsideration" or a "Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge".

If you find you are confused by the various forms the Social Security Administration (SSA) is requiring you to complete for your Indiana disability appeal, you should remember you have a right to representation.  At the Indiana Social Security disability law office of Scott D. Lewis, many important questions regarding your Social Security disability claim can be answered.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis handles many disabling conditions including fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, diabetes, anxiety, and other conditions.  If you find you are unable to work due to a disabling condition, call for your free case evaluation.  Call (317) 423-8888 and speak to Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis and his staff today!

Maybe you are getting tired of waiting for your Indiana Social Security disability appeal hearing and now you are wondering if there is some way to get in front of a Judge quicker.  You may now find this long wait to have your disability claim heard has put you and your family in financial turmoil and cannot believe it is taking this long to enter an Indiana Social Security disability courtroom.  Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis fields many calls asking this very question, and he lets these Indiana residents know there are ways to get there faster, but the criteria to do so may not sound very appealing. 

There are circumstances where the Social Security Administration (SSA) will at times move you up in the waiting process and these situations are  considered "dire circumstances".  These critical cases include:

• Military service casualty cases
• Compassionate allowance cases
• The claimant is homicidal or suicidal
• The claimant has a terminal illness
• Shelter, food, or medicine is unavailable and the claimant is unable to obtain it

The aforementioned criteria to establish an Indiana Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim as "dire need" is only a framework to go by, the facts in each individual case vary and can effect a case differently.  Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis can discuss your particular case in more detail.  If a claim is determined to be dire need, a hearing office should take immediate action to expedite the Social Security disability claim.

Unfortunately, with the current hearing backlog many Indiana Social Security disability claimants find themselves not fitting into a dire need circumstance, but struggling to make it to their hearing date.  If you have questions concerning Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits contact Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis handles a wide variety of disability claims including degenerative disc disease, arthritis, diabetes, depression, and autism among other conditions.  Call (317) 423-8888 for your free case evaluation today!