Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog

After a bit of a break I am back to blogging.  I enjoy sharing my experiences concerning the Social Security Administration (SSA) with prospective and current clients through my blog, but I must admit, going to hearings and preparing cases for hearings can be time consuming.  So what has been happening since my last blog entry?  The best news for disabled Indiana residents is that the waiting time for a hearing has been getting shorter.  I have seen a noticeable difference in waiting times recently and wonder how long this current trend will last.

What does this mean for you?  Depending on your financial situation, getting to a hearing even a few months sooner may be the difference between keeping your home or facing foreclosure, between having continuous access to health care or spending months without health insurance, or between obtaining monthly disability payments or completely depleting your life savings.  On the other hand, you may be in such a desperate situation that having to wait any time at all for a Social Security disability decision is enough to bring you to financial ruin.  So what can you do?  I tell my clients to look for low or no-cost healthcare through local hospitals and clinics, seek help from their local government trustees, and ask their physicians to help them find programs that provide medications at cheaper rates, just to name a few. 

These days, when I have clients who complain about their waiting time for a hearing, I find myself thinking how fortunate they are to only have to wait about a year to get a hearing.  You heard me right - they are fortunate, compared to my clients from not long ago who typically had to wait nearly two years to get a hearing!  Not only do the shorter wait times help our disabled clients get their benefits sooner, they also save those clients some money.  The sooner a claimant receives benefits, the fewer months of past-due benefits Social Security will owe her.  The fewer months Social Security pays, the smaller the total amount of back pay.  Since Social Security attorney/representative fees amount to a percentage of the claimant's back pay, the smaller the total amount of back pay, the less money the claimant owes her attorney or representative.

When I represent clients, though, I am not worrying about the size of my fee.  I am concerned about promptly responding to their questions and concerns, thoroughly developing their case record, building a solid theory of the case, and fully preparing them to testify at their hearings.   Regardless of how much I get paid I spend about the same amount of time on every case.  I represent my Indiana neighbors at hundreds of appeals hearings every year, and in every case my goal is to win the benefits they deserve regardless of the pay I receive.  After all, Social Security disability law is my focus and I believe you deserve quality representation. 

While there are many factors that may have an influence on your chances of receiving a favorable outcome in your Indiana Social Security disability claim, Indianapolis disability Lawyer Scott D. Lewis finds a few factors always seem to stand out.  By no means are these the only areas you should be concerned with, but in Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience they usually play an important role in your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. 

1. The Social Security disability claimant's medical records.  Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis strives to emphasize to his clients that the majority of successful Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims have a well documented medical record history.  If you believe the Social Security Administration (SSA) is going to just take your word on your disabling condition, you may be in for a big surprise when you receive your decision in the mail. 
2. How credible the disability claimant is.  In other words, are you telling the truth?  You can probably guess that the Social Security Administration has seen its share of individuals stretching the truth when it comes to how disabling their condition really is.  Indiana disability benefits attorney Scott Lewis attempts to tell all of his clients it is important to be truthful.  In Mr. Lewis' experience, in general, if the SSA or an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) believes you are not being truthful about one thing, chances are they may not believe you on other aspects of your disability claim. 
3. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that is assigned to the disability claim.  This is a big one!  The amount of claims each individual judge approves varies and each ALJ's approval rating is all over the board.  Some statistics state the average approval rating at the hearing level is around 60 percent.  What does that mean?  Well as they say, "you do the math."  That means some judges are much higher than that and some judges are much lower.  If you get one of these Administrative Law Judges that denies far more claims than they approve there is not much you can do.  Indiana disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis usually has access to statistical information to let his clients know the judges approval rating and attempts to prepare his disability client for what kind of hearing he/she can expect with that particular judge.  The assignment of judges is random and sometimes you may be the unlucky one to be assigned an ALJ that you may not perceive as fair.

How can you improve your chances of winning your Indiana Social Security disability benefits claim?  In Scott Lewis' experience, you should be diligent in seeing your medical professionals when necessary and be realistic about what your limitations are.  Even if you are assigned a judge that turns down most of the claims he/she hears, it is still difficult for the judge to say "no" to a well documented, well founded claim. 

Scott Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney that takes great pride in helping disabled individuals with their claims.  Mr. Lewis handles a wide array of claims including, but not limited to, cancer, depression, arthritis, emphysema, spinal disorders, and bipolar disorder. You can discuss your case and receive a free evaluation by calling (317) 423-8888 to speak with Mr. Lewis and his staff. 

Social Security disability lawyers (or representatives) representing Social Security disability claimants in Indiana may help their Indiana neighbors in the disability claims process from the very beginning to the very end if the claimant wishes so. Some disability claimants feel they do not need representation at the initial stages of filing a disability claim.  While others may have questions from "A to Z " and may be confused by paperwork they have never seen before.  As a Social Security disability claimant, it is your right to have representation!  Whether you exercise this right to representation or not, some claimants find it comforting in just knowing that help is out there for you if you want it.

On a daily basis, Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis answers numerous questions from disability claimants ranging from medical questions to financial eligibility.  Mr. Lewis finds much of his initial contact with potential clients involves many questions on exactly how to get the Social Security disability claims process started.  Indiana residents soon find out that there are a few different ways to get the ball rolling and which process is right one for them.  Also, Mr. Lewis attempts to explain how the disability claims process may unfold and how time constraints play an important role in processing Indiana Social Security disability claims. 

Another major part of Mr. Lewis' job is to talk to his fellow Indiana residents about their disabling conditions.  Mr. Lewis understands this can be one of the most difficult times in the disability claimant's life.  Many individuals not only need the technical aspects of their claim answered, but a compassionate sounding board to talk to about how a disability can make everyday life very difficult.  Indiana Social Security attorney Scott Lewis and his staff strive to help disabled individuals through these very trying times.  Mr. Lewis and his staff spend the majority of their day on the telephone with their clients discussing the details of his client's disability claims.  Disability lawyer Scott Lewis informs his clients that if they have a legal question regarding their disability claim, it is important that they talk directly with him.  While many questions can be handled over the telephone, Mr. Lewis welcomes an in person appointment.

After you file your initial claim and it has been denied, Mr. Lewis can help his clients with their "Request for Reconsideration" and "Request for Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge" appeals.  While Mr. Lewis advises his potential clients on what to expect when filing an initial claim, he does not file a representative form until the initial claim is denied.  It is VERY important to appeal your initial denial within sixty (60) days from the date of your denial to ensure you protect your ability to appeal the denial.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis instructs future clients to call his office the day they receive their initial denial, so he can discuss the reasons for denial and determine how to proceed with the appeals process. 

Mr. Lewis handles a wide variety of disabling conditions.  If your disabling condition is preventing you from working and taking care of yourself & your family, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.  To receive a free consultation, call (317) 423-8888 to speak to Mr. Lewis and his staff!

Are you looking for the best Indiana disability attorney?  When searching for a disability lawyer to represent you in your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim Indiana residents might consider many different factors in determining what attorney is the best fit tor them.  The needs of disability clients can vary, but the end result everyone wants is to win their Social Security disability claim.

In Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience, clients tend to have the same expectations from their Social Security attorney and these can be, but are not limited to:

• Being able to talk directly with their Social Security disability lawyer.  Indianapolis attorney Scott Lewis takes great pride in letting his clients know that they can talk directly to him when it is necessary.  Mr. Lewis can advise his clients on legal matters regarding Social Security disability and many other matters may be handled by Mr. Lewis' staff.  Mr. Lewis and his staff can help clients with the necessary paperwork that must be filed in the disability claims process.  Attorney Scott Lewis and his administrative team are eager to help you with any questions you may have regarding the filing of paperwork and updating your Social Security file.
• Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis makes every attempt to return phone calls.  We understand how important your Indiana Social Security disability claim is to you and we strive to get back with clients as soon as possible to answer any questions they may have. 
  
• Mr. Lewis is available for office visits.  If you would like a face to face appointment with Mr. Lewis, you need only talk to his Administrative Assistants and schedule an appointment to come in and speak directly with him.
• Mr. Lewis and his staff understand that at times disabled individuals need a compassionate person to listen to how their disability is affecting them.  Living with a disabling condition is not easy, and not everyone understands what you are going through.  Mr. Lewis and his staff have experience in discussing how your impairment will be looked at by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which includes how your activities of daily living are affected.
• Finally, you can always inquire if there are any new updates regarding your Social Security claim.  Unfortunately, the wait time for an Indianapolis Social Security disability hearing can be very long and may last up to 24 months or longer.  With that in mind, Mr. Lewis advises his clients to try to be patient, but lets them know they can contact his office at any time to update their file or ask if there is any new information regarding their case.  While waiting on a hearing, although there is not much Mr. Lewis can do during this frustrating waiting period, he believes that a well maintained current Social Security disability file during this time can enhance the chances of winning your claim.

What kind of Social Security disability attorney would Scott Lewis consider best for him?  An individual that takes pride in his/her work product, an attorney with an open line of communication when necessary with his/her clients, an attorney that attempts to keep well maintained files, and an attorney that is prepared for your hearing and strives to receive favorable results. 

Indianapolis attorney Scott Lewis is an experienced Social Security disability attorney that is eager to discuss the conditions that prevent you from working.  Mr. Lewis provides a free consultation by calling (317) 423-8888.  Call today and receive your free case evaluation!

Indiana Social Security disability payments can vary from one person to another.  Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott Lewis is often asked what a person can expect from the first monthly disability payment his client may receive in the mail.  Depending on what program you qualify for, the amounts can vary and the reason you get that particular amount can also vary.  The criteria to establish the dollar amount for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits versus Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are very different. There are a few things you may want to consider when examining why you receive a particular dollar amount from these two different programs.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):  With this program Social Security disability payments are based on an average of the earnings over the years that you worked.  This program is funded through tax revenue you are paying as you work.  Because individuals incomes can vary greatly, the calculated amount of a disability benefit check can vary greatly also.  This calculation can be complex and to get an accurate amount it is recommended you contact your local Indiana Social Security office.
  
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  This program does not require a person to pay through payroll taxes in order to qualify for benefits.  It is more of a "need" based program.  Your SSI payments are usually lower the more income you receive.   The Social Security Administration (SSA) may consider income as earned income, unearned income, in-kind income, and deemed income.  Again, this program may seem complicated and relies on different formulas and it may be in your best interest to contact your local Social Security Administration office to receive accurate information.

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis recommends his clients to apply for both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program when applying for Indiana Social Security disability benefits.  It may be beneficial to have concurrent claims because if for some reason an Indiana resident does not qualify for one program, they may qualify for the other.  It is Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis' experience that you should let the Indiana Social Security offices decide which program you are entitled to rather than trying to figure it out yourself.

If you find that you are unable to work due to a disabling condition and are unsure if you qualify for Indiana Social Security benefits call Scott D. Lewis for a free consultation.  Many questions can be answered over the telephone by calling (317) 423-8888.  Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis sees cases involving degenerative disc disease, heart problems, stroke, cancer, depression, autism, and many other conditions.  You have a right to representation in your Indiana disability claim, so call now for a free evaluation of your claim. 

It shouldn't be surprising Indiana disability claimants are usually struggling to make ends meet. Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis understands the financial problems a disabling condition can cause and provides a FREE consultation to evaluate your Social Security disability benefits claim. Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis receives numerous calls per week from Indiana residents who are confused by the Social Security process and are happy to hear they can receive a free evaluation of their case.

What happens in a free Social Security disability case evaluation? Generally, Mr. Lewis finds these calls fall into two categories:

1. Individuals who have not filed for their Indiana Social Security disability benefits.  These individuals usually have questions as to how disabled they must be, if a particular disabling condition qualifies them for benefits, how long they must be off of work, and finally and perhaps most important how do they file their initial claim.  It is not uncommon for these individuals to have numerous questions as the Indiana Social Security disability process can be confusing.  Indiana residents who have not applied for their Social Security disability benefits need to know the majority of Social Security disability claims are denied at the initial stage.  During this initial free evaluation Indiana Social Security clients should ask disability attorney Scott Lewis as many questions as possible to help clear up any confusion regarding their disability claim or about the Social Security disability claims process.  After all, it's a free consultation so disability claimants should use it to their advantage.
2. Individuals that have been denied their Indiana Social Security disability benefits.  Most of these Indiana residents call disability lawyer Scott Lewis sounding disgruntled and upset that Social Security is disapproving their claim when they know they are unable to work and support themselves and their family.  Questions these individuals may be asked include how much time do they have to appeal the decision,  why were they denied, what is the next step, what happens if I get denied again, and how can I afford to pay an attorney.  Usually after a lengthy phone conversation, Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis can answer most, if not all, of his client's questions and reassure them their odds of winning their claim will go up with an appeal, and there is absolutely no cost to them if Mr. Lewis does not win their Indiana Social Security disability claim.

Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis understands every disability claim is unique.  While you may not fit into the two categories above, you should feel free to contact Mr. Lewis for a free consultation if you are thinking about filing for Indiana Social Security disability benefits or your Indiana Social Security disability benefits have been denied.  Attorney Scott Lewis provides a free phone consultation and Mr. Lewis and his staff are eager to talk to you about your disability claim.  If you suffer from a stroke, heart attack or heart problems, anxiety, diabetes, neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, or any other impairment that prevents you from working, contact Mr. Lewis and his staff for your free consultation.  Call (317) 423-8888 today.

Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis routinely runs into some of the same questions and/or concerns many of his Indiana disability clients share.  Many of these are a sign of the times, as many people are losing their jobs and cannot support their families or themselves while waiting on a Social Security disability hearing.  

A big question they share is "Can I receive unemployment and still try to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?"   Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis has written a previous blog on this issue, but the question is still a dominant matter in his Social Security disability practice.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) states receiving unemployment insurance compensation does not preclude you from receiving Social Security disability benefits, although it can be a factor in determining whether you receive those benefits.

Now, let's talk reality.  In Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis' experience, it depends on what Social Security Administrative Law Judge you get when you are at the hearing level.  Some Judges make this a sole reason for denying your benefits where as some Judges don't even ask you about it.  Then again, other Judges are somewhere in between.  These judges may want to amend your onset date to the date right after you received your last unemployment payment. 

When assigned to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) you should ask your Indianapolis Social Security lawyer or representative about the particular ALJ you have.  How does this Judge look at receiving unemployment compensation while attempting to get Social Security disability?  This may help prepare you for the types of questions you will be asked at your Indiana Social Security disability hearing.  If your answer to this question is that you and your family would have went hungry and lost your home, Attorney Scott Lewis suggests you tell the Social Security Administrative Law Judge that is the reason you made this decision.  Also, just because you say you are ready, willing, and able to work doesn't mean you can.  While mentally you believe you are able to work, physically you may not be capable of performing work like activity. 

The above information is only a summary of Indianapolis Social Security Lawyer Scott Lewis' experience and is not intended as legal advice.  Mr. Lewis believes it is important for Indiana Social Security disability claimants to weigh all of their options before making a decision regarding unemployment compensation and Social Security disability benefits.  Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis handles cases involving many disabling conditions such as Autism, Schizophrenia, lung impairments, diabetes, back pain, depression, and many other conditions.  Call (317) 423-8888 for a free consultation with Indianapolis disability attorney Scott D. Lewis today!

Coming from a hard working Indiana middle class family, Attorney Scott D. Lewis knows how difficult it may be to make ends meet on a limited income. If you find yourself disabled and unable to work, this may create an even heavier burden on you and your family. Indiana disability claimants struggling with paying bills and putting food on the table sometimes need encouragement in moving forward in the disability process. Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer Scott D. Lewis often tells his clients to stay optimistic during the lengthy appeals process. While Indiana is currently ranked near the bottom among states in processing time for Social Security claims, many times a winning case can result in a substantial past due benefit amount and a continuing monthly social security disability payment.

Indiana attorney Scott Lewis often asks his clients if they have a good family support system during this trying time. The financial and emotional support of family and friends can help his disability clients make it through the waiting process. If you find yourself without a good support system while waiting for your Social Security disability hearing, and If you do not currently have healthcare, lawyer Scott Lewis tells his disability clients to look for help in the local community. It is important to try to find low cost medical care when waiting on your Social Security disability appeal. Good medical records can be the "smoking gun" needed to win your Social Security disability claim. Scott Lewis often tells his disability clients that he can argue until he is "blue in the face" to win their case, but without medical documentation to support the claim, it can be very difficult to win a disability claim.

Many of Scott Lewis' clients do not know that Mr. Lewis is a 100% disabled service-connected veteran who is legally blind. Attorney Scott Lewis takes great pride in representing other disabled Indiana residents. Due to his own disability, Scott Lewis has decided to focus his practice on Social Security Disability Law. He sees many of the obstacles disabled people face as some of the same obstacles he has been forced to overcome. While Indiana disability claimants may not ever recover from their disability, a check coming in the mail every month may be one of the few positive things they can identify in thier disabling condition. If the disabled person is entitled to a monthly disability payment, they should be able to look in their bank account every month and find it there.

Attorney Scott Lewis handles many types of disability claims including back problems, mental disorders, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and many other impairments. Call for a free consultation at (317) 423-8888 and talk to Attorney Scott Lewis and his staff to discuss your Social Security disability appeal.

Many Indiana residents wonder if it is possible to apply for Social Security Disability benefits online. It is actually a fairly easy process with only four main steps that can be followed on the Social Security Administration website. The first thing to do is log on to the Social Security Administration website at http://www.ssa.gov. Next, click on the Disability Benefits link in the middle of the page. This brings you to a page that is titled "Apply Online for Disability Benefits". At the bottom of this page the four main steps are outlined for you.

The first step is to review the disability checklist. This checklist consists of all the information that you need to complete the Disability Application and the Disability Report. If you click the link at this step, it will take you to the Adult Disability Checklist. On this page there is a printable version of the list.

The second step is to fill out the application itself. If you click on the link in the second step it takes you to a page with three important sections. The first one is "using this application". This link will take you to the instructions for the Social Security Disability benefits application. The second section is the bullet list of links to help with other questions. The third section is the last section on the page that is the start of the application process for Social Security Disability benefits.

The third step in applying for Social Security Disability benefits online is to complete the Disability Report. This step is very similar to the second step because of the three main components on the Adult Disability Report page. The first part is instructions on how to fill out the form, the second part is links for other questions or problems, and the third part is starting the report.

The final step in the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits online is filling out and signing the "Authorization to Disclose Information to the SSA" form. To complete this step you must print out the form, fill it out, and be sure to sign it. After you have filled it out, you may either drop it off at the Social Security Administration building or have it mailed to the Social Security Administration.

Continue reading "How do Indiana Residents Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits Online" »

Much like Indianapolis Social Security Disability Attorney Scott D. Lewis, many attorneys advertise their services on television, on the internet, or simply in the yellow pages.  However, finding the "right" representative to handle your Social Security Disability claim is a different matter.  You may ask yourself what qualities you should look for when selecting an attorney to represent you. Although there are no clear cut answers to this question, here are some helpful tips.

You may want to ask the attorney if he focuses on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cases and Social Security Income (SSI) cases. If he only does SSDI or SSI cases occasionally on top of other types of law, he may not be what you are looking for.  Sometimes, it's best to select a lawyer who  focuses specifically on disability claims, giving him more experience and capability than a lawyer who simply dabbles in SSDI or SSI cases.

Ultimately, who you should choose simply boils down to who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to handle winning your SSDI and SSI benefits.

Although it would be difficult to immediately trust someone you barely know, you may want to gauge your initial trust level based on the following factors:

• Was the attorney accessible by phone and willing to return your phone calls?
• Did the attorney seem knowledgeable regarding the Social Security disability system?
• Did the lawyer answer questions to your satisfaction? 
• Does the attorney a helpful and courteous staff? 

If your chosen Social Security Disability Lawyer and his staff can be reached by phone, returns your calls, knows how the Social Security system works, and is willing to ease your concerns by explaining the process to you, it's likely you are receiving proper representation.

Scott Lewis is an experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer who is pleased to assist clients throughout the state of Indiana. Scott practices focuses in social security disability claims, including SSDI and SSI.  Scott provides his clients legal representation, personal attention, and responsive communications.  Call 317-423-8888 immediately for a free consultation.