Social Security

I recently had a claimant ask if Social Security could have him followed. My response to this question: I am not sure what Social Security is and is not allowed to do in their investigations. What I can tell you is what I have learned from my experience with working at other firms for prosecuting attorneys. If we ever felt that someone was hiding something and we wanted to investigate them we would start by searching for them on Facebook. 75% of the people we searched for were found on Facebook and we were able to get all the evidence we needed off of their Facebook page.

I have come across many frustrated Social Security disability applicants due to the time consuming and overwhelming process. There are many forms to fill out and each form needs to be filled out properly, also providing enough medical evidence to prove you disability are all requirements; in most cases it can take months, or even years to be awarded disability benefits. The best way to approach the application process is to fully prepare and completely understand the requirements of the Social Security Administration. 

You have been out of work for a while. You know for sure you will not be able to return because of your disability. Now you are thinking… “If I go to school and learn something new, maybe I could go back to work?”

Although we would never want to discourage anyone from trying to better themselves, a judge will find several problems with you going to school, yes, even online school.

Recently I was told by someone that he knew “for a fact” he was disabled and was astounded that the SSA denied the claim for disability benefits. The unfortunate “Fact” is that the SSA is supposed to take many things into consideration when making their determinations on disability claims but sometimes they aren’t fully aware of all the disabling conditions an individual is dealing with. For that matter, sometimes the other parties involved aren’t always clued in either.

Without regular medical treatment , it is very difficult to prove your disability claim. A failure to seek treatment may also become a basis for Social Security to deny your claim. Social Security cannot  just rely on your statements; it needs medical proof documenting your symptoms and limitations and, preferably, opinions from your doctors, psychiatrists and/or psychologists.