Lawrence Disparti of the Disparti Law Group cites a recent study that found that SSDI application outcomes vary depending on the examiner who reviews the case.

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) March 31, 2012

Cleveland Social Security disability benefits attorney Lawrence Disparti said today that a recent analysis of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims reveals the importance of legal help when pursuing benefits.

RAND Corp. analyst Nicole Maestas told the House Ways and Means Social Security subcommittee March 20 that the rate of approval for initial SSDI claims varies according to which examiner reviews the application, according to the online journal, LifeHealthPro.

As high as 60 percent of claims could have resulted in different outcomes if the applications had been reviewed by a different examiner, RAND found.

“Whether someone is able to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance benefits shouldn’t be left to the random chance that you get the right examiner,” said Disparti, founder of the Disparti Law Group. “What’s important is to make sure that you have thoroughly completed your application, and that you are prepared for any appeals that may follow.

“In that sense, what’s important is that you have the assistance of an experienced SSDI benefits lawyer who will fight for your rights throughout the process.”

In addition to Cleveland, Disparti’s law firm has offices in Chicago and the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area.

The firm’s Cleveland Social Security disability benefits lawyers help clients in Ohio and across the U.S. to secure benefits such as SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Disparti said SSDI hearings and applications are governed by rules and regulations that many applicants may find difficult to navigate.

“Applicants may qualify for SSDI benefits in the end, but it can be a struggle reaching that outcome,” Disparti said.

Disparti said an experienced SSDI attorney can help a deserving SSDI applicant conclude the process with a successful claim.

“Disparti Law Group attorneys work with SSDI claims every day, so we have a thorough understanding of the application and appeals process,” the veteran lawyer said. “We don’t want deserving applicants to leave the outcome of their SSDI benefits applications to chance.”

About Disparti Law Group, P.A.

Disparti Law Group, P.A., is a Cleveland Social Security Disability law firm that provides legal assistance to individuals in cases involving Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), railroad disability (FELA and RRB claims) and veterans’ benefits (including TSGLI claims). Additionally, the firm handles a variety of personal injury claims, including car accidents, slip-and-fall or premises liability, products liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, nursing home neglect and inadequate security.

The firm serves clients across the U.S., including Florida, Illinois, Georgia, Tennessee, Houston, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. and the Ohio communities surrounding Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Elyria, Lorain, Mentor, Parma, Warren and Youngstown.

To learn more about the Cleveland Social Security Disability lawyers of the Disparti Law Group, P.A., call (800) 633-4091 or use the firm’s online contact form.

Lawrence Disparti, Esq
Disparti Law Group, P.A.
(800) 633-4091
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Allsup answers common questions about SSDI benefits

Belleville, Ill. (PRWEB) March 15, 2012

The Social Security Administration (SSA) began issuing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits electronically to new recipients last year, as the U.S. Treasury Department phases out paper checks. Effective March 1, 2013, all Social Security beneficiaries will receive benefits electronically, and beneficiaries should plan accordingly, advises Allsup, which represents thousands of people in the SSDI application process each year.

“If you’re receiving Social Security disability or retirement benefits by check now, you have a few months left to switch to electronic payment through an account of your choice,” explained Paul Gada, personal financial planning director for the Allsup Disability Life Planning Center.

Beneficiaries must choose either direct deposit into a traditional bank or credit union account or deposit onto a payment card, such as a debit card. Those receiving paper checks now can make the changeover to electronic deposit prior to March 1, 2013, by visiting their bank, credit union or savings and loan. The government estimates stopping paper benefit checks will save Social Security $1 billion over the next decade.

SSDI is a federally mandated disability insurance program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that operates separately from the retirement and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. SSDI provides monthly benefits to individuals who are under full retirement age (age 65 or older) and who can no longer work because of a severe disability (injury, illness or condition) that is expected to last for more than 12 months or is terminal. Individuals pay for the federal insurance program through their FICA taxes.

Social Security Disability & Common Questions

Newcomers to the SSDI program often have questions about the process, the length of time involved and the option of choosing a representative to advocate for their disability claim. Below, Allsup provides answers to some of the more common questions:

1. How do I know if I’m eligible for SSDI benefits?

There are several factors important to seeking Social Security disability benefits. First, the person must be insured. Generally, this means having worked and paid into the program through payroll taxes (or FICA taxes) for five of the last 10 years. The applicant must have been disabled before reaching Social Security retirement age, or 65-67. He or she also must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Generally, a severe mental or physical impairment must keep someone from working for 12 months or longer, or it is terminal. For those who are uncertain if they are eligible for SSDI benefits, Allsup offers a free, no-obligation Social Security disability evaluation. Call the Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276.

2. When should I apply for SSDI benefits?

There is no required waiting period before applying for SSDI benefits. “A common mistake is waiting too long to apply for Social Security disability benefits when you are clearly eligible and likely to qualify,” Gada said. “You or your family may experience increasing financial difficulties as you wait through the disability review process, which itself can last longer than one or two years.”

3. Why should I ask Allsup to help me get SSDI?

Allsup can help someone find out before they apply if they are likely to qualify for SSDI benefits. In addition, claimants are more likely to get their SSDI benefits faster. Allsup is able to help more customers receive their SSDI awards with their initial applications (52 percent compared to 34 percent national average). Applicants can avoid waiting in Social Security telephone and office lines. The SSDI representative also assists with paperwork, compiling medical documentation and work history. “You can receive Allsup’s expert SSDI help from the beginning of your disability claim,” Gada said. “Allsup experts will continue to advocate for you throughout the denial and appeal process as well.”

According to the SSA, most people have a representative on their side at the hearing level. “It’s to your benefit to get help from the beginning and possibly avoid a denial and receive your benefits earlier,” Gada added. He also pointed out that Allsup does not charge any fees unless an SSDI claim is awarded, and that fee is set by the SSA.

4. What should I do if I’ve already been denied benefits?

Experiencing a denial is common, since the SSA denies two-thirds of all initial applications. For thousands of people who have already attempted their SSDI application on their own, the denial is frustrating. But they still have the opportunity to get representation. When it comes to a disability appeal, an experienced Allsup representative will prepare the claimant for, and represent him or her, at the hearing, no matter where they live.

These are just a few of the common questions people have about applying for SSDI benefits. “We receive thousands of calls every day from people considering applying for Social Security disability benefits,” Gada said. “Because you likely haven’t done this before, we know you have a lot of questions. Allsup professionals specialize in the SSDI process. We’ve used our expertise to help tens of thousands of people receive their benefits as quickly as possible, with less stress, and provided true help along the way.”

Find answers to other common questions about Social Security disability on Allsup.com. To reach someone directly, contact Allsup’s Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276.

ABOUT ALLSUP

Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Founded in 1984, Allsup employs more than 800 professionals who deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. The company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, go to http://www.Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.

Rebecca Ray
Allsup
(800) 854-1418, ext. 65065
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