Florida Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog

Does receipt of Social Security Disability (SSD) discourage work? According to a recent study from the RAND Corporation, the answer is "yes" for nearly one-fourth of new beneficiaries who are only "marginally" disabled. The study concludes that of all applicants for Social Security Disability, about 23% of applicants are "marginal" and that the disposition of their claim depends on whether the Social Security Examiner assigned to the case is "lenient" or "strict." The main finding of the study is that Social Security applicants with less severe impairment who are DENIED benefits, are 21% more likely to return to work, than are "marginal" applicants who are GRANTED benefits.

Social Security Disability attorney and lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq., is less confident of the findings of the RAND study. According to Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., the RAND study does not measure the "success" or "duration" of the so-called "marginal" applicants who do return to work. "Do 'marginal' applicants return to work for a week, a month or a year and how much do they earn?" questions attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq.. Much more research needs to be done before conclusions can be drawn.

A new study by the White House Council of Economic Advisors has found a strong link between expiring unemployment benefits and persons seeking Social Security Disability. According to the director of the Council of Economic Advisors, Dr. Alan Krueger, persons with less than $5,000.00 in total savings, have a far greater likelihood of applying for Social Security Disability, after unemployment compensation benefits expire. In fact, 10% of American adults between the ages of 50 and 65, with less than $5,000.00 of assets, do apply for Social Security Disability after unemployment compensation benefits expire.

According to Social Security Disability Attorney and Lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq., of Boca Raton, most Social Security Judges in South Florida will deny Social Security Disability benefits during any period when unemployment compensation has been received. "This is not a hard and fast rule", according to Social Security Disability Attorney and Lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq.. but a strong factor considered by the local Social Security Disability Judges. Any person seeking Social Security Disability benefits, who is receiving or has recently received unemployment compensation benefits, will benefit from a free consultation with Social Security Disability Attorney and Lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq., serving individuals in Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, Florida

The National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives (NOSSCR) recently completed its annual conference, held in San Antonio, Texas. Social Security Deputy Commissioner Glenn Sklar addressed the conference with some interesting statistics. Although 143 new Administrative Law Judges have been hired in 2011, 97 Administrative Law Judges have left, for a smaller net increase of Social Security Judges. Processing time of appeals has improved by nearly one-half year since 2008. The average processing for a Social Security Appeal was 360 days or one year. Judge Sklar emphasized that the recession has been a critical factor in the increase in appeals, jumping from 60,000 per month in 2009 to nearly 80,000 per month in 2011.

The opening of new Social Security offices, the hiring of new Administrative Law Judges and support staff, has been vital in improving processing time, for the many Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach Social Security applicants. Boca Raton Social Security Disability Attorney and Lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq. applauds Judge Glenn Sklar for his excellent administrative record.

The Social Security Administration has announced that there will be a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security Disability and SSI beneficiaries in 2012. This is the first cost of living increase since 2009. The COLA is determined by comparing the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quater of 2008, the last year that a COLA was determined, to the third quarter of 2011. The last COLA increase in 2009 was 5.8 percent, the largest increase since 1982.

The average monthly benefit in 2012 for all disabled workers will be $1,111.00 (vs. $1,072.00 in 2011). For a disabled work, spouse and one or more children, the average monthly benefit in 2012 will be $1,892.00 (vs. $1,826.00 in 2011). As a result of the 2012 COLA, the user fee cap will increase to $86.00 in 2012.

Continue reading "Cost of Living Increase for Social Security Recipients" »

Boca Raton Social Security Attorney and Lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq., is an advocate of the "PASS" program offered by the Social Security Administration. The PASS program (Plan to Achieve Self-Support), is a program through which recipients of Social Security Disability, may seek government assistance for re-training and eventual reintegration into the job market. The purpose of the program is to allow individuals to set a goal for either re-training or creation of a business opportunity. The applicant may need funds for uniforms, school, equipment and tools and transportation. The PASS program thereafter helps individuals set aside monies to pay for these items, such as a vehicle, computer, etc., to enable a return to work.

Usually the first and best step is for an individual to be evaluated by a certified vocational expert. The Social Security Administration can help an individual get an appointment with such a vocational counselor. Social Security will review the plans and recommendations of the vocational counselor and if approved, will be a great source for return to work. If Social Security denies the PASS plan, the individual has a right of appeal. Social Security Disability Attorney and Lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq., represents individuals in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach, in Social Security Disability Appeals.

Veterans with serious disabilities may be entitled to disability benefits from the Veterans Administration, as well as Social Security Disability benefits. The medical evidence to support either of these claims, is usually physicians and other medical providers affiliated with local Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics. These VA medical providers are often the most important piece of evidence in a Social Security Disability claim.

In order to assist Veterans in perfecting and developing Social Security Disability claims, VA medical providers are directed by regulation, to assist the Veteran by providing medical records and filling out functional capacity questionnaires. It is the duty of the VA medical provider, to complete non-VA forms, including Social Security Disability forms, as quickly as possible. This regulation, to obtain vital medical evidence, has helped Social Security Disability attorney and lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq. to secure benefits for deserving Veterans.

The National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives, held its annual conference in San Antonio, Texas, from November 2-5, 2011. Among the many attendees was Boca Raton Social Security Disability attorney and lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq.. The convention was addressed by Glenn Sklar, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. The topics were wide ranging, including medical expert testimony; updates on diabetes and pain disorders; brain injuries; veterans claims; cardiology; practice management.

According to Social Security Disability attorney and lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq., the conference was a huge success. "The exchange of ideas and experiences makes one a better Social Security Disability attorney", according to Randy Zeldin, Esq.. The National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives is an important ally and advocate on behalf of disabled persons in the United States.

Social Security Administration Commissioner, Michael Astrue, has added 13 disabilities to the list of medical conditions which qualify for a "fast track" administrative review. The result is that an individual applying for Social Security Disability, suffering with any of these conditions, will have the application reviewed expeditiously by Social Security personnel. The intent is to speed up the tremendous backlog of applications for Social Security, which are growing exponentially.

The list has been expanded to including the following conditions: malignant multiple sclerosis; lowe syndrome; paraneoplastic pemphigus; multicentric Castleman disease; pulmonary kaposi sarcoma; primary central nervous system lymphoma; primary effusion lymphoma; angleman syndrome; lewy body dementia; corticobasal degeneration; multiple system atrophy; progressive supranuclear palsy;ALS/Parkinsonian dementia complex.

Social Security attorney and lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq. of Boca Raton, applauds Commissioner Astrue for his innovative steps to speed up the Social Security Disability application process.

Continue reading "Social Security Expands Compassionate Allowance Conditions" »

For the calendar year 2011, more than 3 millions U.S. citizens are expected to apply for Social Security Disability. According to the Social Security Administration, approximately 750,000 applications are currently pending for calendar year 2011. There are many reasons for this huge uptick in applications, but an aging population, coupled with a severe economic recession, are usually cited as the primary reasons.

The flood of applications for Social Security Disability has severely exacerbated the delays in processing. Several Congressman from the House Ways and Means Committee, are investigating whether any of the delays caused by the swell in applications, are actually deliberate. Rep. David Camp has asked the Social Security Administration's Inspector General, to determine whether Administrative Law Judges and staff, were asked to deliberately delay processing of claims, in order to meet administrative goals. Some anonymous Social Security Administration personnel have reported to the Wall Street Journal, that they were actually ordered by SSA officers, to delay adjudicating and processing claims, in order to meet administrative and bureaucratic targets.

Continue reading "U.S. Congress Probes Social Security Delays" »

The ongoing recession, particularly in hard hit areas such as South Florida, has given rise to a substantial number of Social Security Disability claims. The Sun Sentinel recently documented this phenomenon in South Florida, citing Social Security Disability attorney and lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq. of Boca Raton, for input. Since 2007, the number of Social Security Disability claims in South Florida has risen more than 40%. In good economic times, a healthier job market might be able to accommodate disabled workers, according to Social Security attorney, Randy Zeldin, Esq. However, a worker 50 years or older, even without a disability, will incur huge obstacles in this job market. Add a disability to the equation and the 50 year old has little choice but to attempt to get Social Security Disability benefits.

The application and hearing process for Social Security Disability can take up to two years, according to Social Security attorney and lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq. of Boca Raton, Florida. According to Social Security expert and attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., there are many horrifying examples of applicants with serious and terminal conditions, who died before the Social Security Disability review process was completed. There has been recorded episodes of suicides by desperate applicants.

To his great credit, Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue has expanded the Compassionate Allowance List, to include 100 diseases or conditions. Any applicant for Social Security Disability with one of these conditions, is entitled to an immediate review, with only minimal medical evidence. The idea is to speed up the process for individuals suffering from the serious and debilitating conditions on the list. Some of the newly added conditions include:mitral valve atresia; Eisenmenger Syndrome; endomyocardial fibrosis and heart transplant wait list.

Between the years 2000-2010, the number of Social Security Disability recipients between the ages of 50-59, increased by a whopping 73%! There are some economists who believe that if the trend continues, the Social Security Disability system will be broke by 2017. Whether that forecast is true or not, politicians are determined to cut the costs of Social Security Disability.

One proposal is to institute a sliding scale of payments. That is, SSD benefits would decrease as earnings increase. The system wouldn't be an "all or nothing" system, but would institute "partial" benefits for part-time or underpaid workers, who are suffering a bona fide disability.

Another proposal is to treat payments made by employers, dependent upon what percentage of its workforce continues to work, rather than receive SSD. Employers which are able to "accommodate" workers, especially handicapped workers, would be "rewarded" by paying lower SSD payroll taxes. That system would be similar to how workers' compensation premiums are charged, where employers with worse injury and lost time records pay higher premiums.

The Great Recession and the aging of baby boomers, has placed a double whammy on the Social Security Disability trust fund. Compared to just a decade ago, the number of Social Security Disability applications are up approximately 50%. As people with disabilities lose their jobs due to the recession, they often are forced to look to Social Security Disability in order to survive.

The impact of the stampede of applications has had 2 impacts: 1. The backlog of cases has led to waits of processing times as much as 2 years. Individuals waiting that long sometimes becomes homeless and there have been reported cases of suicide. 2. The growing number of Social Security recipients, according to some congressional reports, may cause the system to become insolvent, as early as 2017.

Continue reading "Social Security Disability Trust Fund Faces Insolvency" »

The talk in Washington, D.C. these days is all about budget cuts and the need to trim Social Security expenditures. There is one area in which the U.S. Congress hopes that by increasing spending, it can actually cut expenditures from the Social Security Administration: "continuing disability reviews." What does that mean? "Continuing Disability Review" refers to the process whereby the Social Security Administration reviews individuals who have been receiving Social Security Disability, but may no longer require the benefits, because of improvements in health or simply because the individual is working (openly or secretly). Some of the cases could lead to civil and criminal fraud prosecution. The current backlog of cases awaiting review is 1.4 million!

In recent years, because of budget cuts, the number of cases reviewed by the Social Security Administration has fallen sharply. But Congress has recently increased funding to SSA in the specific hopes, that it can ramp up significantly the continuing disability review process and thereby, cut many individuals from the Social Security Disability rolls, who are no longer eligible or deserving of the benefits.

Attorney and lawyer Randy Zeldin, practices Social Security Disability in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.

It's incredible, but there are currently 728,000 pending applications for Social Security Disability before the Social Security Administration. According to TRAC, the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, government efforts to reduce the backlog are faltering. Essentially, there are dramatic variations from State to State. Unfortunately, Florida ranks number 9 among the 50 States, with a 22.1% increase in backlog during the past 12 months!!

Social Security Attorney and Lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq. of Boca Raton, has indicated that
his clients and other persons in Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, are enduring excruciating waiting periods for adjudication. Unless and until the U.S. Congress overhauls the Social Security system and increases the staff, waiting times are unlikely to improve, according to Randy Zeldin, Esq., a Social Security expert in Boca Raton, Florida.

Many individuals in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, suffer from diverse forms of debilitating anxiety. According to Social Security attorney and lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq., many individuals with anxiety disorders could be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Benefits. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety related illnesses include panic disorder and agoraphobia; post-traumatic stress disorders; social anxiety and many specific phobias.

Social Security attorney and lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq. of Boca Raton, states that testimony from a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist is the best evidence of an anxiety disorder. However, Social Security rules also allow testimony from licensed therapists and social workers.

Many recipients of Social Security Disability in South Florida, often ponder whether they can get back into the labor force. Social Security Disability attorney and lawyer, Randy Zeldin, Esq. of Boca Raton, is frequently faced with this question from many of his clients. The answer is the "Ticket to Work" program, offered by the Social Security Administration. Under this program, current recipients of Social Security Disability, are assigned to an Employment Network, within which they can obtain job placement and/or vocational rehabilitation. It is a "ticket" to get off of Social Security Disability and to return to the labor market.

Under the "Ticket to Work" program, participants can continue to receive Medicare benefits for up to 8 years after they return to work. Randy Zeldin, Esq., Social Security Disability attorney, lauds this feature as a "safety net" for workers who wish to attempt to return to work, but fear a loss of Medicare benefits. The "Ticket to Work" program may be an option for Social Security Disability recipients living in Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.

In a move to save money, the Social Security Administration has announced that all check payments will be through direct deposit. Old fashioned paper checks will be eliminated, in an effort to save costs. Additionally, estimates of Social Security Retirement amounts, shall also be paperless, but viewable through a new website calculator.

Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq. represents Social Security Disability clients in Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach.

Although U.S. Veterans are eligible for medical and indemnity benefits through the Veterans Administration, they are also eligible for Social Security Disability. It is estimated that approximately 6 in 10 U.S. Veterans will become eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in the future. Social Security Attorney Randy Zeldin, represents veterans seeking Social Security Disability benefits in Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. According to Social Security Disability lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq., it would be wrong to reform Social Security to go back on promises to our Veterans.

Many individuals in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, are recipients of Social Security Disability. Social Security Attorney and Lawyer Randy Zeldin, Esq., is often asked if persons receiving Social Security Disability are guaranteed these benefits for life. The answer is: it depends on the nature of the underlying disability. According to Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., individuals with extremely severe disabilities, such as quadriplegia, unfortunately have little or any ability to return to work. Other disabilities, such as depression, can often improve with appropriate medical treatment. The Social Security Administration may schedule periodic medical examinations of persons receiving Social Security Disability, to determine if these persons still require the benefit.

Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., is a Social Security Disability lawyer who services Boca Raton and Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

Over the past few years, there has been a record number of individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits. Whatever the causes, the resulting backlog means that needy applicants must often wait as much as 2 years to get a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. To improve the situation, SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue has begun to institute the use of video hearings. This means that an Administrative Law Judge from anywhere in the U.S., may be assigned to a hearing. A judge in a less backed-up region can therefore help adjudicate cases in busier districts. Commissioner Astrue is to be applauded for taking steps to speed up the backlog.

In these desperate times of economic recession, some persons misuse Social Security benefits and end up in criminal trouble. Recently, a Detroit grandmother was convicted of using her son's Social Security Disability payments, to care for the grandchildren. Unfortunately, her son was in prison while she cashed his disability checks. In Peekskill, New York, a man was convicted of posing as his deceased cousin, in an attempt to collect his Social Security
Disability benefits.

Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., services the communities of Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. According to Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin, desperate times must never require desperate measures. Social Security Disability fraud is a felony with serious consequences.

Randy Zeldin, Esq., a workers' compensation and Social Security Disability attorney, announces the opening of his office in Boynton Beach, Florida. The office will serve all individuals in Palm Beach County requiring legal assistance with workers' compensation and Social Security Disability issues.

The backlog of Social Security Disability applicants continues to be a serious problem for disabled persons living in cities like Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach. Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue has instituted a "Compassionate Allowance" list of 88 conditions, which quality for a streamlined hearing process. Hearings are being held by the Social Security Administration to include debilitating cardiological conditions to the list.

Social Security attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq, of Boca Raton, Pompano Beach and Delray Beach, advocates further expansion of the Compassionate Allowance list. There are many conditions which should be presumed disabling, with the burden on the Social Security Administration to prove a residual functional capacity.

Across the United States, including South Florida, more than 2 million persons are waiting for a determination of an application for Social Security Disability! According to Social Security Disability expert, Randy Zeldin, Esq., the wait for hearing dates in Palm Beach and Broward Counties is between 14-18 months and sometimes longer.

This delay has been made worse by two factors, according to Boca Raton Social Security Attorney Randy Zeldin. The first factor is the increase in the number of claims, which has been exacerbated by the current recession. Secondly, the U.S. Congress has failed to increase spending to allow for more Social Security Judges and administrative staff.

Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue, is hoping to cut wait times to about 9 months, by the year 2013. One method being implemented is the use of video hearings before Social Security Judges. Social Security Attorney Randy Zeldin, with offices in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, believes that video hearings can help the backlog, but will have limited impact overall.

The Social Security Administration is renewing contracts with private vendors to accelerate the use of electronic medical record transmission. According to Boca Raton Social Security Disability attorney, Randy Zeldin, Esq., the use of Continuity of Care Documents is a step forward in streamlining the SSD application process.

After an initial application to the Social Security Administration is made, requests for medical records are often made and thereafter transmitted via U.S. mail. It is obvious that this process is harmful to the many Social Security applicants in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, states attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq.

Eventually, as the health care system is reformed further, most medical records will be available electronically to be shared with the Social Security Administration. Longer and longer waits are causing great suffering and hardship to disabled persons in South Florida, according to Social Security Disability expert Randy Zeldin, Esq., with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Boca Raton

The present Social Security Disability law requires that a disability be anticipated to last for one year or longer, as a condition for benefits being paid. What happens to victims of car accidents or illnesses which last for less than one year? Unfortunately, they could starve without any income or medical care!!

In fact, according to Boca Raton Social Security Disability Attorney, Randy Zeldin, Esq., there are many persons in Palm Beach and Broward Counties who cannot work for extended periods of time, but less than one year. Randy Zeldin, Esq. also has represented many individuals seeking Social Security Disability who have disabilities which are approximately one year duration, but must wait for nearly two years to achieve benefits.

Randy Zeldin, Esq., who represents Social Security Disability applicants throughout South Florida, advocates short term disability as a solution for individuals who are recovering from surgeries, accidents or flare-ups of chronic conditions. These cases could be handled in a stream lined system, to get benefits to needy persons promptly. The organization,
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illnesses, is similarly in favor of a change in the Social Security Disability laws.

Continue reading "Social Security Disability for Short Term Injuries Is a Good Idea" »

Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq. a Social Security Disability attorney in Boca Raton, advises applicants to make certain of the following matters: 1. Speak to your doctor first and make sure that he or she will support your position for Social Security Disability. 2. Make sure that your physician has your medical records in order. 3. Make certain that your physician responds to the requests of the Social Security Administration to supply records and to answer questionnaires.

Continue reading "Social Security Applicants Need M.D. Cooperation" »

The law office of Randy Zeldin, Esq. in Boca Raton, is pleased to announce that Corissa Mahabir has joined its staff. Ms. Mahabir is a C.P.S.R and has a 440 insurance license. She is a student at Florida Atlantic University and is majoring in journalism. Corissa Mahabir assists in the areas of workers' compensation and Social Security Disability.

Continue reading "Law Office of Randy Zeldin Adds Staff Member" »

The law office of Randy Zeldin, Esq. in Boca Raton, is pleased to announce that Corissa Mahabir has joined its staff. Ms. Mahabir is a C.P.S.R and has a 440 insurance license. She is a student at Florida Atlantic University and is majoring in journalism. Corissa Mahabir assists in the areas of workers' compensation and Social Security Disability.

Continue reading "Law Office of Randy Zeldin Adds Staff Member" »

The Institute of Medicine has published a new standard for HIV infections, in order to qualify for Social Security Disability. The new standard would be a T-cell count of less than 50. Additionally, rather than receiving lifetime benefits, recipients would be eligible for benefits for 3 year increments.

Continue reading "Will Standard for HIV Change for Social Security?" »

The Social Security Administration has announced that it anticipates receiving 3.2 million initial claims for disability, in the year 2010. That is an astounding increase of 600,000 additional claims, compared to just two (2) years earlier. According to Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., the Social Security Administration is underfunded to keep up with the increased volume. According to Randy Zeldin, Esq., who practices Social Security Disability law in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, administrative and electronic reforms implemented by Social Security are helpful, but the real problem is with staffing. "There are simply not enough Social Security Judges and staff to move the flow of appeals" said Randy Zeldin, Esq., in his Boca Raton, Florida law office.

These are desperate times. Persons with disabilities who might otherwise find employment during good economic times, are without a chance during the Great Recession. That is why so many individuals with disabilities, are choosing to file for Social Security Disability, being unable to find work within their restrictions, in the national economy.

The large number of cases has overwhelmed the Social Security Administration and the Administrative Law Judges who must handle the cases. Waiting times in Broward and Palm Beach Counties, can be as long as two years. Unfortunately, violence and threats of violence have increased along the way. Between March and August of 2009, there were considerable threats of violence to individual Administrative Law Judges and staff. The statistics are available from the Association of Administrative Law Judges.

Continue reading "Backlogged Social Security System Creates Dangers" »

For an individual seeking Social Security Disability Benefits, an online application is the easiest and most efficient method. Social Security attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., recommends that individuals simply go the website, ssa.gov, which is the official government website. The SSA website will provide a check list of required information and directions for a relatively simple application process. For those not computer literate, the old fashioned way is a visit to the local Social Security office. The third method for application is to call the Social Security Administration directly at 800-772-1212 and schedule an appointment to apply via telephone.

Whichever method is used, Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., serving Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, recommends that all applicants follow up with their physicians and make certain that they comply with record requests made by SSA.

What is the relationship between a recession and Social Security Disability? According to attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., a social security expert in Boca Raton, disabled individuals who might normally find work in a healthy economy, are totally shut out when unemployment is over 10%. According to Randy Zeldin, Esq., even marginally disabled workers have a smaller base of jobs from which to choose during a recession. The result is a dramatic increase in the number of Social Security Disability claims. Specifically, in 2009, there were 260,000 more Social Security Disability claims, or an 11% increase over 2008.

Continue reading "Recession Brings Record Social Security Disability Claims" »

In 2010, it is estimated that 3.3 millions persons will apply for Social Security Disability. That is an increase of 300,000 applications from 2009. There are many reasons for the spike in applications. The aging of the adult population is one factor. Many observers, including Social Security Disability Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., believe that the economic recession is the main cause. According to attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., of Boca Raton, he has seen a large increase of Social Security applicants, who were pushed out of the tight job market, because their disability made them totally unemployable.

The outcome of the increase of applications, is a huge backlog and a long waiting period. According to the Congressional Research Service, most applicants now wait an average of approximately two years until the claim is processed and appealed. Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., with offices in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, hopes that the U.S. Congress will finally authorize additional monies to the beleagured Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration has expanded its Compassionate Allowance Initiative, to include early stage Alzheimer's Disease, primary progressive aphasia and mixed dementia. This Initiative is an attempt to streamline the Social Security application process, for diseases and disabilities which generally meet the criteria to receive benefits.

Social Security Disability attorney, Randy Zeldin, Esq., with offices in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, applauds the move. It is estimated that there are over 5.3 million Americans with Alzheimer's Disease and most, if not all of these individuals, will eventually quality for Social Security.

Continue reading "Social Security Compassionate Allowances Initiative Is Expanded" »

The Social Security Administration has announced that it will fast-track Alzheimer's disease and 37 other conditions. This will significantly shorten the waiting time for certain seriously ill patients, according to attorney Randy Zeldin. The average waiting time for a Social Security appeal, according to attorney Randy Zeldin, is 440 days. This is much too long for many sick Social Security applicants, in the Boca Raton area.

Social Security Disability Attorney, Randy Zeldin, applauds the decision of the Social Security Administration to obtain medical records electronically from doctors. The process would further pay physicians $15.00 for each request. The Social Security Administration placed notice of this procedure in the recent Federal Register.

"Given the backlog of Social Security Disability Cases," said attorney Zeldin from his Boca Raton office, "all attempts by the government to speed up the process are welcome." Further, attorney Zeldin emphasized that Social Security Disability Applicants from Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, could be favorably impacted by speeding up the hearing process.

Boca Raton Social Security Disability Attorney, Randy Zeldin, Esq., is frequently asked about the relationship of VA Benefits to Social Security Disability Benefits. VA Disability compensation is not affected by the receipt of Social Security Disability compensation. That is, receipt of Social Security Disability benefits will not be impacted by the receipt of non-service connected VA Benefits.

Continue reading "Will VA benefits impact Social Security Disability Benefits?" »

Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., recommends that the Social Security Administration use it's resources more wisely. Too many applicants do not qualify for disability benefits, for a number of reasons. If Social Security staff were hired and trained to simply screen applications, many would be either dropped or re-framed properly.

Randy Zeldin, Esq., practices Social Security Disability law in Boca Raton, Florida

Between the years 2000-2008, the number of Social Security Disability cases has more than doubled. According to attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., a Social Security Disability attorney in Boca Raton, some Claimants have waited up to 3 years to have their claim determined. This results in terrible hardship for many person, because they often go without income or medical care while waiting for their appeal to be determined.

Continue reading "Unprecedent Backlog of Social Security Applications" »

Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Benefits are also eligible for Medicare and the new Medicare Part "D." Part D is voluntary, but requires payment of additional premiums, to be used for prescription drugs. The Center for Medicare Services has announced that open enrollment has begun beginning November 15, 2009 until the end of the calendar year.

According to Social Security Disability Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., it is important to shop around carefully for Medicare Part "D" premiums. According to Randy Zeldin, Esq., there is a huge variation in the cost of the premiums and the benefits they provide. Social Security Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq. represents Social Security Disability clients in Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

The severe unemployment in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, has motivated many marginally disabled persons to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits. Some of these individuals were denied unemployment compensation and turned to Social Security instead. According to Social Security Disability Attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq., a disqualification for unemployment benefits has no bearing upon entitlement to Social Security Disability.

Continue reading "Social Security Applications Rise in Recession" »

The workers' compensation and Social Security Disability law office of Randy Zeldin, is pleased to announce that Sangitha Palaniappa has joined the staff. "Sangi" as she is nicknamed, is pursuing studies in political science with the intent to earn a law degree. She brings her expertise to all facets of Randy Zeldin's law practice, which services all of Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

Ms. Palaniappa, is fluent in the Tamil and Spanish languages. She is an expert in Baharatnatyam dance.

Social Security Disability Attorney Randy Zeldin, is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Apana has joined the firm as a legal assistant. Ms. Apana is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and is developing expertise in medical-legal issues. Her expertise will be an asset to individuals in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, seeking to apply for
Social Security Disability Benefits with the law firm of Randy Zeldin.

Over the past year, the number of pending Social Security Disability claims sky-rocketed from 556,000 to over 736,000. This is partly because of the recession, but there is another factor. Many private disability insurers require insured persons to apply for Social Security Disability as a condition of coverage! Sen. Charles Grassley worries that this phenomenon will further spike the number of applicants. Although Pres. Obama has channeled more money to the Social Security Administration, larger structural changes are needed.

According to Social Security Disability Attorney, Randy Zeldin, Esq., attention should be focused on increasing SSA staff and streamlining procedures for processing claims.

Recipients of Social Security Disability are eligible to get monthly payments on a prepaid debit card. The card is intended for Social Security recipients who do not have bank accounts. It is called the Direct Express Debit Master Card, issued by Comerica Bank.

Randy Zeldin, a Social Security Disability attorney with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, urges Social Security Disability recipients to look carefully into this option.

It is possible to check the status of your Social Security Disability application online.
Randy Zeldin, Esq. represents injured persons in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.

There is a 5 month waiting period to receive Social Security Disability benefits, after the effective date of disability. This is often too long a waiting period for severely ill persons. Randy Zeldin, Social Security Disability attorney, represents a lady with terminal brain cancer, who is now going through an unnecessary delay in obtaining medical care. According to Randy Zeldin, an attorney who represents Social Security applicants throughout Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, the law should be revisited by the U.S. Congress.

The law firm of Randy Zeldin, P.A., announces that Ms. Shwetha Gautham has joined the firm as a legal assistant. Ms. Gautham is currently a student at Florida Atlantic University, nearing a completion of her Bachelor of Arts, after which she will enter law school. Her skills add a new dimension to the law offices of Randy Zeldin, P.A., which specializes in workers' compensation; Social Security Disability and bankruptcy law.

Shwetha Gautham is fluent in the Hindi language and is an expert in Bharatnatyam dance.

The Social Security Administration spends over $500 million dollar annually, in order to obtain "paper" medical records. This process requires the applicant to sign a medical release, which is sent over to the treating physician. The entire process causes great expense and delay to needy Social Security applicants, according to attorney Randy Zeldin, Esq. of West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale.

To remedy the situation, Social Security has started a pilot program with the
Cleveland Clinic, to obtain medical records electronically. If successful, this prototype could be a partnership between the private health care industry and Social Security which would streamline the application process.

The State of Florida is facing very high unemployment today and into the foreseeable future. According to statistics from the U.S. Treasury, the Florida Department of Revenue has spent $600 million dollars in unemployment benefits since May 2008. With unemployment in Florida currently impacting over 300,000 persons, the situation is devastating for many working persons. Even worse, unemployment benefits average $300.00 per week, not nearly enough for even subsistence.

According to South Florida workers' compensation attorney Randy Zeldin, with offices in Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, high unemployment historically dampens the willingness of injured workers to fight for workers' compensation benefits. In a bad economy, injured workers are afraid to "rock the boat" with their employers, fearing retaliation or termination from the job. According to Randy Zeldin, this results in many injured workers in Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale foregoing workers' compensation benefits or accepting less medical care or benefits than the law allows.

Continue reading "Florida High Unemployment Chills Workers' Compensation Claims" »

Social Security Disability applicants with 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers, will benefit from a new "fast track" application process. Instead of waiting for prolonged periods to obtain administrative action, these applicants will get prompt review by Social Security, through a program known as "Compassionate Allowances." The program has been hailed as a great breakthrough, by the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin, applauds Commissioner of Social Security, Michael Astrue, for instituting the program. According to Randy Zeldin, these claims deserve expedited consideration. "Unfortunately, there are many other deserving Social Security Disability applicants from Ft. Lauderdale to West Palm Beach, who also deserve expedited hearings, said Attorney Randy Zeldin

Across the U.S., 765,000 Americans, including applicants from Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach, are waiting for a Social Security hearing! The outcome is that some applicants literally die before they get benefits. There have been tragic reports of suicide.

According to Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach Social Security Attorney, Randy Zeldin, the terrible backlog is not because of fraud or lack of entitlement for benefits. Instead, it is mostly due to the failure of the U.S. Congress to properly fund the Social Security Administration. Administrative Law Judges and their staff are overwhelmed with cases. Waiting times for hearings in Palm Beach and Broward Counties can be as much as 2 years.

Recently, the Social Security Administration has hired 189 administrative law judges and support staff. The House Ways and Means Committee will be conducting hearings shortly on this important problem.

In Boca Raton, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, waiting time to get a hearing before a Social Security Judge can be over one year, sometimes one and a half years! Some of my Social Security Disability clients in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach and Delray Beach, continue to wait for hearing dates without benefits. The Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Michael Astrue told Congress at a hearing in May, that the average wait time nationally is 505 days! The law office of Randy Zeldin has seen homelessness with one of my clients with severe psychiatric illness, while waiting for a hearing date. While my clients wait, the bills can pile up and sometimes their medical conditions worsen.

According to Rep. Kathy Castor, the waiting time for Social Security Disability applicants is the worst in the State of Florida. Rep. Castor is hoping to speed things up for deserving Social Security applicants. She is introducing a bill in the U.S. Congress that would require that a hearing be held between 60 and 75 days after a request. The law would require a decision from a Social Security Judge no more than 15 days after the hearing.

There are many reasons for the backlog. Social Security Judges and staff are simply overwhelmed with cases. Social Security Disability attorney Randy Zeldin believes that the U.S. Congress must approve Rep. Castor's bill and appropriate more money for administrative staff.

Many Social Security Disability recipients in South Florida, Palm Beach and Broward Counties, receive benefits by U.S. "snail" mail or direct deposit. This sometimes results in delays or lost and stolen checks. The U.S. Department of Treasury has a plan to introduce a prepaid debit card for Social Security Disability recipients.

The card will be called the Direct Express credit card. Instead of mailing or direct depositing monthly payments, the U.S. Treasury will automatically load benefits onto a card account designated by the recipient. This will allow Social Security Disability recipients in South Florida to use the card for retail purchases, bank and ATM transactions. Social Security Disability recipients will be allowed one free ATM withdrawal each month, with a low charge of 90 cents for additional withdrawals. The Direct Express card is free to obtain and there is no monthly or annual fee.

The law offices of Randy Zeldin welcomes this introduction by the U.S. Treasury, which will benefit many of my Social Security Disability clients in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach. It will be a huge help to South Florida Social Security Disability recipients who have no bank accounts. To sign up, call the Social Security Administration at 1-877-212-999. Information can also be obtained on the Social Security website.