Social Security Disability Blog

As stated in our last newsletter, Social Security is proceeding with its disability claims by telephone rather than in person. While hardly perfect, we have found this transition to be beneficial to our clientele. The alternative is more delay, on top of the 18 months it typically takes a claimant to get a hearing. We oppose all forms of delay although we note other attorneys prefer in person hearings at all costs. Some estimate these in person attorneys can’t occur for 6-12 more months. SSA has moved towards some telework but slowly. The process has made the Social Security Administration more available to claimants, and More...

Discrimination Law House Bill 352 is being considered by the business-dominated Ohio legislature concerning employment discrimination changes. This affects only state law and procedures. Included within its provisions is the prerequisite that all claims be filed with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, with a later opportunity to go to court with a right to sue letter. This mirrors federal EEOC claims. The bill eliminates individual liability, even for discriminating supervisors or owners (except for retaliation claims). It decreases the statute of limitations for discrimination claims from six years to two years, following conclusion of any investigation by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and it reforms More...

Easy Way to Register to Vote and Absentee Ballot Voting Ohio makes it easy to register to vote and to also request to vote by mail (absentee ballot). Here are the easy steps to take. If you want to register to vote, click here. If you want to vote by mail (absentee ballot), click here. You will have to print and mail in the form, but it is far easier – and safer – than standing in line. If you need help, or don’t have a printer, you can call your local board of elections and ask that an application be sent to you. Phone More...

If you have applied for disability, you’ll probably hear a lot from your family and friends about Social Security’s two programs for disabled Americans – Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI”) and Supplemental Security Income benefits (“SSI”). But much of what you hear may not be correct – about how easy it is or other myths concerning disability is misleading. Since the best way to dispel the myths is with facts, we’ll discuss some of the common myths: Myth #1: There are huge numbers of people who are on disability benefits. Fact: FALSE. As of 2019, there were 8.5 million Americans receiving SSDI benefits, out More...

A Focus on Our Wonderful Staff It is hard to pick who to spotlight as we are surrounded by dedicated, hard working people. Pictured below are Mary Ann, Valerie, Sara and Donna J. (pre-covid 19 and masks). Each have been with the firm for many years now, and have contributed mightily to helping our clients fight their way through litigation and disability issues. Mary Ann (administrative appeals) is known for her smile and wit, Valarie (legal assistant) for her energy, compassion and distinctive laugh (giggle), and Sara (bookkeeping) for her big eyes, work ethic, and family values (her mother also works in the office, 50 More...

An important part of disability law – and your own health needs – is reliance upon the advice of your physician. Their medical opinions are vital, both personally and from a legal standpoint. Until recently, your doctor’s medical opinion on your limitations and abilities was given high priority, or a presumption of validity in legal jurisprudence. More recently however, the current administration and the Social Security Administration have reduced the value of your treating physician’s opinions. SSA now can substitute the opinion of a consulting doctor who may examine you once, or perform a simple paper review of your medical records. The traditional case law More...

You are likely entitled to a check from U.S. government. No action needed by most people at this time – IR-2020-61, March 30, 2020 WASHINGTON – The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people… Who is eligible for the economic impact payment? Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount More...

An article about resources for those in need of social services during the pandemic by Margolius, Margolius & Associates, a Cleveland Social Security law firm. More...

Update April 2020 : We are glad to report that most all of our client’s legal proceedings are still moving forward, and our office is fully functioning. We recognize how difficult this crisis is for our clientele and are here to help. You, our clients, remain our top priority. We are very grateful for the hard work by our staff and our attorneys. Social Security disability hearings are now being held by telephone, in Ohio and in many of the other states where we practice. In litigation, civil pretrials and other hearings are also moving forward, although mostly by telephone. We view this as far More...