Disability Benefits FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Get answers to common questions about filing for Social Security Disability Benefits in Vermont
  1. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for my disability case?
  2. Can I collect Social Security Disability benefits while I work?
  3. Am I eligible for disability benefits from Social Security?
  4. How can I find out if my medical condition qualifies for disability benefits?
  5. Are mental illnesses eligible for disability benefits?
  6. What is the difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
  7. What are the important deadlines I need to watch?
  8. If I need to apply, what should I do?
  9. If I applied but was denied, what should I do?
  10. If I received notice that I will have a hearing, what should I do?
  11. If I lose my case after my hearing, can a lawyer still help me?
  12. Why do I need representation?
  13. What's the difference between a lawyer and non-attorney advocate?
  14. Why should I hire Anderson Lamb & Associates PC?
  15. Social Security said that I should be able to return to work within a year. Should I wait to see if my health improves or should I appeal?
  16. I'm interested in talking with Anderson Lamb & Associates PC. What should I do next?

Are you eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

1. Are you working?
If you worked this calendar year and averaged more than $1,000 a month in earnings, you generally cannot be considered disabled. We can help you determine if this step will disqualify your case.
2. Is your condition severe?
Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities, and you must be able to prove that you can't perform your previous job. Proper evidence and documentation are crucial for this step. Anderson Lamb & Associates PC will work with you and your doctors to prove the severity of your condition.
3. Is your health problem found on the list of medical conditions that qualify?
If your ailment is not on Social Security's list, you may not quality, but you can still prove you're disabled if you have the proper medical records. Contact us today to find out if your condition qualifies.
4. Can you do the work you did previously?
If necessary, we can have you evaluated by an expert who can testify at your hearing about your ability to perform your former work. We'll help you gather the evidence you need.
5. Can you do any other type of work?
If SSA decides you cannot do the work you did before, they'll consider your ability to do other kinds of work. Age, education and work experience all factor into this consideration.

If your health prevents you from working, Anderson Lamb & Associates PC will help you start your application for disability benefits. We can also help you appeal if you've applied and been denied. If you have a hearing scheduled, we can help with the critical preparations. Contact us today

Do I Qualify For Disability Benefits?

Find out if you are eligible to receive Social Security disability...
While you may be unable to work, that fact alone won't guarantee you Social Security disability benefits. Social Security is a big government agency. They use a complex legal system to decide who deserves benefits, and you can only win benefits if you meet their strict definition of "disabled."
We'll help you determine whether you do. Contact us for a FREE evaluation of your disability claim and find out if you qualify for benefits.

What does being disabled mean?

Under Social Security rules, you're only considered disabled if a medical condition or injury is expected to keep you from working for at least 12 months. The disability can be a physical condition, a mental condition, or a combination of problems. If you're unable to work, it's important that you schedule regular medical appointments and gather enough documentation to prove your case to Social Security.
In general, Social Security considers you disabled if:
  • You cannot do work that you did before
  • They decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
  • Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security has a Five Step Process to determine whether you're disabled.
What medical conditions qualify for benefits?
Just about any medical problem that stops you from working can qualify for disability benefits.
These are some of the most common:
  • Chronic Pain
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Cancer
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hepatitis C
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Lupus
  • Lung Disease
These are some of the most common:
  • Chronic Pain
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Cancer
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hepatitis C
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Lupus
  • Lung Disease

Appeal Your Denied Disability Claim

If you're denied Social Security Disability benefits, Don't be discouraged. Most people who apply are denied. Anderson Lamb & Associates PC has helped turn denials into approvals. It's a FREE call to talk about your claim. If you don't win Social Security benefits, it costs you nothing. Important! Once you're denied Social Security disability benefits, the clock starts ticking. Don't wait too long. You can miss the deadline to appeal. Your hearing is the most critical stage in your case. Your appeals hearing before the Administrative Law Judge is your first chance to present evidence in person. It's crucial that you and the evidence be well prepared. We strongly recommend you get legal help before and during the hearing to present the most effective case.

Anderson Lamb & Associates PC can:
  • analyze your Social Security file
  • prepare your disability case and set the strategy
  • gather additional evidence from your doctors and medical providers
  • make legal arguments, prepare your testimony
  • question witnesses (for your side)
  • cross-examine any medical and vocational experts who testify at your hearing.

Social Security often brings in expert medical witnesses to provide testimony.
They can hurt your chances of winning benefits. We know how to counter these experts. We can fight for your rights, and we can win.
Most people win Social Security disability benefits with an experienced disability lawyer representative. According to Social Security's own statistics, people win benefits more often when they have representation than when they don't. Since there's no fee if you don't win benefits, the decision to get legal representation is an easy one.

Anderson Lamb & Associates PC can help at all four levels of Social Security appeals. Whether you need to apply for benefits or were already denied, fill out the form below to talk to us about your case. If you don't win disability benefits, there's no cost to you.
  • Applying?
  • Denied?
  • Do I Qualify?
Contact Us Today!

Applying for Disability - Getting you the Social Security Disability Benefits you need.

When you apply on your own for Social Security disability benefits, you're asked to provide many pages of answers and documentation. Even a minor mistake could seriously jeopardize your chance of winning benefits, and you may not be able to correct your mistake later. It's extremely important that your form be filled out accurately. The Law Office of Anderson Lamb & Associates PC can help with that. Whether Social Security considers you disabled is determined by your inability to work.
The agency considers you disabled under its rules if:
  • You cannot do work that you did before;
  • They decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
  • Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Social Security pays only for total disability, not a partial disability. Why do many people consider applying for benefits difficult?
Many people believe that if they simply explain their situation to Social Security, someone will understand and award them disability benefits. Unfortunately, that's not the way Social Security works.
Applying for Social Security disability benefits is a complicated legal process. You must prove you're “disabled” according to the Social Security Disability Program (SSDP) legal definition, and this involves a Five Step Process.

Why are most people who apply for social security disability benefits denied?
The Social Security disability system involves thousands of rules, regulations, and procedures. You can be denied benefits if your doctor doesn't know the legal definition of disability, or if a Social Security employee fails to obtain medical evidence on your behalf. You can also lose your case if an appeal is handled improperly. When applying for disability benefits, Anderson Lamb & Associates PC will walk you through the initial application process by helping you…
  • Gather proof that you're disabled and cannot maintain work for one year or more
  • Organize proper job history and records
  • Obtain proper medical records to prove you meet the government definition of disability
  • Apply as soon as possible. (There are time restrictions.)

    By contacting Anderson Lamb & Associates PC before you start applying, you'll vastly improve your chances of winning benefits. Our staff has helped hundreds of people in and around Vermont, upstate New York, and New Hampshire apply for and win the benefits they deserve. How likely are you to win social security disability benefits?
    Anderson Lamb & Associates PC offers a free evaluation of your disability case. You pay nothing unless you win.
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