Social Security Disability Insurance is an important part of the social safety net that aims to protect people if they become disabled and unable to work. Workers fund SSDI through contributions from their payroll taxes and, in exchange for paying these taxes, they are supposed to receive benefits if they suffer a qualifying long-term disability.

Unfortunately, the SSDI program has been under attack due to allegations of fraud and supposed inefficiencies in the system. Our Tulsa, OK SSDI attorneys know that there is already a very high denial rate for disability benefits applications because of concerns about dishonest applicants. Now, a new article has indicated that the House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into fraud and waste. This investigation could potentially lead to changes or to a tightening of the laws that make it even more difficult for the disabled to obtain the benefits they need.

SSDI Fraud Investigation Underway

According to the Washington Free Beacon, the number of people enrolled in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program increased from 5.58 million people receiving benefits in 2003 to 8.83 million people receiving benefits in 2012. This is an increase of almost 60 percent.

The Washington Free Beacon reports that two letters written by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee have identified fraud as a possible reason for the dramatic increase in the number of people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Improper payment is also identified as a possible reason for the increase in claims.  This improper payment is allegedly caused by mismanagement. Those asserting mismanagement point to proof of the improper payment in a 2010 Government Accountability Office Report. For example, the article indicates that people are receiving SSDI benefits despite being able to pass a rigorous physical exam to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Passing the exam, it is argued, means they cannot be disabled and yet they are receiving benefits.

Finally, a third area of concern identified is structural flaws in the SSDI program. In asserting that the program is badly designed, data from an MIT economist is cited which indicates people may get better benefits and more money if they remain on SSDI rather than trying to re-enter the labor force.

Suggested Ways to Fight Fraud

In addition to asserting fraud, the letters assert that past recommendations to curb abuses have not been implemented. Past recommendations for fighting fraud include conducting more thorough reviews into the income of applicants and more thorough reviews of the medical state of recipients.

Because the past recommendations have not been implemented, wholesale reform of the SSDI program is now being called for, reportedly in order to save the program from potential collapse that could be brought on by too many claims.

Fighting for Your Right to Benefits

Unfortunately, it is already very difficult for people to obtain benefits as there is a very rigorous application process in place and as many claims for benefits are already denied.

With continued allegations of fraud and abuse, any changes made or new regulations passed are likely to make it even more difficult for people to apply for benefits. This is unfortunate, as one of the likely reasons for the increase in claims is that baby boomers are aging and are thus more likely to become disabled and in need of benefits because they are unable to work.

For those seeking benefits with legitimate claims that are denied, it will now be more important than ever to have an advocate on your side to help you make a successful claim.

If you need help obtaining disability benefits in Oklahoma, contact Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices at 877-583-0700.

Anyone who is applying for Social Security disability benefits or who has a question about their existing benefits may find themselves coping with long wait times at the Social Security Administration (even longer than normal). Those seeking help from someone at the Social Security Administration may also discover that there are shorter office hours and more limited appointment times. The extended wait times, reduced hours and the lengthy delays are occurring, according to the Baltimore Sun, as a result of the sequester.

Our Tulsa, OK SSDI attorneys know that every minute counts when you are in need of disability benefits and are not receiving the money you require to support yourself. It is very frustrating for people who are disabled and unable to work to wait for weeks or months to get an appointment, start the application process or get an answer on their claim. Unfortunately, this problem is unlikely to go away any time soon and the only recourse that applicants have is to make very sure that they are completing their application thoroughly and completely so they do not give the government a reason to further delay their case.

The Sequester and Social Security

The Sequester refers to a series of $85 billion in automatic budget cuts that occurred on March 1. The cuts included an arbitrary slashing of funding for a huge variety of different government services. While Social Security disability benefits were protected from the cuts and checks will continue to go out on time, the Baltimore Sun indicates that Social Security offices nationwide were affected by the sequester and now have less money and have had to furlough employees and cut hours.

The automatic budget cuts were intended to be unpleasant and draconian in order to force Democrats and Republicans to come to an agreement on how to cut spending. Unfortunately, when no agreement was reached, the cuts went into effect. This has resulted in essential government services — like those provided by Social Security Administration workers — being cut. As the weeks have passed, neither Democrats nor Republicans have shown a willingness to compromise to undo the budget cuts, so it is likely that this reduced funding is going to remain in effect for a while and that the SSA will have to continue operating with a slashed budget.

Getting Your Application Approved and Your Questions Answered

Unfortunately, those applying for disability benefits will now have a longer wait to get help from an SSA representative with their application. Those whose applications are processing are going to have a longer wait to get an answer on approval or denial (the wait was already three to five months on average). Finally, those who have questions or concerns about their benefits are also going to have a harder time getting their questions answered.

Working with a Social Security attorney can be the best option under these circumstances as your lawyer can help by answering questions that an SSA representative isn’t available to answer, and by keeping the application process moving along. Your lawyer will also make sure you’ve provided all the necessary information so that there are no undue delays in processing your benefits claim.

If you need help obtaining disability benefits in Oklahoma, contact Hansen Dirani and  Associates Law Offices at 877-583-0700.

According to new data from the Social Security Administration, the number of Americans collecting disability benefits continues to climb. Data released in February, for example, indicated that 8,830,026 individuals received benefits in January, up from the 8,827,795 who were collecting in December. This is the 192nd month in a row that the number of people receiving disability benefits increased, and most experts indicate that ongoing economic difficulties and high unemployment rates are a contributing factor. With fewer jobs available in general, more disabled individuals are struggling to find work and are turning to the disability system for help.

Unfortunately, with more people applying, the backlog for having claims reviewed and for having appeals processed has grown longer. The data for 2013, for example, already shows that the SSA is off to a slower start in 2013.  Our  Tulsa, OK Social Security disability lawyers urge every applicant for benefits to be aware of the backlog and to do everything possible to prepare a solid application for benefits to avoid becoming caught up in the lengthy delays.

The SSA Backlog and Your Claim

2013 data presents lots of bad news for those applying for disability benefits or for those who are waiting to try to get a benefits claim approved. According to the information made available in early February:

• The hearing-level processing time is up from 353 days in fiscal year 2012 to 361 days in 2013.
• The number of claims pending at the hearing level in the first quarter of 2013 is up to 831,304 from 823,191 pending at the end of 2012.
• In 2009, 37 percent of claims nationwide were approved upon the initial application. In 2012, only 33 percent of initial claims for benefits were approved.
• In 2009, 63 percent of claims were approved at the disability benefits hearing level. In 2012, only 52 percent of benefits claims were allowed at this stage in the appeals process.

As this data shows, disability claims examiners are denying more claims at all levels of the application process. For those who receive a benefit denial, the bigger backlog and the longer wait time means many more months without the disability benefits that you are waiting for and counting on.

Unfortunately, the problem is unlikely to abate any time in the immediate future. As the economy slowly struggles to improve, threats of budget cuts to Social Security programs as well as threats of a potential government shut down in March may result in even longer delays in the later parts of this year.

What Can You Do?

If you are applying for benefits, it is very important that you make sure your application is as complete as it can be and that you take every step possible to ensure that you provide enough evidence for the Social Security Administration to approve your claim. If you can manage to have your claim approved at the initial application stage, you avoid entering into the lengthy appeals process and waiting months or years to get another chance at convincing the SSA that you should receive benefits.

Working with a disability attorney to ensure that your application is solid is one way that you can work to ensure that your claim for benefits is approved in as timely a manner as possible given the lengthy delays now inherent in the disability benefits application process.

To get help from a Tulsa, OK Social Security disability lawyer, contact Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices at 877-583-0700.

According to Tulsa World, a state work-retraining problem in Oklahoma called the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services helped 82 disabled people to obtain jobs last year. The 82 disabled people were listed as disabled for purposes of social security disability insurance (SSDI), which means that they were considered unable to work and were receiving benefits checks before the agency stepped in to help.

The option to undergo job retraining or to learn new skills when you are disabled can be a good option for those who are able to find meaningful work even with their medical conditions. The success of the state retraining program shows that people may be able to train for and find a job to get off disability benefits, especially with state support. However, our Oklahoma social security disability attorneys want to make sure that those who are on disability benefits do not feel pressured into working if they aren’t healthy enough to do so and that workers do not put their benefits at risk when they start considering work.

SSDI Benefits and Returning to Work

Social security disability benefits are available if you meet the qualifying definition of disabled as defined by the social security administration (SSA). This means you have a long-term and severe condition that is either listed in a “blue book” of impairments or that is just as damaging and severe as listed conditions. You’ll also have to exhibit specific symptoms for your medical problem, as defined by the blue book, to qualify for benefits.

Provided you are sufficiently disabled and you cannot work at any job you have had in the past, the benefits should be available to you on an ongoing basis. In some cases, if you are severely disabled and truly unable to work at any sort of job, you can get SSDI benefits until you retire and switch to retirement benefits. The SSA will, however, conduct periodic reviews to ensure you are still disabled.

One criteria in considering whether you are still disabled or not is whether you are earning income and working. Once you start to earn income, you can put your benefits in jeopardy. However, this does not happen immediately as the social security administration offers work incentives and a trial work period that allow you to give working a try without putting your benefits at risk.

The work incentives are explained in detail on the SSA website,  but in general, the rules stipulate that you can have a trial work period of nine months. This means you can keep working and getting benefits for up to nine months. You can also continue to receive SSDI benefits for 30-days after you have recovered to the point when you are no longer disabled, provided you are actively participating in an approved vocational rehab program.

If you believe that you may be well enough to return to some type of work, the trial work periods remove the risk. If you find yourself in this position, then the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitative Services may be able to help.

Remember, though, if you do not feel well enough and you believe you still meet the criteria for disabled but the SSA is trying to cut off your benefits, you should be sure to call a lawyer and not get forced into work you aren’t ready for.

If need assistance with your SSDI claim or SSDI benefits contact Hansen Dirani &  Associates Law Offices at 877-583-0700.

On December 6, 2012, the Social Security administration announced 35 new Compassionate Allowances conditions. The Compassionate Allowances program fast tracks the disability benefits application process, allowing people who obviously qualify for benefits to be approved more quickly and without as much bureaucratic red tape.

Our Oklahoma social security disability attorneys are pleased that the SSA has added more conditions to the Compassionate Allowances program so that more people will have an easier time getting benefits for their severe disabilities. We urge those who are suffering from newly added medical problems to take action quickly to get the benefits that they deserve and we hope that the SSA will continue to expand the compassionate allowances program to allow more people to obtain disability benefits they need in a timely manner.

The New Additions to the Compassionate Allowances Program

The Compassionate Allowances Program is designed to ensure that people with very severe disabilities can obtain benefits more readily through the social security disability insurance program. According to the SSA’s recent announcement, the purpose of the program is to cover conditions that are severe enough that the SSA doesn’t need to delve fully into exploring the applicant’s work history in order to decide if the individual is severely disabled enough to qualify for benefits.

The 35 new conditions that have been added to the Compassionate Allowances program include a variety of severe medical problems including:

• Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Huntington disease (adult onset)
• Child T-Cell lymphoblastic lymphoma
• Menkes disease
• Roberts syndrome
• Sinonasal cancer

These are just a sampling of the 35 new conditions that the SSA has now added to the program. The new conditions, as well as those already part of the Compassionate Allowances Program, largely include brain disorders that affect adults; cancer that affects adults and children; and certain types of rare childhood disorders.

For those with covered conditions, it is possible to obtain disability benefits in just a few days or a few weeks rather than a few months or a few years. With the new additions to the program, there are now 200 conditions that will allow for fast-tracked approval of benefits.

The SSA reports that the Compassionate Allowance Program has been a great success since its inception in October of 2008, with more than 200,000 severely disabled individuals getting approved for benefits quickly. The addition of 35 new diseases will allow for even more disabled individuals to get the benefits they need without the extended application period.

Of course, a claim for benefits is still not guaranteed for those with the disabling conditions on the list since you will need to follow proper SSA procedure and provide required proof of your disabling condition. As such, it is advisable to work with an SSDI attorney as in any case where you are making a claim for benefits.

If you need assistance with a Social Security Disability claim in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney at Hansen Dirani & Associates. We understand how difficult and frustrating the process of applying for benefits can be. We know how confusing the system can seem for the average person. If you have questions about survivor benefits for children or other issues related to an Oklahoma Social Security Disability claim, call Hansen now: 877-583-0700. Hansen knows if you have a case.

What would you do if your insurance company defended the other driver after an auto accident in Oklahoma? Such a scenario sounds far fetched. But that’s exactly what happened when a driver killed a 24-year-old woman driving another car. The woman’s insurance company defended the other driver in court. And to make matters worse, the other driver had a suspended license, and a witness saw the driver run a red light.

At Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices, our experienced lawyers have dedicated their careers to helping Oklahoma auto accident victims just like you. Our Tulsa-based law firm also specializes in helping people obtain Social Security Disability benefits in Oklahoma.

No matter what your legal needs, each case is unique – just like you. That’s why a knowledgeable Tulsa auto accident attorney in our office can work with you to design a legal strategy that fits your specific legal needs. We know how to look for facts others often overlook to help build a strong case in your defense.

We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to get you the money you rightfully deserve, including filing an auto accident lawsuit in Oklahoma.  We realize your case is about more than just money. It’s about justice, about holding people accountable for their actions.

In the case of the 24-year-old woman who died in an auto accident, her insurance company defended the other driver because two witnesses said the woman ran a red light. Another incentive for the woman’s insurance company was they didn’t want to pay her family the full amount.

“I think they thought that we would just turn our tails down behind us and walk away,” the 24-year-old’s mother told The New York Times.

Instead, the woman’s family took action and took on the insurance company in court. The family did so because they insisted their daughter didn’t cause the accident and they deserved to be paid in full. The jury sided with the woman’s family and determined the other driver was responsible for the accident.

Serious accidents demand serious attention. If you’ve been injured in auto accident in Oklahoma, fight back. Contact Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices for a free case evaluation. This may be your only opportunity for justice. Take action. Contact us today.

The Supreme Court addressed an interesting question about Social Security Disability survivor benefits for children conceived by in-vitro fertilization after their father’s death. The justices ruled unanimously that children conceived in such a manner are not automatically entitled to Social Security survivor insurance benefits.

As Social Security Disability lawyers in Oklahoma, we represent people in need of benefits, which may include children who have lost a parent and are facing hardships. The high court ruled that Congress intended the benefit not to assist “needy persons” in general, but for the more specific purpose of alleviating a family’s hardship upon a breadwinner’s death, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal.

The case before the court centered around a Florida man who died 18 months before twin children were born through in-vitro fertilization. Under Florida state law, the children were not considered his heirs.

The twins, however, may have qualified for benefits if they resided in a different state. States have different inheritance laws. For example, Louisiana recognizes children born up to three years after their father’s death, according to the Wall Street Journal.

If you need assistance with a Social Security Disability claim in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney at Hansen Dirani & Associates. We understand how difficult and frustrating the process of applying for benefits can be. We know how confusing the system can seem for the average person. If you have questions about survivor benefits for children or other issues related to an Oklahoma Social Security Disability claim, call Hansen now: 877-583-0700. Hansen knows if you have a case.

Hansen Dirani Law
4815 S. Harvard Ave., Ste. 380
Tulsa, OK 74135

When we’ve worked hard all our lives and are proud of that work ethic and what we’ve achieved, it can be hard to admit that a job accident injury or injury at home has left us disabled in some way. Everyone who becomes disabled is entitled to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, but sometimes that can be a difficult and daunting step to take. In a rural community, disabled SSDI needs can be even more urgent, since access to health care and treatment is often harder to ensure.

Tulsa, Oklahoma personal injury lawyers Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices know that for people living in more remote areas, disabilities are more likely to develop and they are often exacerbated by poverty.  According to the Kansas City Star, a recent survey of nationwide data shows that most communities surviving on disability benefits live in poor, rural settings. “They’re often places where two-lane highways wind around wooded hills, where mining or manual farm labor once put food on the table, and access to medical care has long been limited. Poverty begets bad health and greater rates of disability, experts say, and disabilities often lead to deeper poverty.”

Very often, though, the process of collecting rightful SSDI payments is complicated and sometimes with SSDI applications denied. Being unable to work, injured and/or in physical pain is difficult enough but when a person has to fight for their right to Social Security Disability payments, disabilities seem yet more of a burden.

Since the recession began, every year more than 400,000 people have been added to the disability roster, with an average monthly payment of $1,000. So it is becoming more and more common for those who are disabled to apply for what is rightfully theirs, and for those living in rural areas, disability payments can mean the difference between food on the table and empty cupboards.

National Bureau of Economic Research says that a large part of the rise in disability rolls is due to more and more claims being granted for mental disorders and pain. These conditions are tough to diagnose and even more difficult to assess in regard to work productivity, but they are involved in over 50% of claims that are awarded.

The fact that more people are acknowledging mental health and well-being as a priority and are pursuing assistance when suffering from a mental illness, makes exploring legal support even more important. Very often, the wounds that cannot be seen but that are on the inside are the hardest to prove and take the longest to heal

If you or a loved one are disabled and/or can no longer work, contact Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices. We help clients pursue the Social Security Disability Insurance they rightfully deserve. For a free consultation call 1-877-583-0700 or complete our online contact form today.

Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices
4815 S. Harvard Ave., Ste. 380
Tulsa, OK 74135

Waiting to obtain Social Security Disability benefits can sometimes be a long, frustrating process. That’s why it’s shocking to hear that the Social Security Administration may have delayed “disability benefits so they could meet bureaucratic goals,” according to the Wall Street Journal. In response, Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee have called for an investigation into the matter.

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Oklahoma? You need an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer in Tulsa Oklahoma on your side who understands the law. You need Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices. Our knowledgeable lawyers have years of experience working for clients attempting to successfully obtain the disability benefits they rightfully deserve. Don’t leave your future to chance. Take matters into your own hands. Contact a Social Security Disability attorney in Tulsa Oklahoma who will work for you. Contact Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices.

Delays are common when applying for SSDI benefits in Oklahoma and other states. There’s already a massive backlog of people trying to obtain such benefits. That’s mainly due to the long list of people waiting to appeal denied applications for SSDI benefits. The wait time can often times be more than a year long.

Give your SSDI application an advantage. Contact a Social Security Disability benefits attorney in Oklahoma who fights for justice. Contact Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices.

Do you need to have limited resources to receive Social Security Disability Insurance in Oklahoma? That’s a question many people may ask themselves. A recent news article addressed this direct question related to eligibility for SSDI benefits in Oklahoma. The simple answer is yes. Whether or how much you receive in SSDI benefits is related to the amount of cash, real estate and other investments you personally own. But the answer’s more complex than most people realize.

The struggle to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance has never been harder. More people than ever are applying for benefits. You need an experienced Oklahoma Social Security Disability attorney who understands the system. You need Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices. Our knowledgeable Tulsa Ok Social Security Disability lawyers have helped countless people navigate through the complex SSDI application process. In each case, we work tirelessly to obtain the disability benefits you rightfully deserve. Put your trust in an Oklahoma Social Security Disability attorney who puts people first. Contact Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices today.

Here’s the facts about SSDI eligibility in Oklahoma, according to the news article. In general, a person must have $2,000 or less of “countable resources” to obtain SSDI benefits; married couples, $3,000 or less. But not all resources count towards SSDI limits. Exemptions include your home, your personal effects and in many cases your personal vehicle. There are other exemptions as well if you’re blind.

Social Security Disability Insurance applications can be complicated. Knowing what to do can be confusing. With so much at stake, you need a professional who understands the system. You need Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices. Your initial consultation with us is free. You don’t pay us unless you win. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Put the power of a first-class Oklahoma law firm to work for you. Choose Hansen Dirani & Associates Law Offices. We’re on your side.