Summary

In this episode of Seeking Disability, hosts Thomas and Dana Duncan discuss the intricacies of navigating the Social Security disability system. They share their personal journeys into disability law, explain what constitutes a disability, and outline the application process for benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of having a knowledgeable representative to assist in the claims process and encourages listeners to seek help if they are unable to work due to medical conditions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Our Background

03:44 What is Disability?

05:15 Do I Qualify for Benefits?

08:52 What is the Process of a Disability Claim?

12:17 Do Claimants Need a Representative?

13:52 How Much Does a Representative Cost?

17:05 Final Thoughts

18:17 Conclusion

Keywords

disability, Social Security, application process, representation, benefits, law, claims, medical conditions, legal advice, support

Summary

In this episode of Seeking Disability, hosts Thomas and Dana Duncan delve into the complexities of Social Security disability determinations. They clarify that having a severe impairment does not automatically qualify someone as disabled under Social Security standards. The discussion emphasizes the importance of the duration of the condition, specifically that it must last for at least 12 months to be considered disabling. They outline the sequential evaluation process used by Social Security, which includes five steps to assess whether an individual can maintain full-time competitive employment despite their impairments.

The Duncans break down each step of the evaluation process, starting with whether the individual is working and if their impairment is severe enough to limit their ability to work. They explain the significance of the residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment, which evaluates the individual's ability to perform work-related activities. The episode also highlights the role of vocational experts in determining if there are other jobs available in the national economy that the individual can perform, especially if they cannot return to their past relevant work. Overall, the episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners navigating the often confusing landscape of Social Security disability claims.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back to Seeking Disability

00:11 What is a Severe Impairment?

02:16 The Sequential Process

04:56 Step Two - Severe Impairments

06:36 Step Three - Listed Impairments

09:02 Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

12:47 Step Four - Past Relevant Work

15:03 Step Five - Can You Do Other Work That is Available?

19:38 Wrap Up and Credits

Keywords

Social Security disability, disability determination, severe impairment, residual functional capacity, vocational expert

To find out more, please visit duncandisability.com

Summary:

In this episode of Seeking Disability, hosts Thomas and Dana Duncan discuss the importance of legal representation in the disability application process. They explore the nuances of Social Security law, the potential pitfalls of navigating the system alone, and the benefits of consulting an attorney at various stages of the application. The episode also covers the structure of legal fees, emphasizing that representation is contingent on winning the case, which alleviates upfront financial burdens for clients.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:34 Do I Need an Attorney to Represent Me?

04:02 Wording Matters

06:33 How a Lawyer Can Help You with ALJs

07:47 What Does a Lawyer/Representative Cost?

10:15 Wrap Up and Credits

Keywords:

disability, legal representation, Social Security, application process, attorney fees

For more information, please visit duncandisability.com