Social Security Disability Blog

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… Continue Reading Social Security Disability – Busting the Myths 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… Continue Reading A Focus on Our Wonderful Staff 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… Continue Reading Treating Physician’s Role Diluted at Disability Hearings 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… Continue Reading Distribution of Economic Impact Checks and Program’s Effect on Social Security Checks 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. Continue Reading Food Pantries, Social Service Organizations Respond to Pandemic 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… Continue Reading Coronavirus Update for Our Clients More...

Food as Medicine is a free produce distribution program through the Greater Cleveland Food Bank in collaboration with health care facilities to improve health and wellbeing by giving access to healthy food. NEON (Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services) has six different locations where produce is distributed. For times and locations of distributions see below. NEON Food as Medicine 2020 Schedule Flyer To learn more about the program, visit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank website: https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/programs/food-as-medicine More...

Congratulations to Andrew Margolius and Marcia Margolius for their selection by Super Lawyers in 2020. Andrew Margolius has been recognized in the area of employment law, and Marcia Margolius has been recognized in the area of Social Security. Super Lawyers identifies the top five percent of lawyers in each state “to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel.” Super Lawyers uses a multiphase process in order to select attorneys, which includes nomination, independent research, peer evaluation, and final selection. More information about Super Lawyers is available in their regional newsletter.… Continue Reading Andrew Margolius and Marcia Margolius Recognized as Super Lawyers in 2020 More...

The Social Security Administration allows for quick hearings or an on-the-record decision without a hearing for what is vaguely described as a compassionate allowance. These cases are often difficult to identify and prove. The regulation states: Compassionate Allowances (CAL)The CAL process identifies diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the Listing of Impairments (20 CFR Appendix 1 to Subpart P of Part 404-Listing of Impairments). For more information about the CAL initiative, see POMS DI 11005.604. Most CAL cases are identified at the initial level of adjudication, but a new condition that develops later can also qualify for CAL processing. Subsequent identification, including… Continue Reading Compassionate Allowance More...