Library

Useful Links

Code of Federal Regulations
Listing of Impairments
Medical-Vocational (GRID) Rules
Program Operations Manual System (POMS)
Rulings
Social Security Program Rules
SSI Law and Regulation Finder

What To Expect After the ALJ Hearing

Appeal Rights
Deciding Whether to Appeal
Do I have to pay my attorney?
How much back pay will I receive if I win my case?
How much will my monthly benefit be if I win my case?
Notice of Award
Notice of Decision
Processing Your Award
Supplemental Hearings

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Social Security representatives attorneys?
Can I get disability benefits based solely on mental illness?
Can I retain my benefits if I go back to work?
Do I have to be permanently disabled to get Social Security Disability benefits?
Do I need to hire a lawyer?
How can I make SSA decide my claim faster?
How long will it take before I receive benefits?
How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?
If I am awarded benefits, will my benefits last forever?
Is it easier for older people to get disability?
What happens if I become incarcerated?
What happens if I go back to work while my claim is pending?
What if my benefits get cut off?
When should I apply for Social Security Disability benefits?

Disability Forms (Downloadable PDFs)

Disability Report - Appeal

PDF icon Appeal Form

Medical Assessment

PDF icon Chronic Pain
PDF icon Cirrhosis/Liver Disease

Medical Source Statement

PDF icon Headaches

Residual Functional Capacity

PDF icon Cardiac
PDF icon Diabetes Mellitus
PDF icon Irritable Bowel Syndrome
PDF icon Lower Extremity
PDF icon Lumbar Spine
PDF icon Mental
PDF icon Multiple Sclerosis
PDF icon Physical
PDF icon Seizures
PDF icon Upper Extremities

After a Favorable Social Security Decision (FAQ)

Do I have to do anything such as visit the Social Security Office or complete some forms in order to get paid my Social Security disability benefits?
How far back will my benefits go?
How long will it take for SSA to pay me?
I understand that I should not spend all of my back benefits until we figure out if attorney’s fees were withheld. Does it happen very often that attorney’s fees are not withheld?
If l get paid first, should I wait until I receive the Notice of Award before I cash the check or spend my past-due benefits?
Is the Social Security Administration going to make it as difficult to keep my benefits as it did to get them in the first place?
Is there anything I can do to make dealing with the Social Security Administration easier?
Is there anything that I can do now to help ensure that my benefits will continue?
No. Not very often. But it does happen once in awhile.
Should I sign up for direct deposit?
The cover sheet of the favorable decision says that the Appeals Council may review the decision “on its own motion.” What does this mean?
What if the Social Security Administration finds that my disability has ceased but I’m still not able to work?
What is a “continuing disability review”?
What will I have to do for a “continuing disability review”?
What will the amount of my monthly benefits be?
When will I get the Notice of Award?
When will my regular monthly benefits begin?
Why would there be a problem if I were overpaid?
Will I be eligible for Medicare?
Will I have to pay taxes on the Social Security disability benefits I receive?
Will I receive a notice from the Social Security Administration explaining my benefits?
Will the check for attorney’s fees be sent out around the same time that I get my check for back benefits?

Legal Issues

Disability Arising Out of Criminal Conviction
How Social Security Evaluates Obesity
How SSA Evaluates Drug and Alcohol Addiction