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Summer 2009 Newsletter

Summer 2009 Newsletter

DID YOU KNOW ALZHEIMER’S CAN HIT YOUNGER INDIVIDUALS?

I recently came across an article from the Daily Mail about a 36 year old man who developed premature Alzheimer’s or early onset dementia.  Alzheimer’s can actually hit younger individuals in their 30’s to 50’s.  Please be aware of the early warning signs.

  • Memory changes that disrupt daily life
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities
  • Changes in mood and personality

For more information, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at http://www.alz.org.  If you have any concerns about severe short term memory loss, you may wish to consult with your physician or seek the opinion of a neurologist who may order testing.  

THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS ACT OF FEBRUARY 2009

Any individual eligible for all Social Security Title II and SSI benefits from November, 2008 through January, 2009 was entitled to and should have been paid a one time payment of $250.00.  If you qualified for these benefits and have not received them contact your local Social Security office immediately. 

Even if you are awarded benefits after January, 2009 but your benefits go back to prior to November, 2008, you may still be entitled to collect the one time $250.00 payment.  According to Social Security, payments are to be made available until December 31, 2010.  Again, if you have any questions, contact your local Social Security office.

WHY IS MY SOCIAL SECURITY CASE TAKING SO LONG?

Due to the national recession, more people are now filing for Social Security disability benefits.  According to Social Security, the nation-wide rate of new applications since last year has increased by 12.5%.  The rate is much higher in certain states.  Obviously, the increased number of people filing for Social Security disability benefits is causing a delay in the processing time.  In New Jersey, some cases are being sent out of state to New York for assistance of processing cases, particularly at the initial claims level.  Our staff is dedicated to working with the State Agencies processing the initial and reconsideration level claims to assure that all information that is needed is sent in a timely manner for medical review.  Our office staff is available to help you complete all questionnaires including Function Reports, Work History Reports, Disability Reports and Third Party Function Reports.  Please let us know when you receive the questionnaires from Social Security. 

UPDATE ON APPEALS AT THE HEARINGS (ODAR) LEVEL

Clients are often frustrated at the time period that it takes to have a hearing.  Although it is frustrating, the hearing office is actually expediting the hearing processing from last year.  As of May, 2009 the Newark, NJ hearing office ranked number 30 in the nation with a processing time from the request for hearing to the ALJ decision of 416 days and the Voorhees office ranked number 47 with a  processing time of 444 days.  This means that you should expect approximately 15-16 months from the date that you file your request for hearing to have a hearing and get an ALJ decision. 

Please be sure to contact our office with all updates in medical treatment and in medications so that we are ready to go when the hearing time comes around.  In some instances, Social Security may choose cases for a speedier on-the-record review.  These cases are generally selected by attorney adjudicators at the hearings level.  If you have a dire financial or medical emergency, please let us know as we will try to move your case up and request an on-the-record decision.