Existing Social Security Disability Clients FAQ

It is perfectly ok to speak with the adjudicator. The adjudicator may contact you from time to time for some personal information. Our office will always make sure the adjudicator has everything they need. However, they will sometimes call you for the information too. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to them, you can always let them know to only reach out to us regarding your claim.

At the Initial/Reconsideration levels, it is Social Security’s obligation to request and pay for your medical records. We do work with them to ensure they receive your medical records and have everything that they need. If they are unable to obtain records from any providers, we will assist immediately.

Yes, you must fill out these forms. All of the questions are about you and only you will have the best answers to these questions. Social Security simply wants a better idea of your conditions and your limitations from your point of view. There are no right or wrong answers. Our best advice is to answer the questions as honestly and openly as possible but remember to include how you feel after you perform the activities they ask about. Please ignore the deadline on the forms but try to return them within a week of receiving them. We suggest you make a copy in case the forms are not received by Social Security. Alternatively, you can send the forms to us and we can submit them to Social Security and save a copy in your file. Of course, if you have any questions about the forms, contact our office or watch our videos about them.

IMA is a group that Social Security uses to schedule a one-time medical examination called a consultative examination. Social Security sometimes will need additional medical information for your claim and will send you to a doctor for an examination. Please call them back and schedule the appointment based off your availability. Our office will receive notice once it’s scheduled.

Typically, your claim will go into medical review after the CE. We anticipate a decision approximately 6-7 weeks after the exam, but it can take longer. We will be following up with Social Security and will let you know if we receive any updates.

This appointment is only a portion of the medical records Social Security will review. They will also be reviewing the medical records from your doctors. The exam is not the biggest factor when deciding your case; your medical records from your treating doctor are the most important.

Unfortunately, not to you directly. You should have received a form to complete to allow Social Security to send a copy of the report to your doctor. If you did not, we can send you the report once we receive it.

Pond Lehocky Disability works as a cohesive unit, one team. Anyone on our team who speaks with you is a trained professional in Social Security Disability matters, and our proprietary case management software allows us to always be aware of what is going on in your case.

Our number 1 strategy is to always have your medical records up to date for the hearing. Since you will most likely be seeing a doctor between now and the hearing, we wait until it gets closer to the hearing date to request them. Your records will be up to date for the hearing.

If you move, please let us know. Depending on where you move, your case may need to be transferred to another hearing office, but this will not affect your claim.

The attorney calls you the night before to make sure you are fully prepared for the hearing and everything is fresh in your mind. We take this opportunity to make sure you are aware of what to expect at your hearing the next day.

Unfortunately, we cannot speed up the Judge’s decision process. On average it takes approximately 30-60 days from the hearing to receive a decision. However, the Judge does not have a set time frame of when the decision must be released.

You can speak to an attorney any time; however, all of your questions can be answered by our disability team. Our attorneys handle multiple hearings per day and are often not available without an appointment. Please feel comfortable speaking to our team about any Social Security Disability topic.

Throughout your claim, please make sure you are keeping us updated with any new medical information (doctors, treatments, testing, etc.) so we can add to your file and make Social Security aware. Also, please let us know if you return to work at any time.

We feel extremely confident in your case. Our acceptance of your case and agreeing to represent you is the best way we can demonstrate that we believe you should win. However, Social Security makes the ultimate decision. Our job is to put you in the best position to win your case and stack the odds in your favor. If for any reason your case is denied, we will handle the appeal for you. If denied by a Judge, a specialist will review the decision and an attorney will discuss your options moving forward.

No. You can apply for and receive unemployment while waiting for your Social Security Disability decision.

Yes, and it will not affect your SSD case. If you applied for SSI, any type of income you have coming in could potentially disqualify you. (However, if you are receiving a pension, you most likely filed for SSD).

This is very common. You will get a Notice of Award letter within the next few weeks. Please send us a copy of that decision so we can ensure the money you received is correct. Please hold off on spending the money if you can until we confirm what you received is correct.

Your benefit will switch from early retirement to SSD since that benefit is higher. For retroactive benefits, you will receive the difference between the 2 amounts.

You can collect Social Security Disability benefits and Unemployment benefits at the same time. Our advice is that you do not file for more unemployment since you already received your back pay, however that is ultimately your decision.