Stay ConnectedSmith and Wax Attorneys at Law handle social security disability cases. They represent individuals filing for SSDI and/or SSI benefits. Attorney Trevor Smith launched this podcast to explain topics and issues related to the social security disability system.
Principal Office: 315 Guthrie St. Ste 200, Louisville, KY 40202
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Copyright: © Smith and Wax Attorneys at Law, 2020
Episode 5: Louisville Social Security benefits attorney Trevor Smith answers a question he’s been asked multiple times. It’s “Can I file for social security disability during the COVID-19 pandemic?” The simple answer is yes, but there have been a few changes to the process. Let’s discuss them in today’s episode.
The Smith and Wax law firm is still working during the coronavirus shutdown. People interested in applying for benefits can speak with Trevor to get their questions answered. The Social Security Administration is still up and running. While some people are continuing to work from home, the process is still going forward.
Face to face meetings are not permitted, but Trevor and his staff are communicating with people via phone and email. Trevor is mailing a packet of documents to be signed by new clients, which are to be signed and returned to the firm.
Consultative exams are often ordered by the court. These are independent examinations of the client. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the court is not requiring these exams. This typically won’t hurt the case. There is no information as to when those exams will be required. Cases are progressing normally, without them.
As soon as the doctor’s office, therapist or other healthcare appointments are available, you should set up an appointment to continue your treatment. The social security administration understands why there may be a lapse during this time. However, once the offices open back up, many people will be trying to get appointments with the doctors and therapists. It’s important that you don’t procrastinate. Document proof of treatment and their feedback is important to the success of your case.
The actual hearing for your case is impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Normally, these hearings are done in person and in front of the judge. At this time, the courts are only scheduling telephone hearings through at least August. If you decide you don’t want a hearing via telephone, you can wait, but that decision may add considerable time to your case. The telephone hearing will last 30-60 minutes.
For now, the bottom line is that you can still get your case started. If you have questions, or would like to speak to an attorney about your situation, contact Smith and Wax at (502) 581-1133. The website is www.SmithAndWaxLaw.com
Important Disclaimers: The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. You should seek the advice of an attorney for guidance related to your specific situation. This podcast maybe freely shared, but may not be the modified or edited in any way. This is an attorney advertisement. Principal office is located in Louisville, KY. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson.
Episode 4: Louisville Social Security benefits attorney Trevor Smith explains the risk of self-medicating or substance abuse on your disability claim. Documentation of your treatment for your disability is extremely important. If you’ve decided to self-medicate, important records and notes from a medical professional will be missing.
Discussions you have with your attorney are private and confidential. It’s safe to tell Trevor everything you’re doing in an effort to cope with your situation. Substance abuse is a red flag for the social security system. It’s going to be a major roadblock, but there may be options available. Trevor and his team can refer you to community resources to help you with substance abuse issues.
If cannabis-abuse disorder, methamphetamine abuse or alcohol-abuse disorder shows up in your medical record, your case will be much more complicated. This can often show up if you’ve been admitted to an emergency room and your blood work or toxicology report indicates drug use, the judge will consider that in his/her decision.
However, if Trevor can show a significant period sobriety, during which the underlying reason for the disability is still present, and effective argument may be able to be made on your behalf.
The judge has the option of appointing a payee who will help to manage your disability payments. This person will receive your check and provide the funds to you to ensure the money is spent responsibly. This could be a parent or family member. Trevor has experience in helping to get that type of arrangement set up for his clients.
Smith and Wax is a small firm with a very real family environment. Our clients are treated that way. People can feel comfortable and safe when meeting with them. The bottom line is that substance abuse is a complicated issue that can impact your ability to get your benefits. It begins with open and honest communication between you and your attorney.
You can contact Smith and Wax at (502) 581-1133. The website is www.SmithAndWaxLaw.com
Important Disclaimers: The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. You should seek the advice of an attorney for guidance related to your specific situation. This podcast maybe freely shared, but may not be the modified or edited in any way. This is an attorney advertisement. Principal office is located in Louisville, KY. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson.
Episode 3: When clients meet with Louisville disability benefits attorney Trevor Smith, they typically have a mental problem or a physical problem, or both, which may qualify them for either SSDI or SSI benefits. To qualify, you need to have a severe impairment that has lasted or will last longer than 12 months and keeps you from working full-time (40 hour per week).
Mental cases can be cognitive and/or psychological. Many are psychological including schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, depression or PTSD. It’s important to make sure the person gets the proper treatment. Clients need to be in treatment with a psychiatrist and/or psychologist, possibly including a hospital stay or series of hospital stays.
Cognitive disorders might include low IQ or some type of diminished capacity. It could be a result of a birth trauma, genetics or other circumstances. Autism is a prime example. Just having the diagnosis won’t necessarily qualify a client for SSI benefits. However, if a psychological assessment supports the fact that the autism is preventing the client from performing at a simple job or keeping up in school, the client may qualify.
Trevor builds a case including documented reports from medical professionals. These reports help to support the argument Trevor will make to the judge, on the client’s behalf. The people who have a documented history of treatment tend to be more successful in a disability benefits case.
Both mental and physical cases will rely on statements you’ve made to your healthcare professional. It’s important that you stress to this individual the problems you’re experiencing, the severity and the frequency. That record helps to build the case that you can't work a typical 40-hour work week. Trevor wants it to be believable.
It’s important to see a specialist, not simply your primary care doctor. Episode 4 will deal specifically with attempts to self-medicate. If you have a bad back, have you been to an orthopedist? If you have a mental challenge, are you being treated by a psychiatrist? The reports from these specialists tend to be persuasive for a judge. Trevor will provide a medical-source statement for your provider.
Trevor and the other professionals at the Smith and Wax Law Office are happy to help you find other medical professionals and related services.
You can contact Smith and Wax at (502) 581-1133. The website is www.SmithAndWaxLaw.com
Important Disclaimers: The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. You should seek the advice of an attorney for guidance related to your specific situation. This podcast maybe freely shared, but may not be the modified or edited in any way. This is an attorney advertisement. Principal office is located in Louisville, KY. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson.
Episode 2: Louisville social security disability attorney Trevor Smith discusses local representation and the national firms. Trevor and his law partner, Al Wax have helped Louisville clients for many years. There are some national firms which advertise that they can represent clients, regardless of the fact that they may not have a local office.
If you work with Smith and Wax, you’ll have meetings with Trevor or Al. They will know the details of your case and your situation. You’ll meet with your attorney the first day you come to their office. Some firms show up at court and it’s the first time they’ve actually met their clients. Smith and Wax simply does it differently.
Trevor wants his clients to be extremely prepared for court. He or she will know the advantages and the disadvantages of the case Trevor is going to present, on their behalf. Face to face contact is an important part of the relationship you’ll have with Trevor and Al.
In social security disability cases, the attorneys are paid a contingency fee. This means they only get paid if they are successful in your case. The extra level of service Smith and Wax provides doesn’t cost more.
Clients are usually dealing with very personal issues such as not being able to work, bills piling up or maybe it involves a child with mental or physical issues. It’s good to have a local attorney who wants to know the stress, fear and pressure.
Trevor also has a network of other professionals, in the area, who may need to assist with other issues. There are many community resources Smith and Wax can put people into contact with to help them. Disability benefits may only be a part of the overall picture a client needs to address. Again, the firm is ready to help with referrals and information about:
You can contact Smith and Wax at (502) 581-1133. The website is www.SmithAndWaxLaw.com
Important Disclaimers: The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. You should seek the advice of an attorney for guidance related to your specific situation. This podcast maybe freely shared, but may not be the modified or edited in any way. This is an attorney advertisement. Principal office is located in Louisville, KY. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson.
Episode 1: Louisville Social Security Disability attorney Trevor Smith launches his firm’s podcast. This episode provides an introduction to his background and why he decided to focus on helping people to file social security disability insurance claims and supplemental security income benefits.
After graduating from law school, Trevor clerked for a Kentucky Supreme Court Justice and later practiced criminal law with his father (also an attorney) at the state and federal levels. He has extensive trial experience. After several years, Trevor met Al Wax, a very established social security disability attorney. Al invited him to join his firm and take over the practice. Trevor became a partner in what is now the Smith and Wax Law Firm.
Trevor understands that the work he does can have a profound impact on the lives of his clients. His firm is “in the trenches” with clients, from the beginning. Clients will work directly with Trevor and his staff.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for workers. If you’ve worked enough time, you will have accrued benefits. It also includes Medicare health insurance.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a safety net meant to help people who can’t work and don’t have a work history. Children and adults can qualify for SSI benefits. This program comes with Medicaid health insurance.
Trevor also works with the homeless and those with mental disabilities to see if they qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. If so, he can handle the application and legal process.
You can contact Smith and Wax at (502) 581-1133. The website is www.SmithAndWaxLaw.com
Important Disclaimers:
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. You should seek the advice of an attorney for guidance related to your specific situation. This podcast maybe freely shared, but may not be the modified or edited in any way. This is an attorney advertisement. Principal office is located in Louisville, KY. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson.
Trevor Smith, a Louisville Social Security Disability attorney, is launching a new podcast to discuss benefits related to SSDI and SSI. These brief episodes will attempt to explain the Social Security system, elements of your case and ways to improve the disability benefits you receive.
New episodes are in the works, so get ready to listen soon! Until then, you can visit www.SmithAndWaxLaw.com for more information.
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