Blogs
Double check Social Security’s denial of benefits based on your immigration status
Don’t lose hope, at least initially, if Social Security tells you that they are denying you benefits because of your immigration status. I have seen
Is someone “literate” if he or she is able to pass the naturalization exam?
Last week I had a new situation, at least new for me. I was representing a native Spanish speaker. I had conducted all of our
Alzheimer’s Caregiver support group to begin on Second Life
As I was reviewing my blog just now, I realized that I have not posted in quite a while. I am now a caregiver for
Continuing Legal Education seminar on attorneys with disabilities offered in Second Life
In February I became president of the Second Life® Bar Association. I am excited about the upcoming year and hope to bring new educational content
It is no fun being disabled
Perhaps due to California’s budget problems, it seems that the disabled are an easy target. I have received comments on my blog accusing the disabled
Are survivors divorced spouse’s benefits retroactive?
My new motto is to file early and often. It can be detrimental to wait and file for Social Security disability benefits. Perhaps I am
California monthly SSI payment amounts for 2008
I am often asked how much money will I get when I win my Social Security case and collect SSI. I will give you a
Social Security’s plan to reduce its hearing backlog and prevent its reocurrence
The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) recently released its “Performance and Accountability Report” for Fiscal Year 2008. The report is quite detailed but what is of
Social Security will process disability cases faster for “compassionate” cases
Acknowledging the long backlog of disability cases, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) began a new program last month to process cases faster for people who
9th Circuit rules that claimant’s pain testimony is true absent ALJ providing specific clear and convincing reasons for rejection
On November 5th, 2008, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, CA, issued a new decision very helpful to claimants. In Vasquez v.
SL Bar Association offers continuing education credit to attorneys in real life
I am going to write a little off topic today about an upcoming event that will be taking place on the online virtual world of
Waiting times for a hearing in front of a Social Security Judge increase
The disability backlog at hearing offices across the United States is getting worse. According to a recent report released by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”),

