David Paletta

The Approval Rates for Social Security Disability Judges vary widely among judges. Nationally, it varies from a low of 9% to a high of 96%. In North Carolina, the approval rates vary from a low of 23% to a high of 87%.  The national average is an approval rate of approximately 53%. Clearly, the judge randomly assigned to a disability case is an important factor that influences whether benefits will be awarded. For this reason I have obtained data on the approval rates of each disability judge in North Carolina (see [...]

Top 10 Tips for Hiring a Disability Lawyer Disability Lawyer David R. Paletta 1. Do NOT hire an out-of-state law firm. Large out-of-state law firms spends thousands of dollars advertising on TV and the Internet. Their # 1 goal is to make a profit. They do not allow you to have a personal relationship with an attorney. In my opinion, they do not provide the level of legal services I believe you are entitled to. 2. If you look for a lawyer online, avoid the middle men. In recent [...]

Social Security Survivors Benefits When an individual who is insured under the Social Security system dies, certain survivors are entitled to receive benefits. These are called Social Security Survivors Benefits. In order for this benefits program to apply, the deceased must have earned enough Social Security credits. You can earn up to four credits each year. For example, in 2019 you earn one credit for each $1,360 of earnings. When you have earned $5,440, you have earned your four credits for the year. The number of credits needed to provide Social [...]

Data on the Approval Rates for Disability Judges in Raleigh, North Carolina at the Social Security Administration Office of Hearing Operations (OHO). The 2nd appeal in a disability case is a Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (referred to as an ALJ). The Hearing may be in person or via a video conference. One of the most common questions I am asked is - what are my chances of winning? The Disability Judge that hears the case is certainly an important factor. To find out the approval rates for [...]

Data on the Approval Rates for Disability Judges in Greensboro, North Carolina at the Social Security Administration Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) . The 2nd appeal in a disability case is a Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (referred to as an ALJ). The Hearing may be in person or via a video conference. One of the most common questions I am asked is - what are my chances of winning? The Disability Judge that hears the case is certainly an important factor. To find out the approval rates [...]

Data on the Approval Rates for Disability Judges in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Social Security Administration Office of Hearing Operations (OHO). The 2nd appeal in a disability case is a Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (referred to as an ALJ). The Hearing may be in person or via a video conference. One of the most common questions I am asked is - what are my chances of winning? The Disability Judge that hears the case is certainly an important factor. To find out the approval rates for [...]

Data on the Approval Rates for Disability Judges in Fayetteville, North Carolina at the Social Security Administration Office of Hearing Operations (OHO). The 2nd appeal in a disability case is a Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (referred to as an ALJ). The Hearing may be in person or via a video conference. One of the most common questions I am asked is - what are my chances of winning? The Disability Judge that hears the case is certainly an important factor. To find out the approval rates for [...]

A handy tool SSA now provides is an online "My Social Security account". With this account, you can immediately view, download, or print your Social Security Statement. Your SSA Statement contains the most up-to-date information about your earnings and benefits, including disability and retirement benefits. When you create a my Social Security account, you will no longer receive a paper Social Security Statement in the mail. You will, however, receive an email reminder  approximately three months before your birthday, to remind you to review your Statement online. To create an online [...]

In order to be eligible for SSI disability benefits, an individual must meet Resource and Income limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the limits are not met, the individual can NOT receive benefits even if he or she is disabled. A summary of the regulations is set forth below. For 2018 the monthly SSI benefit is $750 for an individual and $1,125 for a couple. SI 00810.001. Who is eligible? (B)(1) An individual is eligible for SSI benefits if the person: • is disabled, is blind or is [...]

If a disability Judge (referred to as an ALJ) denies your case, you may appeal by filing a Request for Review by Social Security’s Appeals Council (AC). You do not appear before the AC. Your attorney will send a legal argument to the AC which will review the entire record. If the AC finds your appeal has merit, it will order another Hearing be held. It is unusual for the AC to directly award disability benefits. For fiscal year 2017 the top ten reasons for AC remands were as follows: #1.  [...]