Questions answered by James Bart Lewis

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Disability hearing - need a lawyer?

James's answer | Answered on March 22, 2015

You are allowed to have an attorney with you every step of the way and I encourage you to hire one. Good luck.

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I JUST STARTED RECEIVING MY DISABILITY NOW WORKMANS COMP IS OFFEERING ME A SETTLEMENT OF $25,000. HOW WILL MY SSI BE AFFECTED?

James's answer | Answered on March 20, 2015

Although a WC settlement may reduce the amount of your SSI monthly benefit, there are ways an experienced Illinois WC attorney can lessen the blow,...

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My daughters SSI attorney has retired.SSI has sent a Notice of Cessation.How do I find a new attorney and what will the fee be?

James's answer | Answered on March 18, 2015

Consider using Avvo's Find a Lawyer tool to find a lawyer. The fee is typically 25% of back benefits. If you choose to continue the payments...

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Is there a specific $ threshold for Disability income that makes filing taxes mandatory? (mine was $18,178.80 on my SSA-1099)

James's answer | Answered on March 17, 2015

Mr. Pont is right, of course, that this more of a tax than a Social Security question. Having said that, my general advice is that you should file...

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If me and my disabled fiance get married will she lose her ssi

James's answer | Answered on March 17, 2015

It is a possibility. Here is a link for more details from Social Security regarding what they count and don't count. Good luck with this...

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Am I qualify for disability?

James's answer | Answered on March 12, 2015

I recommend you find an attorney to help with filing a claim for Social Security Disability. Consider using Avvo's "Find a Lawyer" tool. ...

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Can I receive SSI

James's answer | Answered on March 09, 2015

I believe you likely would medically qualify for SSI and when you apply for benefits, ask them again if you qualify for disability or retirement...

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If I win my Social Security disability case, will my dependents money also be in that back payment?

James's answer | Answered on March 09, 2015

Since your hearing is only two weeks away, I think your attorney needs to focus on you. 1) If you've applied for SSD and prevail, the award...

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My mother was on disability at the time of her death. Is there any way to find out what her exact dx for disability was.

James's answer | Answered on March 09, 2015

You might consider making a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). I've never tried to get a deceased beneficiary's records this...

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Is it necessary to get a lawyer to help retrieve my social security disability benefits? If so, how much is a normal fee.

James's answer | Answered on March 06, 2015

It is not necessary to hire an attorney, but it is usually a good idea. For example, why is a disabled vet not considered to be disabled by Social...

James Bart Lewis's Answers (271)

Disability hearing - need a lawyer?

I JUST STARTED RECEIVING MY DISABILITY NOW WORKMANS COMP IS OFFEERING ME A SETTLEMENT OF $25,000. HOW WILL MY SSI BE AFFECTED?

My daughters SSI attorney has retired.SSI has sent a Notice of Cessation.How do I find a new attorney and what will the fee be?

Is there a specific $ threshold for Disability income that makes filing taxes mandatory? (mine was $18,178.80 on my SSA-1099)

If me and my disabled fiance get married will she lose her ssi

Am I qualify for disability?

Can I receive SSI

If I win my Social Security disability case, will my dependents money also be in that back payment?

My mother was on disability at the time of her death. Is there any way to find out what her exact dx for disability was.

Is it necessary to get a lawyer to help retrieve my social security disability benefits? If so, how much is a normal fee.