Social Security Employee

do many SS Employees wish to be ALJ(disability judges) someday.

Asked by draino about 10 years ago

Did you see this article about Hale County, AL, where literally 1 in 4 working-age adults is on disability? Does this just make your blood boil?
http://apps.npr.org/unfit-for-work/

Asked by yikes about 11 years ago

I hadn't seen it, but I'm not surprised! This is why we're going to be bankrupt eventually! Some days it seems like I PERSONALLY have taken a disability claim from every adult in the area at least 3 times!

The one that bugs me the most is the young adults filing for depression other (usually) very manageable mental illnesses.

I appreciate the *idea* of disability, and agree there should be some compensation for getting hurt on the job. But short of being completely paralyzed, couldn't most injured people still work SOME kind of job after the fact?

Asked by Larkin J. about 11 years ago

Sometimes I think so too, but I don't make the medical decisions so my opinion doesn't count to the big guys upstairs.

How does social security get notified when someone dies?

Asked by Garcia about 11 years ago

Again, sorry for the long wait for an answer!

In my office, all of the area funeral homes fax over a form called an SSA-721 Funeral Director's Notification of Death on everyone who comes through their doors. 
Other times, people call in and let us know that their family members have died - if they were receiving benefits, we suspend them until we have actual proof. 

Let's say I'm a construction worker and I break my arm so severely that I'll never be able to work construction again. Am I entitled to disability for life, or is there a time limit?

Asked by shane about 11 years ago

First of all, you're not necessarily entitled to disability at all; this is one of the biggest misunderstandings in my opinion. Assuming you've been paying SS taxes and are eligible by non-medical standards, they will then evaluate your case by looking at multiple factors: age, education, and work history. 

You may never be able to work construction again, but based on your background, you may reasonably be expected to work a desk job. Another person may not have that same history, and their case may be decided differently. 

Example - I took a claim from a 26 year old hairdresser who had to have one of her hands amputated - pretty difficult to style hair one-handed! She was denied based on the fact that she had a basic college education and it was reasonably plausible for her to 'start over' at her age. 

 

Don't you find it hypocritical for Republicans to decry Obama's "socialist" agenda when things like social security, Medicare, ER treatment, and public schools are ALL basically socialized. I consider myself an independent, but that really annoys me.

Asked by Brynn about 11 years ago

I hear you - I'm pretty heavily conservative myself... if you think about it, most of todays Republicans are more liberal than the Dems of old!!

It sounds like you're really trying to put yourself out there for the clients. What has been the most satisfying result of you going above and beyond the call of duty?

Asked by Mary W over 11 years ago

Sorry for the hiatus, I hope you stop back in someday to get this answer. 

There have been several instances - usually it is with disabled individuals who are trying to go back to work. I love knowing that I am helping them to regain their sense of purpose in life! 

That, and when you can help a little old lady... that's just the best :)