SSA ALJ Hearings During Covid

Posted by OBL

Since March of 2020, SSA has been conducting Administrative Law Judge hearings by telephone. Our firm has been successful with this new format and we find that it actually offers many benefits to claimants! At first, many of our clients were hesitant that the Judge wouldn't "see" them. "I know folks are concerned about a Judge denying them easier with a phone hearing. I have not noticed any difference in outcomes between in-person and phone hearings. A plus that I have found is that clients don’t have the stress or expense of physically getting to a hearing office." explains OBL...

30 April

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Appeal Deadlines for LTD Claims Extended Due to COVID-19

Posted by OBL

in Blog, Covid-19

We have received very good news! People who need to appeal their LTD claims have had their appeal deadline extended because of COVID-19. This means that if you think you may have lost the opportunity to appeal because you were unable to do so during the lockdown, you may still have the rights to appeal! President Trump issued the Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and by a separate letter made a determination that a national emergency exists nationwide beginning March 1, 2020. As a result of the National Emergency, participants and beneficiaries covered by group...

20 April

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Before You Get Furloughed, Consider Your Company Disability Policy!

Posted by OBL

in Blog, Covid-19

Many employees continue to work even though they experience limitations from physical or mental limitations. With the onset of COVID-19, employers are experiencing significant financial burdens and terminating or furloughing workers. If you are still employed but may be subject to being let go, you need to be aware that if you are let go you most likely will no longer be covered under your Short Term and/or Long Term disability policies. Most employer-provided policies require an employee to be “actively at work” when their disability begins. While the term “actively at work” is defined differently depending on the policy, basically...

16 April

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COVID-19: Applying For Short Term or Long Term Disability

Posted by OBL

in Blog, Covid-19

As most are aware, COVID-19 is a serious issue disrupting lives and businesses all across the United States. Employees who become ill as a result of COVID-19 and are unable to work may be eligible for disability benefits pursuant to their Short Term and/or Long Term disability policies. If you have been forced to stop working due to COVID-19 and need assistance with your claim for disability benefits do not hesitate to call Osterhout Berger Disability Law for a free consultation. 1-866-438-8773 x 604 Short Term and Long Term Insurance companies are actively adjusting their procedures to deal with the issues...