$100,000 Disability Award 
 
I received a call from a client who told me that she just received her past due benefit check in an amount over $100,000.  In addition, her minor daughter and husband each will be entitled to $25,000 based upon her receiving disability benefits.  Not all cases, of course, result in such a large award of benefits.  In this case, the past due benefits were so high because her monthly benefit amount was substantial and because her minor daughter and husband were entitled to benefits on her earnings record.  Another reason why the award was so substantial is because I requested that the administrative law judge hearing the case reopen a prior application for benefits filed in 2004.  In addition, I cross-examined the medical and vocational experts at the hearing as their testimony initially was not helpful.  Finally, after a hard fought hearing, the ALJ awarded benefits with an onset date in 2002.  This meant that my client had about six years of past benefits due to her and her family.  She told me that the money would be used to pay off a large amount of debt that her family accumulated while pursuing her claim - and she had health insurance!  Without health insurance, her debt would have been much, much larger.   Unfortunately, many people do not apply for benefits that they may be entitled to, or do not seek out the legal help that may help them qualify for and maximize their benefits.  It is important to keep in mind that it does not cost anything for an attorney to conduct a free consultation and evaluation of someone's claim and it could help a disabled individual win their needed benefits.  You can reach me at 773.989.9899 or email me at:  Rich@USADisabilityLaw.com