1. MA Chapter of the National Marfan Foundation,
Applying for Disability
Jon Rodis, President
MA Chapter of the National Marfan Foundation,
Chair of the PAC
Kathleen Kane, ESQ
Disability Attorney
SPILLANE LAW OFFICES
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2. SSDI or SSI? Two major programs provide disability benefits:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
– You must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be “insured”
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
– payments made determined by financial need, and are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, and meet the living arrangement requirements

3. Making the Decision to File
Health Considerations
Financial Considerations
Emotional Considerations

4. The Filing Process
Online or In person?

5. Our Suggested Checklist for Filing
Filling Out the SSI and SSDI Forms
State Funding / Programs
Support Letter (after first denial)
Doctor’s Support Letters
(Condition) Research
(Condition) Doctor’s Evaluation
Medical Records
Approved Cases in State
Daily Journal (with all listings)

6. Early Approval is Possible! Listing of condition under SSA regulations

7. Listing of Impairments

8. Residual Functional Capacity
An individual’s residual functional capacity is his or her ability to do physical and mental work activities on a sustained basis despite limitations from his or her impairments. 
All of the impairments must be considered, including impairments that are not severe. 

9. Stages of Appeal Hearing Appeals Counsel U.S. District Court
Reconsideration
Hearing
Appeals Counsel
U.S. District Court

10. Administrative Hearings
Preparation
Witnesses
Medical Experts
Vocational Experts

11. 25% of retroactive payments
Attorney Fee
Contingent Fee
25% of retroactive payments
with a maximum of $6,000

12. Questions?

13. Thanks for listening! Jon Rodis Kathleen Kane, ESQ
SPILLANE LAW OFFICES
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