Sheri R. Abrams's Blog, page 17
June 19, 2017
Virginia Disability Attorney: Lack of Treatment is the Major Cause of Social Security Disability Benefit Denial
If a claimant is not seeking regular medical treatment for their physical or mental impairment, the lack of medical records to support their claim can result in their claim for Social Security Disability benefits being denied. Making sure that you receive continued medical treatment from licensed medical providers is essential in any Social Security Disability case.
As a Virginia Disability attorney, I am frequently asked, “What if I can’t afford to see a doctor?”
If you are unable to afford...
June 16, 2017
Fairfax Estate Planning Attorney: Keep Your Medical Power of Attorney Simple – Name One Child, Not All of Them, as Agent
As a Fairfax Estate Planning attorney, I believe that a Health Care Power of Attorney should be included in every estate plan. A properly created Health Care Power of Attorney allows someone to make important medical decisions for you in the event you are incapacitated or unable to speak for yourself.
Choosing the person who will act in this role is often a difficult decision, as the job requires taking on a great deal of responsibility. For that reason, I advise my clients to choose an Agen...
June 14, 2017
Social Security Disability Benefits for Wounded Veterans
Disability benefits for wounded veterans are available from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Veteran’s Administration (VA). These are two separate federal disability benefit programs that have different criteria for approval, which means getting approved by one agency does not guarantee that a person will be approved by the other. However, there are special rules that govern Social Security Disability (SSDI) claims to make the process somewhat easier and faster.
Just like a...
June 12, 2017
Changes Coming to Social Security Online Access
Beginning June 10, 2017, the Social Security Administration will use a second method to check the identification of “My Social Security” account holders when they register or sign in for social sescurity online access.
After June 10, you have to have either text messaging or email verification in order to access your Social Security account info. The Social Security Administration (SSA) hopes that this will improve the security of online Social Security accounts.
In August of 2016, the SSA tr...
June 9, 2017
Fairfax Estate Planning Lawyer: What Should You Consider When Choosing Who Raises Your Kids If You Can’t!
As a Fairfax estate planning lawyer, I can tell you that the most critical element of your estate plan may have nothing to do with your assets. If you have minor children, the most important part of your plan will be nominating someone who can raise your children if you are no longer able to do so. At our Fairfax Virginia Law Firm, we don’t just document your choice. Instead, we help you think through all of the issues that you need to consider. You may think you’ve handled this already; y...
May 30, 2017
Fairfax Estate Planning Lawyer Explains: When Should You Make an Estate Plan?
Determining the right time to make an estate plan is a serious task. When you visit a Fairfax Estate Planning Lawyer, there are some factors the lawyer will look at, such as your current family, medical, and financial situation, to see what kind of estate plan will fit you the best. Here are some of the ways these factors can impact the estate planning process:
Family Situation:
Your current family situation can make a huge impact on your estate planning decisions. For example, your marital...
May 25, 2017
Statewide Senior Legal Help Line starting
The Virginia Poverty Law Center is pleased to announce that our new statewide Senior Legal Helpline is now up and running! The helpline is made possible through a contract between VPLC and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, with funding from a 3-year Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems grant from the Administration on Community Living.
The toll-free number (844-802-5910) is now available for Virginians aged 60 and older and for those calling on their beh...
Subject: Statewide Senior Legal Help Line starting
The Virginia Poverty Law Center is pleased to announce that our new statewide Senior Legal Helpline is now up and running! The helpline is made possible through a contract between VPLC and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, with funding from a 3-year Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems grant from the Administration on Community Living.
The toll-free number (844-802-5910) is now available for Virginians aged 60 and older and for those calling on their beh...
May 18, 2017
Fairfax Estate Planning Attorney: Your Estate Planning Checklist
Estate Planning attorneys in Fairfax, Virginia, are often asked about what documents go into a solid estate plan. While the answer varies depending on your individual situation, there are five basic documents that are found in every estate plan checklist:
Power of Attorney Advance Directive (Living Will ) Health Care Power of Attorney HIPAA Last Will and TestamentA Power of Attorney (POA) allows a designated agent access to your finances in order to pay bills and make financial decisions...
May 16, 2017
Virginia Social Security Disability Attorney: Common Mistakes Made by People in the Social Security Disability Process
As a Viginis Social Security Disability attorney, I know that most people who apply for Social Security Disability benefits will have their initial claim denied. Most of the time this unfavorable decision can be and should be appealed. Unfortunately, mistakes are common during the appeals process.
Mistakes include:
Not appealing the denial. Many people assume their appeal will not be successful and so they don’t go through the process. This is a mistake. The majority of initial application...
