Frequently Asked Questions

Cases at the Initial Level

• The firm filed my application.  What happens next?
  • You will receive an Internet Application Summary in the mail.  You must  sign and return this from to SSA.  Your case will not progress until it is signed and returned.  If you don't sign and return it promptly, we will have to take additional steps that will further delay the processing of your case.
• I received a Work Activity Report (WAR).  What should I do?
  • You must complete this form.  Please complete the form and return it to our office via fax or email.  We will review it and submit it on your behalf.  If you do not complete this form promptly, your case may receive a technical denial.  
• I received a Function Report (FR).  What should I do?
  • Please complete the form and return it to our office.  We will review it and submit it to SSA on your behalf.  You can also call our office at 312-702-1492 for specific guidance on completing your form.  
    • Complete the form while thinking about a day when your limitations/symptoms are most prominent and are impacting you the most.  
    • Make sure you complete the first question about how your impairments are preventing you from working. 
    • Please be sure to take time to complete the personal care section.  
    • Please include any medication side effects that you experience. 
• I received a Work History Report (WHR).  What should I do?
  • Please complete the form and return it to our office.  We will review it and submit it to SSA on your behalf. 
• I received a letter from SSA saying they scheduled a doctor appointment for me.  Do I need to go?
  • Yes.  In some cases SSA schedules claimants for 'consultative examinations' with one of their doctors.  There is no cost to you for this exam.  The doctor will complete a report based on your exam and that will become a piece of evidence in your case.  If you can't make it to the exam as scheduled, please call the adjudicator listed on your letter to reschedule the appointment.  If you fail to go to the appointment, your case may be denied. 
• What advice do you have for me about the appointment with the Social Security doctor?
  • You should put forth your best effort on the exam and be vocal in describing all the symptoms/issues you are experiencing. 

Cases at Reconsideration

• I received another Function Report even though I already completed one at the initial level.  Do I need to do this again?
  • You will receive another Function Report to complete if you indicated that your condition has changed in some way when you filed the appeal.
• How should I complete the function report?
  • Complete the form while thinking about a day when your limitations/symptoms are most prominent and are impacting you the most.  
  • Make sure you complete the first question about how your impairments are preventing you from working. 
  • Please be sure to take time to complete the personal care section.  
  • Please include any medication side effects that you experience. 
• I received a letter from SSA saying they scheduled a doctor appointment for me.  Do I need to go?
  • Yes.  In some cases SSA schedules claimants for 'consultative examinations' with one of their doctors.  There is no cost to you for this exam.  The doctor will complete a report based on your exam and that will become a piece of evidence in your case.  If you can't make it to the exam as scheduled, please call the adjudicator listed on your letter to reschedule the appointment.  If you fail to go to the appointment, your case may be denied. 
• What advice do you have for me about the appointment with the Social Security doctor?
  • You should put forth your best effort on the exam and be vocal in describing all the symptoms/issues you are experiencing. 

Cases at the Hearing Level

• I received forms to complete from the hearing office.  What should I do?
  • We will provide the information to SSA about your work history, current medications, and recent medical treatment.  You can disregard these forms. 
• Will my hearing be in-person?
  • You will be asked to choose your 'manner of appearance.'  The choices are: in-person hearing, phone hearing, or video hearing. 
• Which 'manner of appearance' option is the best?
  • Every case is different.  Your lawyer can answer questions you have about these choices and help you make a decision. 
• How can I prepare for the hearing? 
  •  Our office will work with you to update your medical records in advance of the hearing.  We will schedule you for a hearing preparation telephone appointment that will take place 1-2 weeks prior to the hearing.  At that time, your lawyer will go over all the details you need to be aware of for the hearing. 
• I received an unfavorable decision from the judge.  What happens next?
  • Our office will contact you to schedule a telephone appointment to discuss the decision and the next steps after we receive our copy of the decision from SSA.