Marc Whitehead
Board Certified-Social Security Disability Law
National Board of Social Security Disability Advocacy
Marc Whitehead
Board Certified-Personal Injury Trial Law
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Social Security Questions Answered, Long Term Disability Explained - Read Our Attorney Articles
Get answers to social security questions, plus learn the facts about disability income and ERISA claims, long term private disability claims, insurance companies, SSI disability requirements, Veterans disability, and bad faith insurance claim denials.
The articles below offer an explanation of disability benefits, how to get them, and the tasks and hurdles involved when your claim for benefits is denied. It's a good idea to become familiar with these various types of disability benefits, and know when and why an experienced attorney is so important for success.
Article Categories:
Social Security Questions: Social Security Disability and SSI
Long Term Disability - ERISA and non-ERISA
Disability Insurance Companies
Disabling Diseases and Conditions
Social Security Disability | Supplemental Security Income
History of Social Security Changes
How did Social Security get its start? Will it still be around in 10-20 years? Were disability benefits in the original program? How have Social Security taxes increased over time?
These and other Social Security questions are answered in this pictorial time line from its inception in 1935 to the present day. Know the facts about Social Security’s past, present and future.
- Video: The
Basics of Filing a Social Security Disability Claim
Summary: In this video presentation, disability Attorney Marc Whitehead discusses the basics of filing a Social Security disability claim. Get vital information about the 5-step evaluation process used by the Social Security Administration, how the appeals process works, and what steps you can take to increase your chances of winning your claim.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Requirements
Summary: Social Security Disability Insurance functions like an insurance plan, yet applying for and winning SSDI benefits is a complex, lengthy process. Who can qualify? How do you file a claim? If your claim is denied, what do you do? This article answers these important social security questions.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Requirements
Summary: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a federal, needs-based program designed to supplement the income of people who are disabled and unable to work, and otherwise meet SSI disability requirements. We explain these requirements and the SSI appeals process.
- Social Security Advocate - Attorney Representation
Summary: Make sure that you dig into the qualifications of those who advertise themselves to be Social Security Advocates. Many are not attorneys. A non-attorney Social Security advocate can only practice at the administrative level, meaning they cannot take the case to the final appeal in federal court
- Social Security Disability Appeal
Summary: Learn about the four levels of administrative Social Security Disability appeals. When a Social Security Disability claim is denied at any level of the appeals process, you must appeal to the next level. Otherwise, your claim will be kicked out of the system and you must restart from the beginning.
- The Role of a Social Security Disability Attorney
Summary: If your initial claim has been denied, don't be surprised. Many claims that are denied at the initial level are approved at higher levels of Social Security Disability appeal. The process is difficult and frustrating. That is why you have a Social Security Disability attorney help you through it.
Veterans Disability Benefits
- Denials of Disability Benefits for Veterans
Summary: It should be a simple task to file a claim for disability benefits. Yet for veterans who are in dire need of disability compensation, the process is distorted by unforgivable delays and denials.
Discover the reality of the process for filing and securing VA disability benefits, common reasons for claim denial, and actions you can take to help yourself as much as possible. See the total picture in our VA disability benefits infographic.
- 10 Most Common Reasons for
Veteran’s Disability Claim Denial (And What You Can do about it!)
Summary: When trying to file for disability benefits, the odds might seem to be stacked against you. Here are the 10 most common reasons for Veteran’s disability claim denial.
- VA Disability Claims and Appeals
Summary: Veterans who apply for disability benefits are challenged by having their claims severely delayed, or worse, denied. Read about the VA disability claims and appeals process, and get the facts about significant legal help for securing disability benefits and proper veterans disability ratings.
Long Term Disability
- 10 Inspirational People with Disabilities
Summary: While the challenges of living with a disability can be immense, there are many who have overcome the odds. Here are 10 truly inspiring examples of people who lived and achieved tremendous success, despite life altering disabilities. - Top 10 Things to Consider When Choosing Disability Insurance
Summary: Choosing disability insurance can be downright confusing. There are so many policy options, it can be hard to tell what is necessary and what isn't. We've summed up 10 things to look for in disability insurance that should be at the top of your list.
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Long-Term Disability Insurance Deceptive Practices Aired in Senate Hearings
Summary: If you’ve been denied disability benefits or are in the process of battling for your rights to a claim, you’ll probably agree with a recent senate hearing debate that centered on the effectiveness of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The act, which regulates minimum standards for employee benefits, reached the ears of the United States Senate Committee on Finance last September.
- Press Release: Disability Denial Lawyer Airs Insurance Company Deceptive Practices
Summary: Houston disability attorney Marc Whitehead points to a recent Senate hearing that addresses deceptive practices by insurance companies and laws that make it easy for them to reject disability claims. Whitehead says that anyone who’s had a claim rejected will agree with what was discussed, and is available for consultation on these issues.
- Your Legal Rights to Private Disability
Summary: When a claim is denied, there are differences affecting your legal rights to private disability policies governed by ERISA law versus private disability governed by state laws. We explain what these differences are, and how to legally protect your rights.
- Appealing Private Disability Claims
Summary: Many LTD insurance carriers are known for wrongly denying valid claims and delaying payments. When appealing private disability claims, correct preparation is essential to success. The appeal process begins with an administrative appeal and may continue to litigation in Federal Court.
- Disability Income and ERISA
Summary: As you file for disability income and ERISA laws take over, you are subjected to complex federal laws. This article explains how disability income and ERISA laws affect you when a claim has been denied, and what you can do about it.
- Appealing ERISA Disability Claims
Summary: In ERISA disability claims, the administrative appeal is gravely important to your success. This appeal is, as a general rule, the only opportunity you have to submit key evidence of your disability into the records.
- Legal Help for Unum Claims Denial
Summary: Unum, a billion dollar insurance company, is one of the major providers of group long-term disability benefits, life insurance, and supplemental health insurance. Unum is also one of the Top Deniers of these benefits. Get firsthand information on legal help for Unum claims denial.
Disability Claim Denials
- Stand Up To Disability Claim Denial
Summary: What can you do if your Social Security Disability, Veteran's Disability, or private LTD claim has been denied? No matter what type of disability claim you have, there is a good chance it will be denied. A denial does not mean that your claim is unjustified. You can appeal your claim and win, with the right help.
- Qualifying For Disability Benefits
Summary: When qualifying for disability benefits, the odds can be stacked against you. Valid disability claims are repeatedly denied. Here's how you can level the playing field against big insurance.
- Improper Denial of Health Insurance Claims
Summary: Health insurance providers have become masters in finding ways to deny claims. If you are faced with a denied health insurance claim, don't assume that the first "No" you receive is final.
- Short Term Disability (STD) Benefits
Summary: We take a look at the differences between long term and short term disability benefits, and what to do if your claim is denied. STD claims are often the first step in the long term disability insurance claims process, and is another reason why precise documentation is a must.
Insurance Bad Faith
- Insurance Company Bad Faith
Summary: Insurance company bad faith happens when an insurance provider practices unreasonable or unfair conduct towards a claim in order to wrongfully deny, delay or underpay benefits. When your insurance company doesn't play fair, you have definite legal options in your favor.
- Bad Faith Denial of Life Insurance Benefits
Summary: Life insurance claims take place during a time of mourning for a loved one who passed away. Beneficiaries of the deceased may lack the strength to investigate why their claim was denied. Many insurance companies know this and take full advantage of it.
Disability Insurance Companies
Marc Whitehead & Associates assist clients nationwide with their long-term disability claims against every major disability insurance company. Follow the links below to learn more about providers of disability benefits.
- Aetna
- AXA Equitable
- Cigna
- CNA Insurance
- Colonial Life Insurance
- Guardian Insurance
- John Hancock
- Liberty Mutual
- MetLife
- New York Life
- Penn Mutual
- Provident Life and Accident
- Prudential
- The Hartford
- The Standard
- Unum
Disabling Diseases and Conditions
- Identifying the Leading Causes of Disability
What are the leading causes of disability? What is your risk of disability? How will it affect you? If you become disabled, will you be able to receive disability payments? Will
you qualify for workers’ compensation if you become disabled?
These and other disability questions are answered in this highly informational graphic. Get the facts about disability, Social Security disability claims, and how to minimize your risk of disability.
Common Disabling Diseases and Conditions
Musculoskeletal System:
- Back Injuries
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Paralysis
- Spinal Injuries
- Spinal Stenosis
Mental Disorders:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Bipolar Disorders
- Depression
- Dementia
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia Disorder
Respiratory System
Cardiovascular System
Digestive System
Genitourinary Impairments
Hematological Disorders
Endocrine Disorders
Neurological
Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
Immune System Disorders
Other Disorders
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