HERE'S ANOTHER TEST FOR YOU

Answer each question.  Correct answers are given after the test.

1.  If a claimant has never worked, what type of claim must he file if he becomes disabled prior to age 62?

2.  True/False.  If an individual becomes disabled at age 63, he may file for early retirement from Social Security and also file a claim for Social Security disability at the same time.

3.  If a worker who is insured under Social Security dies, how old must the surviving spouse be in order to file a widow or widower's claim under that worker's  Social Security record?

4.   Name the 5 exertional levels of work that Social Security may consider.

5. If a claimant is determined unable to perform any of his past relevant work, what other vocational consideration will be used to determine whether he/she is disabled under Social Security's rules?

6.   True/False.  A vocational expert testifies in a disability hearing that a claimant, age 41, has past work skills that permit her direct entry into skilled work; however, she has a residual functional capacity that only allows for light exertion.  She will probably be found disabled.

7.  A vocational expert testifies during a hearing that the claimant does not seem to meet or equal one of Social Security's listed impairments.  On what basis may the claimant or his representative object to that testimony?

8. What is the federal maximum monthly benefit for an SSI claim in Alabama?

9. Which type of health insurance comes with an SSDI or Title II disability award?

10.  When does this insurance become effective?

11.   The claimant's surgeon and family doctor both provided written statements that the claimant had been disabled for 2 years and was totally unable to perform any work.  The judge denied his disability benefits anyway.  How is this possible?

Answers to Questions


1.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI), also called Title XVI.
2.  Yes.
3.  50 or above
4.  sedentary, light, medium, heavy, very heavy
5.  Can he/she perform any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national, local or regional economy?
6.  False
7.  Vocational experts may not give medical testimony.
8.  $721 (in 2014()
9.  Medicare
10. 24 months from the date of payment eligibility
11.  Whether or not an individual is disabled is a decision reserved for the Commissioner of Social Security.  Medical doctors' opinion may be given little or no weight at the judge's discretion.