FAQ - When Should I Contact a Disability Lawyer or Attorney?

Exactly when Must I Contact An Attorney?

You should contact an lawyer or attorney as soon as possible after the disability occurs to receive maximal Social Security Disability or SSI benefits. The earlier we are able to start working on your legal matter, so much the better your likelihood of winning.

Please note that not all lawyers practice in front of the Social Security Administration. You can expect to do best to get a hold of an attorney familiar with the complex and somewhat atypical Social Security Disability legal guidelines and procedures.

FAQ - Why Hire a Disability Attorney?

Should I Obtain An Disability Attorney?

Social Security rules for determining disability and your job history are very technical and complicated. Social Security does not require a person to be represented by an lawyer.  Nevertheless, the government’s very own figures show that benefits are awarded far more frequently to individuals with lawyers than those who chose to handle their claims without having the assistance of an attorney. Also, the hearing in front of an administrative law judge is considered a legal proceeding.

Every case is unique. The function of an attorney will be based on the particular facts of each case. Lawyers in Social Security Disability cases do a great deal more than sit in a hearing and ask a few queries. Much pre-hearing preparing, analysis and evidence assembling go into adequate representation for each case.

As your lawyer, some of the things we may do are:

• Present an opening or closing statement at the hearing
• Request timely appeals to proper level of appeal
• Seek waiver of time limit
• Make sure that you receive the correct amount of benefits if approved
  
• Obtain documents from your Social Security Disability file
• Ask that prior application for benefits be reopened
• Gather medical or other evidence
• Provide a thorough evaluation and explanation of your claim
• Contact your doctor to obtain a report consistent with Social Security rules
• Prepare you to testify at hearing

Protecting Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you have a disability, you may qualify for a program managed by the Social Security Administration. SSI benefits are paid through the United States Treasury general funds and are generally reserved for people who have low income and few resources.  Children who are blind or disabled can also receive SSI benefits.  The basic amount of benefits are the same nationwide, but some states may add money to the basic benefit.  At Kassin & Carrow, we want to help you receive the maximum benefit possible. 

Receiving SSI depends on things like your income and resources.  Wages, Social Security benefits and pensions all count as income.  In addition, food and shelter benefits may count as income. If you are married, part of your spouse's income and resources may be considered. If you are a student, some of the wages and/or scholarships may not count.

If you are blind, Social Security does not count wages that you use for work expenses.  For example - using wages to pay for transportation to and from work are not counted as income. Also, some of the income you use for training or purchasing items needed to work may not count.

When it comes to resources, or things that you own, Social Security will look at things like real estate, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and cash.  If your resources are worth no more than $2,000, you may be able to get SSI.  For couples, the resources may be worth no more than $3,000.

Social Security doesn't count everything you own. Things that are generally not counted are:

• Life insurance policies with face value less than or equal to $1,500
• Your car in most cases
• Burial plots for  you and members or your immediate family
• Burial funds up to $1,500 for you and $1,500 for your spouse
• Your residential home you live in and the land it is on

You may also qualify for SSI benefits:

• If you live in a public institute while attending approved job or educational training
• If you live in a public emergency shelter designated for the homeless
• If you live in a private or public institution and more than half of the cost of your care is paid by Medicaid
• If you live in a public community residence serving no more than 16 people

When we officially apply for benefits and to process your application quickly, we will need:

• Your Social Security number
• Information about your home - mortgage, lease, and landlord's name
• Birth certificate or other proof or your age
• Payroll stubs, insurance policies, bank statements/records, and other information about income and resources
• We will need the names, address, and telephone number of doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you
• Proof of citizenship in the United States or eligible noncitizen status

Kassin & Carrow is here to assist you every step of the way. Remember, you never pay a fee unless we win your case.

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  Kassin & Carrow Only Practices Disability Law

Social Security Disability is all we do!
What does that mean to you?  It means that our 30 years of experience and knowledge is focused entirely on you and your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income claims and payments.

Our past and continuing success is based upon that experience, knowledge, and a well-trained support staff.  Kassin & Carrow has a quality relationship with the local Office(s) of Disability Adjudication and Appeals. Our customer service is second to none. 

No one wants to think about a disability or injury. It is not an easy thing to talk about. Let our experience help you. If you have a physical or mental condition through an injury or illness, and have been or expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months - we can help.  You can rest assured that, even though you may feel overwhelmed or confused, that we will devote our time to you and do everything we can to help ease your anxiety and stress during the entire process.

At Kassin & Carrow, we strive to give the highest quality personal representation and service to each of our clients. You are more to us than "just another case." We focus on people in the St. Louis and Metro East Illinois area.  We take the time to get to know you and your specific case, situation, and needs. We are dedicated to secure a result that will give you the benefits you need. With offices in Edwardsville, Illinois and St. Peters, Missouri, we are well positioned geographically to help you.  Past clients have lived in many areas, including Wentzville, St. Charles, Kirkwood, St Peters, St. Louis, Collinsville, Litchfield and more.

Our Team

Martin T. Carrow, II - Founding Member-Attorney at Law
Bar Admissions:
State of Illinois, 1991
Southern District of Illinois
Central District of Illinois
 
Education:
Ohio Northern University
Ada, OH
Juris Doctor, 1990
 
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, 1987
 
Organizations:
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
Illinois State  Bar Association
The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Christopher D. Syrup - Associate Attorney at Law
 
Bar Admissions:
Missouri, 1996
Illinois, 1997
 
Education:
The John Marshall Law School
Chicago, IL
Juris Doctor, 1996
 
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
Bachelor of Science, Public Affairs, 1993
 
Organizations:
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR)
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL)
The Missouri Bar
Illinois State Bar Association

John R. Nelson - Associate Attorney at Law
 
Bar Admissions:
State of Missouri, 2002
 
Education:
Washington University School of Law
St. Louis, MO
Juris Doctor, 2000
 
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI
Bachelor of Arts, History and Political Science, 1996
 
Organizations:
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
The Missouri Bar

Dawna M. Hale - Associate Attorney at Law
 
Bar Admissions:
State of Illinois, 2006
Southern District of Illinois
 
Education:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
Juris Doctor, 2006
 
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL 
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, 2002
 
Organizations:
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
Madison County Bar Association
Alton Wood River Bar Association
Illinois State  Bar Association
The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

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