DISABILITY BENEFIT RECOVERY

I recently appeared in a Social Security disability hearing where the client had what should have been a clear cut disability case.   He had a severe medical condition that had lasted for many months.  His condition did not respond to treatment and was expected to last indefinitely.  Finally, he had seen his family doctor in Huntsville several times per month and his medical file showed unmistakable evidence of the extent and severity of his condition.  Unfortunately, the client had been receiving unemployment benefits after leaving his previous job.   Applying for unemployment benefits is something most people do automatically after losing a job, almost without thinking about it.  Unfortunately, filing for unemployment insurance can have serious consequences if you are also filing for Social Security disability.      Why?  Because of the weekly certification requirements.  Each week when you file for unemployment benefits, you certify to the state that you are ph