Helping The Hurt Attorney Blog

The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review has a waiting list of 990,399 names long, more than the population of 6 different states, and still growing. 

The Social Security System is well known for sending benefits to seniors but also providing financial compensation for people who are unable to work due to physical or mental disabilities. The administration processes applicants by deciding who is and who is not disabled enough to get the checks. You would think this process would be simple and time compliant, but it’s shocking to learn the system is more than 1 million cases behind.  

The Social Security Administration faces allegations that include manipulation of cases, corruption, nepotism, sexual harassment, intimidation, and retaliation against employees who attempt to report misconduct. 

The SSA is responsible for processing disability cases for individuals suffering from a debilitating disease or physical impairment keeping them from holding financial security.

Many physically challenged applicants wait in agony for years trying to achieve benefits from the Social Security System, only to be turned down and grapple through multiple appeals desperately hanging on to any sign of financial hope.  

While taxpaying dollars and honest officials put faith into our federal systems, we come to find not all administrative law officials reflect such moral and ethical standards.

Recent scandals uncovered in

"Wicked Tuna" T.V. Star Sentenced in Federal Court for Disability Fraud

Paul Herbert, a former Marshfield man, was receiving government disability benefits between the years of 2010 and 2013 but was employed on the reality television show “Wicked Tuna.”

On Wednesday, June 8^th 2016, Mr. Herbert pleaded guilty to charges of Social Security and Medicaid fraud and was sentenced in Burlington’s federal court. He was charged with accepting more than $44,000 in disability benefits last summer and was sentenced to four years’ probation and a $5,000 fine. Paul Herbert, now of Gloucester, must also pay more than $53, 600 in restitution as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Seeking Social Security Benefits

Applying for social security disability is not easy and depending on the circumstances can be a very complicated process. The Social Security Disability System contains a very complex set of rules and regulations making it extremely hard for the average person to receive payments successfully on their own. It’s important once you are approved to make sure you obtain your benefits.

Understanding your disability rights

Understanding your disability rights can be a confusing and complicated process. Many disability applicants are rejected when applying for benefits or on a waiting list of a minimum of two years. This process leaves many injured families "hung out to dry," facing financial difficulties and a fast increase in medical bills.