Originally published on January 10, 2013, this remastered episode of Q&A Social Security Disability Today addresses an important question that continues to concern many disability claimants:

Is there a bias against individuals with mental health conditions in the Social Security Disability process?

In this episode, Attorney Anthony Reeves explains why Social Security does not evaluate disability claims based on appearances or public opinion. Instead, the agency focuses on medical evidence, treatment history, medications, hospitalizations, and testimony from the claimant and others who know them.

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric illnesses can be just as disabling as physical impairments—even when the symptoms are not immediately visible to others.

Topics discussed include:
- How Social Security evaluates mental health claims
- Why medical treatment records are critical
- The role of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists
- Substance use and its impact on disability cases
- Why invisible illnesses should be taken seriously

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on a mental health condition, this remastered archival episode provides timeless guidance and reassurance.
Originally Published: January 10, 2013
Remastered and Re-Released: May 10, 2026
Attorney Anthony Reeves
Q&A Social Security Disability Today


#SocialSecurityDisability #MentalHealthDisability #SSDI #SSI #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #Schizophrenia #InvisibleDisabilities #AttorneyAnthonyReeves #DisabilityLaw

This is a remastered version of a classic Q&A from Q&A Social Security Disability Today, originally published on June 16, 2012, featuring Attorney Anthony Reeves. One of the most common questions in the disability process is:

👉 “How long will my appeal take before I receive a decision?” In this video, I break down the real truth behind Social Security Disability appeal timelines—something many claimants struggle to understand.

⚖️ Key Insights Covered:

• Why there is NO required timeline for Social Security to issue a decision  
• What your representative really means when they say “we have to wait”  
• Typical wait times at each level:
  • Initial / Local Office: ~2–6 months  
  • Hearing Level: ~1 year or more  
  • Appeals Council: ~1–2 years  
• Why switching representatives won’t speed up your case
• How case volume and system structure impact delays
• What happens when your case becomes significantly delayed

💡 If you’ve ever felt like your case is taking too long or that no one is giving you a straight answer—this video explains why that is the reality of the system.

This is a remastered edition of a classic Q&A from Q&A: Social Security Disability Today, originally published on June 1, 2012. In this episode, Attorney Anthony Reeves breaks down a common and important question:

👉 Will going back to school affect your Social Security Disability benefits? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no—it depends on your circumstances. In this discussion, you’ll learn:

• How Social Security evaluates daily activities when determining disability
• Why going to school does NOT automatically disqualify you
• The key factors that can impact your case, including:
  • Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
  • Academic performance (A’s, B’s, etc.)
  • Use of accommodations, tutors, or extended time
  • Online vs. in-person learning
  • Consistency with your claimed limitations

⚖️ The critical takeaway:
Social Security doesn’t just look at what you’re doing—they look at how and under what conditions you’re doing it. If you’re applying for benefits or already receiving them, understanding how to explain your circumstances clearly can make a significant difference in your case.

This is a REMASTERED episode originally released on June 17, 2023.

In this discussion, we unpack two important Social Security Disability topics:
• Does moving to another state affect your benefits?
• Why does a judge sometimes say your testimony isn’t credible?

While Social Security is a federal system, SSI cases require close attention to changes in living arrangements and financial support. Even small differences can impact your benefits. 

We also take a deeper look at credibility determinations — one of the most misunderstood parts of a disability hearing. A judge questioning your credibility does not automatically mean they think you’re lying. Often, it comes down to how your statements align (or don’t) with medical records and prior reports.  

If you’ve ever felt like your story wasn’t fully understood, this episode provides critical perspective.

REMASTERED EPISODE (Originally released August 5, 2013) 

One of the most frustrating things you can hear in a Social Security Disability case is that you’re “not credible.” But what does that actually mean—and why does it happen?

In this remastered episode, I break down how judges evaluate credibility and why your daily activities, statements, and level of detail can make or break your case. 
You’ll learn:

• How judges compare what you say with what you do
• Why vague answers can work against you
• How everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping are interpreted
• Why being specific about your limitations is critical

Many claimants unintentionally hurt their case by oversimplifying their answers. This episode walks you through how to better explain your reality so it aligns with the legal standards used in disability hearings.
This is a remastered version of a Q&A originally published on August 5, 2013, updated for clarity while preserving the original insights.

Originally published on December 27, 2013, this remastered episode of Q&A: Social Security Disability Today breaks down a question that catches many claimants off guard:
Why would a judge get upset over handwritten notes on medical records?
In this episode, I explain what’s really happening from the judge’s perspective—and why something that seems helpful can actually hurt your case.
We discuss:

• Why judges expect clean, unaltered medical evidence
• How handwritten notes can create confusion or credibility issues
• What representatives and claimants should do instead
• Real-world insight from inside the hearing process

As highlighted in the original discussion, adding notes—even with good intentions—can interfere with how evidence is interpreted and may frustrate the decision-maker. 



💡  Key Insight

Your medical records should speak for themselves. Let your argument be made through proper legal presentation—not handwritten commentary.



🔗  Next Steps

If you found this episode helpful:

• Follow the podcast for more Social Security Disability insights
• Visit my store for guides that break down the disability process
• Share this episode with someone preparing for a hearing

In this remastered episode, we break down an important question many claimants face during a Social Security hearing:
Why does the judge keep asking if you want a representative?
While the Social Security process is designed to be informal, a hearing before a judge is still a legal proceeding. Judges have a responsibility to make sure you understand your right to representation—and the consequences of proceeding without one.
In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why judges focus on your right to representation
• What a representative actually does in your case
• How legal issues can impact your claim
• The risks of going into a hearing unprepared

🔹 REMASTERED CONTENT NOTICE 

This episode is a remastered version of content originally released on December 27, 2013. Updated for clarity and audio quality. Remastered on: March 29, 2026


🔹 Call to Action

If you want more insights like this, check the links in the description for additional resources designed to help you better understand the legal process.

This episode is a REMASTERED audio version of my original Q&A Social Security Disability Today video published on February 5, 2014, titled “Long Term Elder Care and Social Security Disability.”
As we get older, many of us begin facing a reality no one truly prepares us for: having to step in and care for an aging parent or loved one. And when that moment comes, it often comes fast—forcing families to make major decisions under stress, confusion, and time pressure.
In this episode, I break down key issues families should address before a crisis happens, including:

• Whether your loved one has a will
• The importance of healthcare directives
• Why power of attorney matters
• Tracking bills, bank accounts, and financial responsibilities
• Social Security concerns, including when a representative payee may be needed
• Why Social Security funds may be protected from certain creditor actions

This remastered version improves the listening experience while preserving the original message and guidance.

📌 Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. The views expressed on this channel are solely those of the speaker, and there is no real or implied endorsement by SSA or any other part of the federal government.

Once you’re approved for Social Security Disability benefits, the next question is almost always the same: “So when will I get my money?” In this remastered episode, originally recorded in 2017, I break down what really happens behind the scenes after Social Security approves your case—and why payment timelines can vary so widely from person to person.
You’ll learn:

• Why SSA must calculate your benefit amount and backpay before anything is released
• How offsets like federal debts, student loans, or child support can affect what you receive
• When a representative payee or a payment center can slow down the process
• Why comparing your timeline to friends or family will almost always mislead you
• What steps you can take if you feel your case is taking too long

Whether you’re newly approved or helping someone navigate the process, this episode gives you the clear, practical insight you need to understand the payment process.

In this remastered edition of one of my original Q&A: Social Security Disability Today episodes (originally released on July 17, 2013), I revisit one of the most common and emotional questions people face: 👉 “What should I do next if I’ve been denied by a judge?”

If your Social Security Disability claim has been denied by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you’re standing at a major crossroads — do you start over with a new application, or do you appeal the decision? 
In this episode, I walk you through:

• The pros and cons of starting a new claim
• What to expect when filing an appeal to the Appeals Council
• Why Appeals Council approvals are rare
• The difference between legal error and disagreement with the judge’s decision
• When and how to take your case to Federal Court
• How to keep your case alive while waiting for a ruling

This remastered version improves the clarity and sound quality of the original recording while preserving its straightforward, no-nonsense guidance for people navigating the Social Security Disability process.
🎧 Originally recorded: July 17, 2013 🔁 Remastered for 2025 clarity 💼 From Q&A: Social Security Disability Today with Anthony Reeves, Esq.