We represent claimants on Social Security Disability claims, and much of the way we work with clients has not changed, except for hearings. Most folks seek our help after an initial claim denial or denial of the first claim appeal, known as a “reconsideration request.” Our initial meeting is completion of the online appeal. That could be the first appeal, which is the request for reconsideration, or the second appeal, which is the request for hearing. We also request a copy of the claims file from the local Social Security office. We work with the Warrenton office most of the time, and they have been responsive about getting claims files mailed out on a CD. The local offices are closed to the public, and many of the folks at the local office are working from home. This has caused some delay in getting claims files, but we continue to move forward with appeals. You can still contact the local office by phone, but as this issue goes to press, the only services available relate to severe disabilities, blindness claims, claims involving terminal illness, requests for dire need payments, and dire Medicare applications. What is considered “dire” is a relative term, even during these uncertain times. Overall, we are impressed with the staff at our Warrenton Social Security office and know they are working through this the best way they know how.
The hearings office we work with most often is in Portland. Until recently, all hearings were in person, with experts more often calling in to testify. The local hearings office is not conducting in-person hearings but is offering telephone hearings. Our clients can choose to postpone their hearings, but we cannot say how long the additional wait time is for a new hearing at this point. Whether to go forward with a phone hearing is a case-by-case decision, ultimately left with the client. We have conducted a few phone hearings so far, and they have gone well except for a few early technical glitches with the phone connections. The hearings office employees are wonderful to work with, and as we move forward, they will improve their procedures without a doubt.
EASTER LAMB CAKE Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 2 1/4 cups cake flour • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar • 1/2 cup butter • 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 4 egg whites
Equipment
• 1 lamb-shaped, 3D cake mold
Directions
1. Heat oven to 375 F. Coat lamb cake mold with vegetable oil and wipe clean after a few minutes. Then grease again and flour cake mold. 2. In a bowl, sift cake flour, then sift flour again with baking powder and salt. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter together to form a batter. 4. Add flour mixture and milk to the batter alternately. 5. Stir batter until smooth and add vanilla extract. 6. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. 7. Fold 1/3 of egg whites into batter mixture, then fold in the remaining whites. 8. Fill cake mold with batter and avoid air pockets. Place the lid on the cake mold, secure it tightly, and place it on a cookie sheet. Bake for 1 hour. 9. Let cake cool completely before decorating with frosting, candy, and edible Easter grass.
The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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