The holidays are right around the corner, and while many people can’t wait to eat turkey and swap presents, others only see stress on the horizon. Especially for those hosting parties, between decorations, big dinners, excited kids, and visiting family, it can all feel overwhelming. If celebrations are happening at your house this year, here are three tips to lessen the strain and keep up the holiday cheer. RECHARGE FIRST Ensure you’re rested and recharged before the holidays by taking time to relax, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that make you feel good. When you’re rushing to get everything done, it can be tempting to skip self-care routines, but that will cost you in the long run. Your daily exercise and other health activities keep you balanced and ready to face challenges head-on. GET STARTED EARLY Holidays always arrive faster than we expect, so begin preparing early. If shopping for presents is a pain point, don’t wait until the last minute. Decorate earlier than you need to — or better yet, get the kids to do it for you. There’s only so much cooking you can do ahead of time, but ensuring you have all of the equipment and nonperishable ingredients you need a few weeks in advance will reduce both your workload and anxiety. 3 TIPS FOR A MERRIER TIME Have a Low-Stress Holiday
DON’T EXPECT PERFECTION The sooner you let go of the idea of a “perfect” holiday, the sooner you’ll be able to have a happy one. Face it: Something will go wrong. Whether it’s an overcooked dish, a child throwing a temper tantrum, or your uncle talking politics at the dinner table, nothing will ever go just how you planned. So, embrace the imperfections. Whether you’re celebrating this year with a group of two or 20, holidays can be a stressful time — but they don’t have to be. With these tips, your festivities may not be picture-perfect, but they will be a lot of fun.
Navigating Social Security Disability Forms
The application process for Social Security disability is ever changing, but it will always include filling out an application with the Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS assigns your application to a claims analyst to gather information, evaluate, and decide your claim. The analyst will send out forms, usually with a 10-day time limit.
jot down the date of your visits, or you can keep your appointment reminder cards.
DON’T EXAGGERATE! You must be straightforward and
honest about your symptoms and how they affect your ability to do everyday activities. If someone overstates their symptoms or understates their abilities, it usually sticks out like a sore thumb, and that can be fatal to your claim. This is because your Disability Report form is only one small part of the claims file. Social Security will have your medical records, statements from local Social Security offices regarding your appearance at in-person appointments, and statements from friends or family members on your daily activities. Forms that overstate symptoms will usually justify claim denial. This is because your credibility, even with all the rules and policies, is critical to proving your claim.
Here are common-sense tips to help you navigate through the process.
KEEP EVERYTHING YOU FILL OUT AND TRACK MEDICAL CARE. You will be asked for the same information more than once. Keep a copy of every form you complete. It will save you time and trouble when the next form arrives in the mail. Keep track of your medical care and the providers who treat you. One simple trick is to take a card from your doctor’s office and
WHEN IN DOUBT, APPEAL. We handle appeals of denied claims, and if you have any doubt about whether you qualify for benefits, call to set up a time to talk. We will get the appeal filed, request your file, and give you an honest review of your chances.
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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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