Take a look at our latest newsletter!
JANUAR
Y/FEBR
We’re Always Here for You Times Have Been Hard, But We Can Make a Difference It hasn’t been easy this past year, and honestly, it’s been a challenge for our clients for a few years now. We know it’s been a rough road since the pandemic first started, and our firm has done all we can in the past. But the Keefe Disability Law team is growing larger and stronger! Just in the last few months, we’ve welcomed three new team members: Griffin MacWilliams, Nicole Farrell, and David Forth. As we enter the new year, we are working toward new ways we can support our clients as they undergo the disability claim process. In the past, you would have to wait six months to two years before you would receive results, which is already a painfully long amount of time for those who are sick, injured, and unable to work. Now, and since COVID-19 first began, the process takes even longer. We know just how frustrating and discouraging this can be for our clients, and we do all we can just for Social Security to continue to drag on. However, I finally feel like we have a completely full team that is ready and equipped to support you during these difficult times. While there’s only so much we can do to speed along the process, we don’t want to see another client walk away from their case because they’ve lost hope. This has happened at a rate I’ve never seen before. That’s why we recently had an all-team meeting to work on how we can make a difference. We’ve been entirely remote since the pandemic, which hasn’t allowed us to physically meet and communicate with one another, so I wanted to change that. Now, more than ever, our clients are suffering from a bitterly long silence with their disability claims. As we reunited, we took time to evaluate our operations, plan for the year ahead, and, ultimately, spend time with one another as a united team. We were able to reinvigorate ourselves for 2024 and remind ourselves why we do what we do!
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Of course, the meeting wasn’t all business. We tried an escape room together and failed miserably, but we did have a blast! After, we all had lunch and simply caught up and chatted for hours. I could tell this was exactly what we needed to prepare for the new year with a refreshed mindset and newfound enthusiasm. The Keefe Disability Law team will do whatever we can to help our clients withstand this oftentimes frustrating and trying process as best we can. The last thing we want you to do is walk away from your case because you lost hope. A resolution will happen, it just takes time, and we’ll be there to support you the entire way through. Our team is bigger and better than ever, and as we enter 2024, I know that we can bring renewed positivity and support to our clients who are working toward their disability claims. We’re here for you, and we’ll never walk away from you or your case!
I’m wishing you and your loved ones a happy new year, and I look forward to all the progress and success we’ll reach together in the future.
1-877-9-DISABLED (877-934-7225) • KeefeLaw.com •
Calm Your Mind, Boost Your Productivity
THE BENEFITS OF WHITE NOISE
Boosts Concentration White noise boosts concentration by increasing background neural “noise” in the brain, which helps essential neural signals to stand out and be detected, which can enhance cognitive performance. This can be particularly useful when you need to train your attention while tackling complex problems. Enhances Creativity Some studies suggest that moderate white noise can improve creativity and imaginative thinking. It keeps the idea gateway open during the generative process and enables you to think freely and develop novel solutions. Whether you’re studying, working, or engaging in creative endeavors, the benefits of white noise extend to a wide range of activities, making it a versatile tool for enhancing focus.
White noise is commonly used to help people fall asleep, but now, more people are using it to increase their concentration during the workday. By providing a consistent background sound, white noise can mask environmental distractions like chattering, traffic, or intermittent noises that may otherwise disturb concentration. Here are a few benefits of utilizing white noise in your day. Calming Effect White noise, especially calm nature sounds, exerts a soothing effect on the mind, providing a stable auditory environment that reduces sudden distractions. The calming influence can help you feel more positive and enable the mind to transition to a more conducive state for a deeper focus on work or study.
Improve Your Chances for SSDI Approval
Keep a disability journal. A disability journal offers a personalized perspective on your day-to-day experience with your condition. You should document challenges in daily routines, sleep disturbances, mental and physical symptoms, and any side effects of medications. This supplementary information complements professional medical opinions, providing a comprehensive view of your disability. Provide thorough medical evidence. Incomplete or insufficient medical evidence is a common reason for application denials. Compile a comprehensive medical history, including test results, treatment documentation, and statements from both your primary care doctor and specialists. Ensure every document includes relevant contact information for further clarification if needed. Check for application errors and omissions. Vigilance in reviewing your application for errors or omissions is critical. Paperwork errors, alongside lack of medical evidence, contribute to denials. Thoroughly complete your application, offering detailed answers to all questions. Include W2 forms and pay stubs as applicable to support claims about your inability to work and adherence to SGA thresholds. By integrating these key guidelines, applicants can significantly enhance their prospects of securing vital disability benefits. For personalized assistance and expert guidance, scheduling a consultation with our experienced team can make a substantial difference in the application process.
In continuation of our previous newsletter, we’ll dive into the second part of our comprehensive guide to navigating Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications. Adhering to the critical guidelines outlined below can significantly enhance the chances of a successful outcome. See your doctor regularly. Establishing a consistent and documented medical history is essential. Regular consultations with your primary care doctor provide an ongoing narrative of your condition’s progression. You also must seek medical evidence to support your application, including test results and written statements outlining your condition and its impact on your ability to work. Follow the prescribed treatment plan. Adherence to the prescribed treatment plan not only reflects a commitment to your well-being but also strengthens your claim. Demonstrating diligence in following medical recommendations, whether medication regimens, physical therapy, or lifestyle adjustments, underscores your proactive approach to managing your health. Ask to see a specialist. While the opinion of a family doctor holds value, specialists often carry more weight, particularly for conditions that may not be immediately apparent. Request a referral to see a specialist, aligning with the SSA’s preference for opinions from medical experts. Ensure the specialist provides supporting medical evidence for inclusion in your SSDI application.
• 1-877-9-DISABLED (877-934-7225) • KeefeLaw.com
MEET NICOLE FARRELL Your Ally in Compassionate Legal Care
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty dish that combines salmon with the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon! Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon
We are thrilled to welcome Nicole Farrell to our team at Keefe Disability Law as the new paralegal on our case management team. Joining us at the end of September, Nicole has quickly become an integral part of our family, embodying our commitment to equity and justice. Nicole is fueled by a deep-seated drive to help those in need. Her experiences, from working at a crisis hotline to a violence resource center and previously at a family law firm, have honed her skills in advocating for those who often feel voiceless. Through her work, Nicole has assisted those navigating complex legal processes. Her motivation stems from witnessing the struggles and injustices faced by individuals with disabilities, fueling her belief that everyone deserves access to the support they need. What excites Nicole most about her role here is the opportunity to empower an underserved population. She finds the culture at Keefe Disability Law unique, where humor and support help when dealing with heavy matters. Nicole values the responsibility of her job, recognizing the impact she can make in the lives of those going through difficult times. This blend of rewarding work and a fun, supportive environment is what makes her role here fulfilling.
INGREDIENTS
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2 lbs salmon fillets
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2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried thyme
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking dish. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon. 4. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
Nicole approaches each client with grace and compassion. For her, this is a calling where she finds deep satisfaction and fulfillment.
A recent graduate of Saint Anselm College with a degree in sociology and criminal justice, Nicole credits her education for shaping her into the person she is today. The liberal arts education and approachable faculty provided her with practical skills and a broad understanding of real-world applications. Looking to the future, Nicole aspires to further her education in law school. But for now, she is fully immersed in her role at Keefe Disability. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She’s also an avid runner. She loves to unwind with walks along the beach with her dog and is finishing the series “Gilmore Girls.” We are incredibly fortunate to have Nicole Farrell as part of our team. Her dedication and compassionate approach to case management are invaluable assets to our firm and our clients. Please join us in welcoming Nicole to the Keefe family as we continue to strive for excellence in serving our community.
1-877-9-DISABLED (877-934-7225) • KeefeLaw.com •
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Share Your Story! Do you want to share a story about your disability claim, experience with Hartwig Law Firm, or just a funny story in general? Contact Andrea at (508) 732-8989 or via email at Patrick@KeefeLaw.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter!
385 Court St., Suite 210 • Plymouth, MA 02360 1-877-9-DISABLED (1-877-934-7225) • KeefeLaw.com
inside this issue
1 2
Our Team Grows, Adapts, and Unites to Support You
White Noise: Your Secret to Enhanced Concentration
Strategies for Successful SSDI Applications
3
Meet Nicole, Our Newest Addition
Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon
4
Bringing Joy to Your Day
Positive Stories From the Natural World A BRIGHTER TOMORROW
We live in a world where we’re constantly exposed to new information, thanks to the internet and 24-hour news cycle. Some of this information is certainly helpful, like the latest traffic updates before your morning commute or an article with tips to help your toddler string their first sentence together. But sometimes, it can feel like most of
to protect its eggs. Scientists predict the octopuses chose this spot due to the warm water, making it the perfect location to brood their eggs thanks to the consistent temperature. 2,000 white rhinos will be released into the wild over the next decade. Conservation group African Parks recently purchased the world’s largest private white rhino breeding operation, which resulted in their obtaining 2,000 of the near-threatened animals.
the information we absorb is negative.
There’s a whole psychology behind why negative information sells and spreads the fastest, and media conglomerates and online trolls use it to their advantage. So, unfortunately, the online and televised media market is saturated with bad news. Thankfully, this isn’t an accurate reflection of what’s going on in the real world. So, we’re here to show you a couple of positive things happening in the world lately! Scientists discovered a hidden octopus nursery. Scientists found an incredible surprise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California. There, at the bottom of the thermal spring, were roughly 20,000 octopuses nestled at the bottom in a ball formation with their tentacles facing up — a position the animal uses
To help increase the rhino’s natural population, African Parks has developed a plan to rehabilitate and release these rhinos slowly — roughly 100 per year — into the wild over the next 10 years. By doing so, their goal is to “create strategic populations to protect the long- term future of the species.”
• 1-877-9-DISABLED (877-934-7225) • KeefeLaw.com
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