Hartwig Law Firm - March/April 2022

You likely learned how to ride a bike as a kid — according to a 2013 survey, about 94% of American adults did. Even if it has been a while since your last ride, most people agree you never forget how, and you don’t have to be in great shape to get started. Outside of walking, biking might be the most accessible exercise for all ages and ability levels. The beauty of biking is that it can be as relaxing or challenging as you want. The average kid learns to ride at around 5 years old, so the basics aren’t complicated. Biking helps young children get outside and gives them a taste of being a “big kid.” As a result, it’s excellent for their self-esteem as well as their fitness. Cycling is also perfect for adults who are new to exercise or need a low-impact activity. A short ride on a flat surface will get the heart rate up without feeling too strenuous, making it optimal for beginners. Older adults and people with knee problems also use biking as an alternative to other forms of exercise because it’s easier on their joints.

Meanwhile, those looking for a challenge can easily find one. If you want a strenuous workout,

Just Like Riding a Bike

it’s easy to ride farther, increase the resistance on your bike, or pick a steeper bike trail to explore. Biking is only a cakewalk if you choose to make it one. Since it’s perfect for all ages, cycling is the ideal outdoor activity to do with your family, allowing everyone to be involved in quality time together while promoting their health. To get started, make sure everyone has a bike they can use comfortably and a helmet that fits, plus understands bike safety. Once the basics are taken care of, you’re ready to hit the trails or explore the neighborhood. Even if you never learned how to ride, there’s no time like the present. You might feel a little silly at first, but the benefits of cycling will serve you — and your family — well for the rest of your life.

Cycling Is the Perfect Activity for All Ages

MY SOCIAL SECURITY CLAIM WAS DENIED

What Now?

Social Security disability benefits can be extremely useful to those who can no longer work due to an impairment but not every claim gets approved. This can leave you wondering what you need to do if your claim gets denied. We’ve seen this situation happen time and time again. That’s why we thought it would be a great idea to inform you of your options if a Social Security judge denies your claim. After you’ve received your claim denial, the first thing you can do is file another appeal to keep fighting for your benefits. If you are denied more than once, you’ll eventually get to the last level — an Appeals Council. This council will review your entire case, including the judge’s decision to ensure that everything was decided justly and fairly.

On average, cases are under review by the Appeals Council for about 12 months. Only around 10% of cases are sent back to the judge who originally denied the claim. If it is concluded that the judge wrongfully denied your claim, you’ll have to continue to fight for your benefits. There is another option besides the Appeals Council, you can accept the judge’s decision that you are not disabled through the date of that decision. If you still believe that you cannot work due to an impairment for an indefinite amount of time, you can file a brand- new Social Security application claiming you are disabled from the date you file the claim moving forward. This is often more successful than the outcome of the Appeals Council.

As a final option, you can accept the judge’s decision that you are not disabled under Social Security’s criteria. Use this time to focus on taking care of yourself and implementing your doctor’s advice. You’ll have to depend on your savings, or find other means to keep up with your finances. If your Social Security claim has been denied and you’re unsure what to do next, give our office a call. We would be more than happy to help you explore your options.

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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989

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