Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

Most attorneys do not handle Social Security disability and/or SSI cases. The attorney fees are set and limited by law and the field is highly technical. The outcome of your Social Security disability claim will affect the rest of your life. Before you hire a Social Security lawyer, take the time to make sure he or she is an expert. Do not hesitate to ask straightforward and probing questions about the nature and extent of your Social Security claim representation.

Social Security Disability (SSD):
Social Security provides disability insurance benefits to those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and have become disabled. In order to receive benefits, the claimant must establish 1) that the disabling condition makes it impossible to perform any substantial work, and 2) that the disability is expected to last at least a year or until death.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
Social Security provides SSI benefits for those who are severely disabled but not eligible to receive Social Security disability insurance benefits. This is usually because the claimant did not work long enough in Social Security covered employment to establish eligibility. SSI differs substantially from Social Security disability. The benefits are lower, there is no provision for dependent or survivors benefits, and the disabled person cannot own substantial assets or have substantial income from any source.

Cessation:
Cessation involves the involuntary termination of Social Security disability or SSI benefits. This is usually based on a determination that the disabling condition does not exist or no longer exists and/or, in the case of SSI, that the disabled person’s income and/or assets are too substantial to warrant benefits.

If you or someone you know in Iowa needs the assistance of an experienced Clear Lake Disability Lawyer, call Eastman & Casperson today at 866-748-9622, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.  

• Washburn University Law School, 1982
• University of Wisconsin, Platteville, 1975

• Iowa
• Northern and Southern District of Iowa Federal Courts
• 8th Circuit Court of Appeals

• Iowa State Bar Association
  • Member, Indigent Defense Task Force, 1996-2001; Task Force Chair 1997-1999
  • Criminal Law Section Counsel Member, 1994-1997, 1998-2001; Counsel Chair, 1999-2001
  • Member, Family & Juvenile Law Section Council, 2001-2004; Juvenile Law Committee, 2001-2004; Presenter at 3 Juvenile Law CLE's; Criminal Justice Act Panel Attorney, 2001-present
• Iowa Court Information Advisory Group Member, 2001; Member, Iowa Court Improvement Project for Mediation in Child in Need of Assistance Cases, 2001-2002
• Outstanding Legal Intern, 1982 - Washburn University Law School
• President, Pi Kappa Delta Fraternity, Eta Chapter, 1973-1974
• Army Commendation Medal, 1972