Shows
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysWhat Happens After You’re Approved: Back Pay, Medicare, and Next StepsEpisode Summary:
Courtney Bolton, a Social Security Disability advocate, sheds light on the post-approval phase of SSDI benefits. From receiving the allowance notice to understanding back pay calculations and Medicare eligibility, Courtney explains the crucial steps individuals need to take after being approved for SSDI.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:34 – Receiving the allowance notice after approval
03:12 – Factors affecting back pay calculations
05:45 – Transitioning to electronic payment methods
07:21 – Timeline for Medicare eligibility post-approval
09:03 – Importance of private insurance during the waiting period
10:45 – Challenges faced during the application pr...
2026-02-1011 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysWhat Really Happens During an EEO Mediation: Behind Closed DoorsEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Eric Pines pulls back the curtain on EEO mediation, revealing the confidential dynamics that lead to resolution. He explains preparation (legal framing + emotional catharsis), the critical role of tone and demeanor, agency tactics like limited authority, and how counsel negotiates effectively. Eric shares a recurring success story where mediation secures non-disciplinary removal, disability retirement support, and attorney fees—creating a true win-win without litigation.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:30 - EEO Mediation Overview (Post-Filing Resolution Path)
01:30 - Preparation: Legal Elements + Personal Story
03:00 - Tone & Demer...
2025-12-1615 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysHow Mediation Can Save Your Federal Employment CaseEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Eric Pines shares his passion for mediation as a powerful tool to resolve federal employment disputes before they spiral into costly litigation. He explains mediation styles (transformative to evaluative), its differences from litigation and arbitration, the typical EEO/MSPB process, and the role of a neutral mediator. Eric highlights non-monetary wins like accommodations, disability retirement assistance, or workplace transfers, and stresses how mediation delivers catharsis, preserves relationships, and avoids years of stress and fees.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:30 - What Is Mediation? (Neutral Facilitat...
2025-12-0219 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysFrom Accommodation to Disability: Knowing When It’s Time to Shift Your Legal StrategyEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Eric Pines helps federal employees recognize when reasonable accommodation efforts have failed and it’s time to pursue OPM disability retirement. He explains the legal standard of “effective” accommodation, red flags of agency bad faith, why pushing hard strengthens a disability claim, and the strategic advantage of running both processes simultaneously. Eric details critical documentation, doctor letter templates, and how expert guidance can secure lifetime benefits worth millions.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:30 - When Accommodation Efforts Fail (Effective vs. Preferred)
02:00 - Agency Must Engag...
2025-11-1814 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysAfter the Approval: What Every Federal Employee Should Know Post-OPM DisabilityEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Eric Pines guides federal employees through the critical post-approval phase of OPM disability retirement. Covering everything from waiting for the last day of pay and interim payments to annuity calculations, reemployment rules (80% earnings limit), preserving FEHB benefits, and smart financial planning—including TSP loans and avoiding credit card debt—Eric shares practical steps, common pitfalls, and a real success story of a client who earned more on disability than before.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:30 - First Step After Approval: Celebrate & Wait for Last Day of Pay
2025-11-0415 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysWhat to Expect When Appealing a Denied SSDI ClaimEpisode Summary
In this episode, Courtney Bolton, a Social Security Disability Advocate at Pines Federal, to explain what to do after receiving an SSDI denial letter. Courtney walks through the full appeal process—from reconsideration to hearings before an administrative law judge—and shares practical advice on how to strengthen your appeal, submit new medical evidence, and stay patient through the process.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – What to do first after getting a denial letter
01:00 – The four levels of appeal and what each involves
02:30 – Expected timelines at every appeal stage
03:30 – Why having an attorney boosts approval chances
...
2025-10-2108 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysBuilding a Strong SSDI Application from the StartEpisode Summary:
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees Disability and Employment Rights and Social Security Disability for All, Courtney Bolton, a Social Security Disability advocate with Pines Federal breaks down the foundation of what makes a strong Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application from the very beginning. Courtney explains eligibility requirements, the importance of medical and work history, and what documentation matters most. She also highlights common red flags applicants should avoid, how to handle conditions like mental health or chronic illness, and why professional advocacy significantly increases approval chances. Listeners will gain practical, actionable insights...
2025-10-0608 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysCommon Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied and How to Avoid ThemEpisode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers, attorney Eric L. Pines is joined by Courtney Bolton, a Social Security Disability advocate at Pines Federal, to discuss one of the most frustrating issues for applicants: why Social Security Disability (SSDI) claims get denied. With years of experience guiding clients through the SSDI process, Courtney provides clear, practical strategies for strengthening claims, avoiding common mistakes, and improving the chances of approval.
From technical requirements and strict deadlines to the importance of detailed medical documentation, this conversation highlights the real reasons behind the high denial rate and what applicants...
2025-09-0913 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysThe Difference Between SSDI and SSI and Why Eligibility Criteria Matter?Episode Summary
Attorney Eric L. Pines introduces Courtney Bolton, a Social Security disability advocate with 23 years of experience at the Social Security Administration. The episode explores the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility requirements, benefit calculations, and common misconceptions, providing essential guidance for navigating the complex disability benefits process.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Introduction to Courtney Bolton
03:00 - Differences Between SSDI and SSI
07:00 - Work History and SSDI Eligibility
10:00 - Resource Limits for SSI
13:00 - Medical...
2025-08-1912 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysShould I Take a Settlement or Keep Fighting?Episode Summary:
In this episode, Eric L. Pines discusses the complexities of settlement negotiations for federal employees. He shares insights on evaluating settlement offers, understanding the risks of rejecting settlements, and knowing when to negotiate for more. Eric emphasizes his passion for helping federal employees reach settlements that provide both peace of mind and practical benefits.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:40 - Types of settlement offers and evaluating fairness
02:42 - Risks of rejecting settlements
04:19 - When to negotiate for more
06:09 - Settlement finality a...
2025-07-1615 minPines Federal Employment AttorneysStaying Afloat: Smart Financial Moves to Make While Your OPM Disability Retirement Claim is PendingEpisode Summary:
In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric Pines discusses crucial financial strategies for federal employees waiting for their OPM disability retirement claims. He covers essential topics including health insurance continuation, financial management options, and the interplay between different benefit programs like workers' compensation and unemployment.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:35 - Episode topic introduction: Financial strategies during OPM disability claims
00:57 - Common financial challenges during claim processing
02:21 - FMLA leave and health insurance coverage options
05:34 - Attorney's role in educating c...
2025-07-0117 minPines Federal Employment AttorneysWorkers' Comp vs. Disability – Understanding Your Options as a Federal EmployeeEpisode Summary:
In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric L. Pines discusses the crucial first steps and best practices for federal employees seeking workplace accommodations. He covers documentation requirements, common mistakes to avoid, important deadlines, and employee rights in the accommodation process.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:42 - First steps for requesting workplace accommodation
01:32 - Documentation requirements and paper trail importance
02:51 - Working with medical professionals
04:29 - Common mistakes to avoid when requesting accommodations
06:37 - Timeline requirements and deadlines
2025-06-1714 minPines Federal Employment AttorneysFork in the Road: What happens to your benefits after a federal buyout?Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines discusses the implications of federal buyouts, retirement benefits, and disability rights for federal employees. He explains different types of separation programs, including VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) and VSIP (Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay), and their impacts on retirement benefits. The episode also covers important considerations for federal workers facing buyout decisions and the intersection with disability benefits.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:42 - Defining federal buyouts and RIF (Reduction in Force)
03:14 - Impact on OPM r...
2025-06-1017 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysOvercoming Barriers: Federal Employees and Mental Disability AccommodationsEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Eric Pines discusses mental disability accommodations for federal employees, covering qualification criteria, common mental disabilities, reasonable accommodations, and challenges faced when requesting accommodations. The conversation explores how mental disabilities are handled differently from physical disabilities and the importance of proper medical documentation.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Defining mental disabilities in federal employment
01:16 - Different definitions of disability in federal government
03:01 - Common mental disabilities among federal employees
03:45 - Types of reasonable accommodations
04:36 - Process for requesting a...
2025-05-2912 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysOPM Disability Retirement and SSDIEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Eric L. Pines discusses OPM disability retirement and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) for federal employees. He explains the qualification requirements, application processes, and how these two disability programs interact. The episode covers common application mistakes, appeals processes, and when federal employees should consider transitioning from reasonable accommodations to disability retirement.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Explaining OPM disability retirement qualifications
03:34 - Why federal employees need to apply for both OPM and SSDI
05:15 - Common application mistakes to avoid
07:19...
2025-05-2915 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysNavigating the Social Security Disability Maze: Tips for a Faster, Smoother ProcessEpisode Summary:
In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric L. Pines discusses the complexities of filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). He provides valuable insights into the application process, common reasons for denial, and tips for improving approval chances. The episode particularly focuses on the importance of medical documentation and understanding the strict criteria for SSDI approval.
Key Timestamps:
00:09 - Introduction and episode overview
00:53 - Basic process of filing SSDI claims
01:08 - Eligibility requirements and application process
02:40 - Common reasons for SSDI claim d...
2025-04-2214 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysUnderstanding Workplace Modifications for Federal Employees with Physical DisabilitiesEpisode Summary: In this episode, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with Eric L. Pines about workplace modifications for federal employees with physical disabilities. Eric explains what constitutes a reasonable accommodation, the process for requesting modifications, and the role of medical documentation. He also discusses challenges employees may face and offers practical solutions for overcoming them. Additionally, Eric shares real-life examples of successful workplace modifications and provides guidance on when to seek legal assistance if an accommodation request is denied.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Empowering Workers
00:09 – Welcome from host Kevin Rosenquist and guest Eric L. Pines
00:44 – What is a reas...
2025-04-0813 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysStep-by-Step Guide to Applying for OPM Disability RetirementEpisode Summary:
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees Disability and Employment Rights and Social Security Disability for All, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Eric L. Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer and expert in federal disability retirement. Eric provides a step-by-step guide to applying for OPM disability retirement, explaining eligibility, required medical documentation, and how it differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Empowering Workers
00:09 – Introduction to Eric L. Pines and today’s topic
00:42 – What is OPM disability retirement?
01:41 – Understanding SSDI and how it relates to OPM dis...
2025-03-2515 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysRepresenting Title 38 VA Doctors and NursesEpisode Summary:
In this episode of Empowering Workers, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines about the unique legal challenges faced by Title 38 VA doctors and nurses. They delve into the differences between Title 38, Title V, and hybrid employees, exploring the rights and legal protections available to each group. Eric provides expert insights on disciplinary processes, appeals, and accommodations for VA medical professionals dealing with workplace stress, disabilities, and overwork. If you're a VA doctor or nurse, this episode is packed with crucial information about your employment rights and avenues for legal recourse.
Timestamps:
00:00 – We...
2025-03-1116 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysCommon Mistakes That Federal Employees Make When They Are First Making Their Accommodation RequestsEpisode Summary:
In this episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines discuss the common mistakes federal employees make when requesting workplace accommodations. With recent policy changes affecting federal employees, it's more important than ever to understand your rights under the Rehabilitation Act (ADA for federal employees). Eric shares insights on the interactive process, how to effectively communicate accommodation requests, and what steps to take if a request is denied or delayed.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction to the Show
Overview of Empowering Workers and introduction to Eric L. Pines
[00:47] Common Mistakes When Requesting Accommodations
Not...
2025-02-2615 minPines Federal Employment AttorneysSupporting VA Doctors and Nurses: A Guide to Representation, Reasonable Accommodations & Disability RetirementEpisode Summary
In this episode, Eric Pines discusses key issues related to the representation and accommodation of VA doctors and nurses (Title 38 employees), covering topics such as reasonable accommodations, disability retirement, and the unique challenges these professionals face. Eric explains the different types of VA employees and their rights, as well as the processes involved in requesting accommodations and handling denials. He also shares his firm’s approach to advocating for VA employees, offering resources and insights into how employees can navigate the system to protect their rights.
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:30] Introduction to...
2025-02-1119 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysCracking the Code: Navigating OPM Disability and Social Security Disability ClaimsEpisode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers, host Kevin Rosenquist chats with Eric L. Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, about navigating the complexities of OPM Disability and Social Security Disability claims. Eric shares insights into the nuances of these systems, the unique benefits available to federal employees, and the importance of having legal representation to ensure a smooth and successful claims process. Whether you’re a federal employee or anyone seeking Social Security Disability, this episode is packed with invaluable advice.
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:09] Intro to Empowering Workers podcast.
...
2025-01-2817 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysFederal Disability Claims 101: Early Intervention Can Make All the DifferenceEpisode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability and Employment Rights, and Social Security Disability for All, host Kevin Rosenquist talks with Eric Pines, a renowned federal employment lawyer, about the basics of federal disability claims. They explore common challenges federal employees face when applying for disability benefits, strategies to overcome denials, and the essential documentation required for a successful application. Eric also discusses the potential financial benefits of disability retirement, the timeline for approval, and advice for navigating the process effectively.
Timestamps:
[00:01-00:10] Introduction to Empowering Workers a...
2025-01-1616 min
Pines Federal Employment AttorneysEnsuring Equal Access: Advocating for Federal Employees’ Accommodation RightsEpisode Summary
In this episode of Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability, and Employment Rights, host Kevin Rosenquist talks with Eric Pines, a federal employment lawyer specializing in disability accommodations and Social Security claims. They explore Eric’s career journey and his passion for advocating for federal employees’ rights, particularly in workplace accommodations and disability cases. The discussion covers practical advice for federal employees on navigating the accommodation process, understanding legal protections under the Rehabilitation Act and ADA, and handling denials or potential retaliation. Eric also shares insights on the importance of early legal intervention and strategies to fost...
2025-01-0618 min
IDD Health MattersEp 51: Unlocking Disability Rights: Insights on Workplace Accommodations with Federal Employment Lawyer Eric PinesWelcome to another episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, hosted by Dr. Craig Escude. In this episode, Dr. Escude talks with Eric Pines, Esq., a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, mediator, and attorney business coach. Eric discusses his work in advocating for reasonable accommodations for federal employees, particularly veterans, and those with disabilities. Eric Pines provides insights into his legal practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding and asserting one's rights under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act. He shares real-world examples, including helping veterans with PTSD secure work-from-home arrangements...
2024-07-0124 min
The Law EntrepreneurGrowing from a Solo Practice with Eric PinesToday, my guest is Eric Pines. Eric is an attorney who now operates a medium-sized law firm of about 30 employees and they're spread across multiple locations, as is often the standard these days. I wanted to have Eric on board because he could speak to the growth from a solo practice, that he started in his garage, hiring a few friends to help him run his business and has now moved on to have this medium-sized practice We talked about all the lessons learned, things he did right, things he did wrong, things he wish he had done differently...
2022-02-1439 min