Do you need a Social Security lawyer for an HIV/AIDS disability claim?

Kendra S. Kleber & Associates works only for people living with HIV/AIDS on their claims for Social Security disability benefits, nationwide. Our clients are people from across the country who are disabled by HIV/AIDS and unable to work. 

Click on Disability help for information about the Social Security disability process, how to apply, how to appeal, how to take your next step, and how we can help you. There are actually at least 8 good reasons to hire us to handle your Social Security claim - and we aren't too shy to list them for you!

Social Security appeals news update: If your Social Security disability application has been denied, and you've appealed that decision, you are waiting for a hearing and you are part of "the backlog." The backlog is the stash of cases that Social Security  is working through, and as of October 9, 2007, there were 746,744 cases pending. (see the SSA press release here) 

The Social Security Administration is focusing on hearing requests, that are over 900 days old. That means that if you filed your appeal  before 10/15/2005 (about 900 days back from 4/1/2008) then your hearing is going to be scheduled soon. Get your appeal in order, see your doctors, and contact your lawyer. Don't have a lawyer? Well, welcome, look around, and call us soon.

Do you need a speaker for a legal training, conference, staff in-service or workshop?

Check Training Event Information where you'll find information about Kendra's training services, and feedback from organizations who have hosted Kendra for an event and audiences who have heard her.

Are you an event host and you need to pick up materials for an upcoming workshop?

Head to Training Materials, where you'll find exhibits used in Kendra's legal trainings and workshops.

Do you need a speaker for a support group or other meeting of people living with HIV? Kendra will come talk to your group about handling your own Social Security disability claim. 

We're working out a schedule for groups within 300 miles of Detroit, so that Kendra can come meet with you without charging a regular training fee. You supply the donuts and coffee, and make copies of the handouts, and Kendra will show up. To get your support group on the schedule, call us (248-591-0301) or send an email to kkleber@positiveoutlook.org

Upcoming events: Kendra will be at the following conferences. Drop by and say "hello!" 

     "Ohio Leadership Conference 2008," Columbus Ohio, 4/14-4/15/08.

     "HIV/AIDS 2008: The Social Work Response" presented by Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, Washington DC, 5/22 to 5/25/08, presenting "Social Security Secrets: The Basic Secrets" and "Top Secrets."

     "Michigan's Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Conference 2008," Bay City Michigan, 5/30-5/31/08, presenting "HIV Legal Rights and Responsibilities."

Do you need to know the Social Security Secrets?

"Social Security Secrets" is a guidebook by attorney Kendra S. Kleber that describes the process of applying for and getting SS disability benefits, specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS. Head here for the latest information on the Secrets, including the book and the training.

Do you need information about "Social Security Secrets," the workshop? Download this brochure for more information about the Social Security Secrets training workshop designed just for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Do you need to know about HIV/AIDS and the law?

Check the HIV law articles where you'll find information about HIV/AIDS-related legal rights and responsibilities. Much of the information here focuses on Michigan state law, like the HIV confidentiality law information. But a good bit of it is about federal law, which applies to every state in the US, and general strategies for creative problem-solving, which can be useful everywhere. The article on filing an EEOC complaint is here, too.

Do you need help getting someone to stop talking about your HIV status?

Check the Shut Up! Project from the HIV law articles page, and you'll find an article that explains your legal rights and responsibilities as a person living in Michigan with HIV, and another that you can pass along to the person who is talking out of turn about you. These articles are only appropriate under Michigan law.

Check out the Back Room!

Want News about the firm, or recent changes in Social Security laws and rules?  Are you worried about discrimination at work because you are gay or lesbian? (See The Closet Door is Glass article.)  Do you need a bumper sticker or some other way to express your opinions, or to show your solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS? Have you been looking for your old Michigan Advocates Exchange sweatshirt or coffee mug and you can't find it? (See the MAX store.)  

See "Back Room" for all of this and more.

Yes, it is kind of unusual for a law firm to sell t-shirts, or to offer bumper stickers free for the downloading, but we're not an ordinary law firm. Learn more about the firm and Kendra's philosophy and how we got here on the About Us page.

Contact us

For more information, or to talk about a specific problem, or to request assistance, call or email. Ask for help. Call for ideas on how to get past the legal questions in your way. Within Michigan, the call is toll-free: 888-629-3660. From the rest of the world, call 248-591-0301 (EST 9-7; but there is 24-hour voice mail). For mail and email alternatives, see the Contact Us page. It all gets to the same place.

Positive Outlook

Everybody needs a positive outlook, that's our view. Click the link or the button below to zip off to the Positive Outlook store, where you'll find unique, intelligent designs you won't see on everybody else on the street. These are positive and affirming messages for the gay, HIV-positive and Constitutionally-concerned community. Show your Positive Outlook!

MI-Voice

The Michigan Voice is an email list-serv that connects people who are interested in issues involving HIV and AIDS in Michigan and beyond. The list offers some discussion, the occasional but polite temper tantrum, a lot of news and frequent updates on HIV-specific funding sources, new programs, job opportunities and political changes that can and will and do impact people living with HIV/AIDS all over the country. Click the link for more information, and to sign up.