Angelina MATTA, Plaintiff, Appellant, v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Defendant, Appellee

The issue here is whether claimant has the necessary number of quarters of coverage. She needs 26, but the Secretary, disbelieving claimant’s contention that she has been self-employed in her home for many years selling cookies, candies, ices, and coconuts, found she had only 15. The Secretary’s decision is clearly supported by substantial evidence.

Claimant first applied for benefits in 1975. She stated that she had inquired in 1972 about coverage, had been told she needed more quarters, and had been advised to start her own business. She then began selling candy and coconuts and other items…