Category Archives: General
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS? Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. The common symptoms of the disease are red, scaly patches on the skin caused by the accelerated growth of skin cells. You can see this type of skin issue in… Read More »
PERIPHERAL NERVE CANCER & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL NERVE CANCER? Peripheral nerve cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the peripheral nerves, which are the vast network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves play a vital role in transmitting signals from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. Your… Read More »
MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that develops in the outer layer of the skin. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is most commonly found in areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, head, and neck. It can develop on any part of the… Read More »
HOW TO FILL OUT SSA’S WORK HISTORY FORM
WHAT IS SSA’S WORK HISTORY REPORT FORM? Do you know how to fill out SSA’s Work History form? If you are asking yourself this question, then that is good! You should worry about what you write on the forms that you send to Social Security. Believe it or not, the work history form is… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
UNDERSTANDING LEWY BODY DEMENTIA Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts your cognitive ability, behavior, and movement. It is the second leading cause of dementia in the elderly, following Alzheimer’s disease. This complex medical condition impacts almost 1.4 million individuals in the United States, making it a major cause of… Read More »
MALIGNANT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
UNDERSTANDING MALIGNANT MULTPLE SCLEROSIS Malignant Multiple Sclerosis (Malignant MS) is a rare and severe form of MS. This condition causes intense inflammation and serious damage to myelin, the protective layer that surrounds your nerves. As myelin breaks down, more lesions and plaque form in the brain and spinal cord. This damage makes it harder… Read More »
MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY & SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY (MSA)? Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare and serious neurological disorder that affects the body’s automatic functions. For example, MSA can affect your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder control. It also impacts movement and coordination. Multiple System Atrophy has had different names. For instance, past names include… Read More »
SEDENTARY WORK & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS SEDENTARY WORK? The SSA has specific rules that they use to define sedentary work. This article will discuss those rules, but it will also discuss the importance of sedentary work. Sedentary work is essentially, seated work. The reason seated work is important to the SSA is that it is physically the easiest… Read More »
HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST BENEFITS
HOW TO WIN SSD BENEFITS ON THE ADULT HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently expanded its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program to include those on the adult heart transplant waitlist who are classified under Status Levels 1 through 4. This update to the program recognizes the severe medical needs of heart transplant… Read More »
ASSISTIVE DEVICES & THE SSA
WHAT IS AN ASSISTIVE DEVICE? An assistive device, according to the SSA, is any item or piece of equipment that you use to improve your ability to keep your balance, use your hands, and move about and walk. An assistive device can be worn, held in your hand, or it can be used in… Read More »
RETIREMENT BENEFITS & SSD
WHAT ARE RETIREMENT BENEFITS? Retirement benefits are monthly payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You are entitled to retirement benefits based on your earnings record. These benefits replace a percentage of your income based on your lifetime earnings. The portion of your wages that the SSA replaces is based on your highest 35… Read More »
HOW TO SET UP DIRECT DEPOSIT TO GET YOUR SSD CHECK
HOW DOES THE SSA PAY YOUR SSDI & SSI BENEFITS? If you’ve been awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you are probably wondering about direct deposit options. Or, at least you are wondering how you will get paid. Believe it or not, it will take some effort on… Read More »
LIVER TRANSPLANT BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR A LIVER TRANSPLANT? A liver transplant is a life saving procedure that can offer hope to those suffering from liver failure. However, the journey does not end with the surgery. Recovery can be long and complex. Recovering from a liver transplant is one of the most difficult challenges… Read More »
SSD BENEFITS FOR MULTIPLE DISABILITIES
CAN YOU GET SSD BENEFITS FOR MULTIPLE DISABILITIES? When you file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits, the SSA must consider the combined effect of multiple disabilities. For example, if you have degenerative disc disease in your spine, then pain may cause mental issues. Many people experience anxiety and depression when dealing with… Read More »
TECHNICAL DENIAL FROM THE SSA – CAN YOU APPEAL?
DID YOU RECEIVE A TECHNICAL DENIAL FROM THE SSA? The Social Security Administration (SSA) mails out thousands of technical denials every day to those who apply for disability benefits. If you receive a denial, then it is important to understand what kind of denial it is, so you know whether or not you can… Read More »
PCD & DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING PARANEOPLASTIC CEREBELLAR DEGENERATION (PCD) PCD or Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration is a rare neurological condition associated with certain types of cancer. This condition arises due to an immune response triggered by the presence of a tumor. The immune system mistakenly attacks the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for motor control. While… Read More »
SSI BENEFIT CHANGES IN 2024
WHAT IS THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM? Changes in SSI benefits are happening in 2024. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are disabled and who have limited income and resources. SSI is a needs based program. This means you are only eligible for SSI… Read More »
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR FMLA WITH A DISABILITY
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can help you if you need time off work for disability or caregiving reasons. The point of FMLA is to provide unpaid leave for workers facing medical conditions. It also helps you care for a family member with a serious medical condition and deal with matters like… Read More »
POLYCHONDRITIS & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING POLYCHONDRITIS Polychondritis, or Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder. If you have this disorder, then you experience repeated episodes of inflammation in the cartilage of the body. This disease can affect multiple organ systems and lead to a wide range of symptoms. Because it is a rare condition it affects… Read More »
THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY IS ON YOU
YOU HAVE THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY AT YOUR SSA HEARING Most people think it is easy to prove disability to the SSA. Those who apply for benefits think they will win at their hearing, if they simply explain their disabling symptoms to the Judge. But the SSA system doesn’t work like that. The… Read More »
SSA WANTS TO LIMIT YOUR RIGHT TO AN IN PERSON HEARING
YOUR RIGHT TO A HEARING WITH THE SSA You have a right to an in person hearing with the SSA, but that right is no longer automatic. Within the next few months, the SSA will no longer schedule people for in person hearings unless they request it. Instead, the SSA is going to automatically… Read More »
COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES IN 2023
SSA’S NEW COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES FOR 2023 In 2023 there were several new Compassionate Allowances added to SSA’s list. The Compassionate Allowances initiative allows Social Security to quickly identify severe medical conditions that meet the criteria for SSD benefits. Because the diseases on the list are so severe, the SSA wants to pay benefits as… Read More »
IDEA Gives Disabled Children the Right to a Good Education
WHAT IS THE IDEA? The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities. The IDEA was enacted in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA). However, it was… Read More »
DISABLED? CAN YOU GET FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT LOAN DEBT?
STUDENT LOAN DEBT AND DISABILITY Student loan debt is almost impossible to pay if you have a disability that keeps you from working. In fact, it is a huge problem to pay any bills when you cannot work due to a severe mental or physical medical condition. Probably, you are going to want to… Read More »
AUTOMATICALLY WIN SSD BENEFITS
12 NEW MEDICAL CONDITIONS ADDED BY THE SSA Automatically win SSD & SSI benefits if you have one of the 12 new conditions added by SSA to the Compassionate Allowances list. On August 15, 2022, the SSA added twelve new conditions to the compassionate allowances program. Compassionate Allowances are a way for SSA to… Read More »
CARR V. SAUL – CAN YOU GET A NEW DISABILITY HEARING?
Can you get a new disability hearing? On April 22, 2021, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in Carr, et.al, v.. Saul, 593 U.S. _,(2021). This is an important case because it holds that some claimants have a right to a new hearing. You can obtain a new hearing if you have an unfavorable… Read More »
CAN DISABILITY BENEFITS BE GARNISHED ?
DISABILITY BENEFITS ARE SUBJECT TO GARNISHMENT FOR CHILD SUPPORT Whether or not your benefits payments can be garnished for child support payments depends on what kind of Social Security benefits you receive. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history. When you pay your taxes, you pay into SSA’s disability insurance… Read More »
MANAGING STRESS DURING COVID-19
Are you having difficulty managing stress during Covid-19? If so, the state of Utah is providing free help to those who need it. Below you will find free numbers you can call. The state of Utah has crisis lines to help you during this difficult time. FREE CRISIS AND HOTLINE TO YOU MANAGE STRESS… Read More »
CEREBRAL PALSY DENIAL
CEREBRAL PALSY & THE UNFAIR DENIAL Cerebral Palsy is a disability under SSA’s regulations, as long as the medical condition prevents you from working. Recently, an ALJ denied a claimant with Cerebral Palsy. He did this even though Social Security’s own doctors opined she could not work. The claimant filed for disability benefits stating… Read More »
SSA IS EXTENDING DEADLINES DURING COVID-19
SSA EXTENDING DEADLINES DURING COVID-19 If you received a letter from the SSA about extending deadlines during COVID-19, you may have some concerns. Do not worry. During this pandemic, the SSA is extending deadlines for requests for information, evidence, or call-in letters whenever possible. The SSA will not take an adverse action because you… Read More »
SSA ELIMINATES INABILITY TO SPEAK ENGLISH FROM RULES
The Trump administration is considering a new rule that bars a claimant’s inability to speak English as a factor in the disability review process. This is one of several cuts to the disability program that President Trump is pursuing as part of his assault on disability benefits. Or, what Trump considers to be the… Read More »
SSA ADDS FOUR NEW COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES
SSA Adds Four New Compassionate Allowances Conditions On August 19, 2019, the SSA added four new conditions to the list of compassionate allowances. The SSA has a list of conditions they consider disabling. This list is the Listed Impairments. Additionally, the SSA has a list of disabling impairments they consider to be automatically disabling…. Read More »
NEW YORK TIMES REPORTS DISABILITY MAY NOT BE A BARRIER TO WORK
IS DISABILITY A BARRIER TO WORK? On September 5, 2019, the New York Times published Ben Casselman’s article about disability and work. Casselman wrote, employers like Dell, started a program to hire people with autism. Kate Cosway, who has a master’s degree, was chosen by Dell for a 12-week internship, which is now becoming… Read More »
Smith v. Berryhill – U.S. Supreme Court Reverses SSA’s Policy
SMITH V. BERRYHILL On May 28, 2019, the U.S Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Smith v. Berryhill, 139 S. Ct. 1765 (2019), reversing the Sixth Circuit’s judgment. The Sixth Circuit held that an Appeals Council dismissal was not subject to federal judicial review. But, the U.S. Supreme Court held that an Appeals Council’s… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS: SSI OR SSD?
SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR SSD OR SSI DISABILITY BENEFITS? Social Security Disability benefits are monthly payments that support individuals who cannot work a full-time job and have a disability. There are two different SSA programs that pay disability benefits. Those programs are Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although both programs… Read More »
SSA Plans For CDI Units To Expand To Every State
The Social Security Administration plans to expand CDI units to every state. Below please find excerpts of a letter from Nancy Berryhill, Acting Commissioner, dated February 13, 2018, which explains their reasoning that they believe they have saved the agency billions of dollars. ___________________________ Expansion of Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Units Progress Report (February 2018)… Read More »
MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK & NAMI
In 1990, Congress officially established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week. They did this to encourage people to work together and educate the public about mental illness. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), raises awareness about mental illness. They do this through public education and providing support to those with… Read More »
WHAT IS YOUR MONTHLY DISABILITY PAYMENT?
HOW MUCH IS YOUR MONTHLY SSD PAYMENT? The Social Security Disability payment benefit amount is different for every person who applies. Because, SSD benefits are based upon the amount you have worked during your lifetime. Everyone has a different work history. Each person earns a different amount of money during their lifetime. Therefore, the monthly… Read More »
NOSSCR STATES BUDGET WILL NOT SOLVE BACKLOG
NOSSCR BUDGET COMMENTS NOSSCR released this article today, indicating that even with the level of funding Obama has requested in his budget, the wait time for a hearing is going to increase for those who have applied for disability benefits. Read NOSSCR’s article below. OBAMA’S BUDGET PROPOSAL President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2017… Read More »
SSA Fraud Investigations Waste Taxpayer’s Money
THE SSA’S FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS The SSA investigates people who apply for SSD benefits. How do they chose who to investigate? Most fraud allegations come from SSA employees. In fiscal year 2014, the SSA received more than 121,000 fraud allegations and more than 58,000 (almost half) of those came from SSA employees. In other words,… Read More »
