Tag Archives: disability help
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IS A DISABILITY UNDER SSA’S RULES Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disease that affects the central nervous system. When an individual suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, the disease damages the covers of the nerve cells in the brain. It also damages nerve cells in the spinal cord and optic nerves. This nerve… Read More »
SMALL INTESTINE CANCER & SSD
WHAT IS CANCER OF THE SMALL INTESTINE? Small intestine cancer qualifies for SSD benefits if it prevents you from working for over 12 months. This article will discuss cancer of the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we consume. It is located between the stomach and the large… Read More »
SPINAL STENOSIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS? Spinal stenosis is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves that pass through it. Compression of the nerves causes pain and numbness. It can also cause weakness in your back, legs, and arms. There are two main types of spinal stenosis: lumbar and cervical… Read More »
WHAT ARE JOB SKILLS?
WHY ARE JOB SKILLS IMPORTANT TO YOUR SSD CASE? Job skills, as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), refer to the ability, knowledge, and expertise a person requires to perform specific tasks or duties on the job. Assessing your job skills helps the SSA make a decision about your ability to work. If… Read More »
ATTORNEY FEES IN DISABILITY CASES
Attorney fees may be on your mind if you need to apply for SSD benefits. The SSA controls the amount of the attorney fee in SSD cases. You only pay an attorney fee if you win your case and it comes out of your back benefit.
ARE YOU UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE SSA?
HOW DOES AN SSA INVESTIGATION START? How do you know if the SSA is investigating you? Most people who need SSD and SSI benefits are not aware the Social Security Administration can investigate you. However, the SSA does investigate people who apply for benefits. Therefore, you need to know that if you file for… Read More »
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & WINNING SSD
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE? Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that damages memory, thinking, and behavior. It progresses over time and makes it hard for you to lead a normal life and to work. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. It accounts for almost 60-70% of all dementia cases. Learn more about… Read More »
PAST RELEVANT WORK: SSA’S NEW 5 YEAR RULE
For years, SSA’s definition of “past relevant work” has included all the jobs you have done in the last 15 years. But this week, the SSA made a significant change to their rules. On June 22, 2024, the SSA announced that now past relevant work is work done in the last 5 years, instead of the past 15 years. This is a welcome change that benefits the SSA and those who file for SSDI and SSI benefits.
GETTING MARRIED: WILL I LOSE MY SSI BENEFITS?
MARRIAGE DOESN’T DISQUALIFY YOU FROM SSI BENEFITS – EARNINGS DO! Getting married doesn’t automatically end SSI benefits. What ends SSI benefits is the “INCOME AND ASSETS” of your spouse. If your spouse has a full time job, then some of that income will be counted as yours. That may reduce your SSI benefits. Please… Read More »
CONSULTATIVE EXAM TIPS – Medical Evidence Wins Your Benefits
WHAT IS A CONSULTATIVE EXAM? After you apply for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you may receive a notice in the mail. This notice schedules you for a Consultative Exam. The SSA usually schedules an exam with one of their doctors during the first six months of the appeals process…. Read More »
SCOLIOSIS & PROVING DISABILITY
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that if your scoliosis symptoms and back pain are severe, you may not be able to work a full time job. If you are unable to work full time for at least 12 months due to your scoliosis, then it is possible for you to qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits
FIVE SECRETS TO HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS
Secret really isn’t the right word to describe what this article is about. However, some of the issues we are going to discuss are not well known, even though they are important to winning SSD benefits. Therefore, perhaps you could call them secrets. The following five “secrets” will help you file your application for… Read More »
OCD & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS OBSESSSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental condition in which a person has overwhelming obsessions and compulsions. Obsessive thoughts do not just occur every once in awhile. Instead, if you have OCD, then you have constant thought and feelings that you do not want to have. Likewise, the compulsions that occur… Read More »
WHAT IS A TRIAL WORK PERIOD?
A trial work period is a nine month period of time during a 5 year rolling timeframe. During these 5 years, you can try to “work” while still receiving SSDI benefits. You have 9 months, in a 5 year period, to earn over $1110 and still receive your SSD payments. For 2024, a trial work period begins when you earn more than $1110 in one month. If you are considering going back to work while on SSDI payments, then it is essential to consult an attorney to know your options before you start working. If you don’t, then you could end up with an overpayment of SSDI benefits and you will have to pay them back.
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR THE HEARING DECISION?
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME TO GET A HEARING? In 2022, it took an average wait time of 13 months to get a Social Security hearing. In 2023 wait times were about the same. The wait time starts from the date you file your request for hearing to the date of your hearing. There… Read More »
MEDICAID BENEFITS INFORMATION
WHAT IS MEDICAID? Medicaid benefits are health insurance for people who have a low income. Medicaid also provides health coverage to some pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and women with breast or cervical cancer. The Medicaid program covers a wide range of health services. For example, it includes paying for hospital stays, doctor visits,… Read More »
LIVER CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS LIVER CANCER? Liver cancer occurs when your liver cells divide aggressively and multiply, creating tumors. If these tumors are in your liver, then you have liver cancer. In the United States, each year more than 40,000 people are found to have liver cancer. Worldwide, more than 800,000 people each year are diagnosed with… Read More »
WORK CREDITS & SSDI BENEFITS
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you need to accumulate work credits through regular contributions to the SSDI program. Your contributions are made through FICA taxes if you are employed. Or, through SECA taxes if you’re self-employed. Typically, you need a minimum of 10 years of work to be insured for benefits. However, the number of work credits can vary based upon your age at the time of disability onset. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last decade preceding your inability to work. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year.
APPEALS COUNCIL REVIEW
APPEALS COUNCIL REVIEW – SHOULD YOU APPEAL? Appeals Council review is the next step after an ALJ hearing. If the ALJ sent you an Unfavorable Decision after your hearing, you should be asking if it is time to seek the Appeals Council review. The Appeals Council reviews ALJ decisions from all over the country…. Read More »
DIABETES AND SSD BENEFITS
DIABETES AND WINNING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Diabetes is a disease with severe symptoms that affects 34.2 million Americans. That is 10.5% of the U.S. population. The CDC reports in the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report that over 88 million U.S. citizens, approximately 1 in 3, have prediabetes. Additionally, 1.4 million adults 20 years or… Read More »
ADDISON’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
Addison’s disease is also known as primary adrenal insufficiency. The disease can cause many severe symptoms that can prevent you from working. Addison’s disease is under the SSA listing for endocrine disorders because it’s a type of adrenal gland disorder. The SSA will look at how your health is impacted to determine if you should be paid Social Security Disability benefits. For example, the SSA will look at heart symptoms, anxiety disorder, and weight loss. All of your symptoms will be considered. If you cannot work for more than 12 months, then you should be paid SSDI benefits.
LUNG CANCER DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS LUNG CANCER? Lung cancer is the third most common form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the main cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Lunger cancer occurs when your lung cells divide uncontrollably. This out of… Read More »
BREAST CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
SSDI and SSI benefits are available for individuals who have breast cancer. In order to win those benefits, we recommend you hire an SSD attorney. Certain severe forms of breast cancer are a compassionate allowance under the SSD benefits. An attorney will know if you qualify. Likewise, an attorney with legal experience can help you win your breast cancer SSD benefits in court. They can prepare you to testify about your breast cancer symptoms and prove to the SSA that you cannot work.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY? Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage to the nerves outside of the brain and the spinal column. People who experience neuropathy feel pain. They also feel that their hands and feet are numb and weak. Many individuals describe tingling sensations in their hands and feet. They will often state the sensation… Read More »
SLEEP APNEA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs during sleep when you have a pause in breathing or shallow breathing. These pauses can occur multiple times a night and result in fatigue the next day. If so, sleep apnea can interfere with your ability to work. If you have severe sleep apnea and other medical issues, apply for SSD benefits with the help of Cannon Disability Law.
THE MEDICAL EXPERT AT THE SSA HEARING
Medical Experts commonly called by the ALJ to testify at SSD hearings. They explain your medical conditions to the judge and testify about whether your condition meets or equals an SSA listing. You need a lawyer to question the ME and prove the ME wrong if they give unfavorable testimony.
MULTIPLE MYELOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Multiple myeloma is a rare, but serious, form of blood cancer. Find out how multiple myeloma affects the bones and organs, and learn about available treatment options. Also, learn about how you can win disability benefits if you have multiple myeloma and you cannot work.
WOMEN & SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Women need to know about Social Security benefits, because they are more likely to need them during their lifetime. Without an understanding of retirement, disability, survivors, and death benefits, women cannot make a financial plan. This article will give you an overview of your options.
HOW TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR DISABILITY CASE
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR CASE If you need to check the status of your case, then you have come to the right place. It can take up to two years to receive benefits after you file your application for SSDI and SSI benefits. Have two or three months… Read More »
TRICK QUESTIONS THE SSA JUDGE MIGHT ASK
WILL THE JUDGE ASK TRICK QUESTIONS DURING THE SSA HEARING? Trick questions are not the norm in Social Security hearings. So, you don’t really need to worry about it. Most judges are not out to confuse, upset, or undermine you during your SSD hearing. However, there are some questions that can cause problems for… Read More »
TIPS TO WIN FIBROMYALGIA DISABILITY BENEFITS
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSD & SSI BENEFITS FOR FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia benefits are available from the SSA, if you cannot work for more than 12 months. If you suffer from fibromyalgia and can’t work, then you should apply for SSD benefits. You can apply for SSD & SSI benefits on the Social Security website…. 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 »
HOW TO APPEAL A DENIAL OF DISABILITY FROM THE SSA
APPEAL YOUR SSA DENIAL Are you wondering how to appeal a denial from the SSA? Is this what happened? You applied for benefits and you received a denial of your application in the mail. Now, you are wondering how to appeal. The first thing to realize is that you should not give up. You… Read More »
DEMENTIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, dementia is a group of conditions that effect your brain’s neurological health. For example, you may have dementia if you have ongoing memory loss and poor judgment. Additionally, dementia usually involves a progressive decline in your cognitive function, memory, and language skills. Dementia interferes… Read More »
HOW TO WIN NEVADA SSD BENEFITS
THE SSD PROCESS IN NEVADA Nevada SSD benefits are available if you cannot work for 12 months or more due to your health. Most people who are suffering from a physical or mental condition and who can no longer work should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits. It is possible for you to have… Read More »
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
WHAT ARE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS? Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of medical conditions that occur during the developmental period, which is age 22 or younger. Possible signs and symptoms of these disorders include problems with cognitive processing. It also includes deficits in attention or impulse control, low frustration tolerance, or deficits in social skills. While… Read More »
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY? Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the name for a group of genetic disorders that progressively weakens muscle fibers. While there are several types of muscular dystrophy, they all share the common symptom of muscle dysfunction. The symptoms of the disease and the muscles that are affected vary depending on the specific… Read More »
HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME (HLHS) & SSD
WHAT IS HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME? Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a rare congenital heart defect. When a baby is born with HLHS, the left side of the heart is severely under developed. The affected structures of the heart can include the mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, and the aorta. Because the… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR DEPRESSION – LISTING 12.04
WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression is a mental health condition that brings on chronic feelings of sadness and low mood, loss of interest in activities, and trouble doing your daily activities. A case of depression can be mild or severe and last for a short or long time. For example, you may have a mild… Read More »
YOU HAD A HEART ATTACK? CAN YOU GET DISABILITY?
HEART ATTACK AND WINNING SSDI BENEFITS You had a heart attack and also had severe problems following the attack. For example, you get chest pain when you exert yourself and you need to sleep for two hours every afternoon. Due to your problems, you can’t work and you want to know if you qualify… Read More »
TIPS ON WINNING YOUR NEVADA MENTAL HEALTH CASE
WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN NEVADA Nevada mental health SSD benefits are available for you. Cannon Disability Law can help you win SSDI and SSI benefits for your mental condition. In order to win benefits for mental health from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you need treatment. There are many low cost and sliding… Read More »
SCLERODERMA & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS SCLERODERMA OR SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS? Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue. This leads to hard and tight skin and it can also affect internal organs and blood vessels. The exact cause of scleroderma is not fully understood. However, the disease is a subject of ongoing medical… Read More »
ANXIETY DISORDER AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
ANXIETY DISORDER AND SSD BENEFITS Anxiety Disorder is a mental condition that can result in being unable to work. If you cannot work for over 12 months due to anxiety, then you may be able to win SSD benefits. Having some anxiety is normal. Anxiety is normal because it is a normal coping behavior… Read More »
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
WHAT ARE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS AND MEDICARE BENEFITS? It is that time of year again. The time for open enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private companies and Medicare is run by the federal government. However, both provide health insurance coverage. Everyone needs health insurance and this article should… Read More »
MIGRAINES & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT ARE MIGRAINE HEADACHES? Migraines are not just a headache. Migraines are a severe headache that often comes with nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. However, migraine symptoms are different for everyone. But, they are known to be vascular headaches that create serious head pain. The head pain is caused by the activation of nerve… Read More »
THREE REASONS TO HIRE A DISABILITY ATTORNEY TO WIN YOUR SSD CASE
There are more than three reasons to hire a disability attorney to represent you in your claim for SSD and SSI benefits. The reason most people don’t hire an attorney is they think it will cost too much money. What most people don’t know is that attorney fees in SSDI and SSI cases are… Read More »
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Breast Cancer awareness is important in order to cure the disease. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. We think it is important to raise awareness about this type of cancer because knowledge saves lives. In the U.S., almost 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer. Statistics indicate that in… Read More »
WHAT IS THE FIVE MONTH WAITING PERIOD?
WHAT IS THE FIVE MONTH WAITING PERIOD FOR SSD BENEFITS? There is a five month waiting period in every Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) case. It applies to everyone with very few exceptions. Even if you file for SSDI benefits on the same day you became unable to work and the SSA granted your… Read More »
PANCREATIC CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
TYPES OF PANCREATIC CANCER Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas, which is an organ in your abdomen behind the stomach. There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer and Endocrine Pancreatic Cancer. You can obtain SSDI and SSI benefits for both types of cancer. However, you can only be paid benefits… Read More »
CAN YOU RETIRE EARLY AND COLLECT SSD BENEFITS?
SHOULD YOU RETIRE EARLY OR COLLECT SSD BENEFITS? Should you retire early or seek SSDI benefits? You cannot do both. Many people who can no longer work due to medical conditions experience confusion about whether to retire early or file for SSD benefits. What option you chose can have serious consequences for your income… Read More »
