Tag Archives: free disability help
HOW TO WIN PRESUMPTIVE DISABILITY BENEFITS
Because filing for SSI benefits can be a long process, it is possible to get temporary benefits in some circumstances. The SSA has made temporary or presumptive disability benefits available for those who claim Supplemental Security Income benefits. These benefits are available for 6 months. You receive these monthly benefits while the Social Security Administration processes… Read More »
LYMPHOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for the production and circulation of white blood cells. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that spreads throughout your body. Therefore, if you have cancer of the lymphomatic system it… Read More »
TRISOMY 9 & SSI BENEFITS
WHAT IS TRISOMY 9? Trisomy 9 is a chromosomal disorder that occurs when there are extra copies of chromosome 9 in the cells of the body. Chromosomes are structures that contain genetic information. The typical human cell has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. In cases of trisomy 9, individuals have three copies of chromosome… Read More »
HOW TO FILL OUT ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING FORM
Are you wondering how to fill out the SSA’s “Activities of Daily Living Form?” Every person who files an application for SSDI or SSI benefits has to fill out the form. The ADL form is not a questionnaire about your past accomplishments. It is not a resume or a chance for you to tell the SSA how you used to do things. Instead, the activities of daily living form is about the problems you face every day due to your medical condition. The form should tell the SSA that you can no longer cook, clean, or do the laundry without help. If you don’t write about your limitations, then the SSA will use your answers to prove that you can work.
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 »
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.
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 »
TIPS TO WIN FIBROMYALGIA DISABILITY BENEFITS
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSDI & 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 SSDI & SSI benefits on the Social Security website…. Read More »
MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE
WHAT IS MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE? Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder. It shares symptoms with several other connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Because it shares symptoms with so many other disorders, it is sometimes referred to as an overlap syndrome. Some of these… Read More »
TOP 10 SIGNS YOU WILL WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS
Looking for the top 10 signs you will win your SSD benefits? We have the answers. Do you have enough work credits to qualify for benefits? Have you submitted all of your medical records to prove your disability? Are you over 50 years and you can prove you cannot do your past job? Can you prove you can’t do a seated job? Can you prove that you can’t do skilled work? Additionally, can you prove that you cannot sustain a 40 hour work week? Have you hired an experienced attorney to help you win your hearing and prepare your for court? If you can answer yes to these questions, then that is a sign that you are likely to win your SSD benefits.
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF SSA’S DELAYS
WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN COSTS OF SSA’S DELAYS? SSA delays can have a number of hidden costs. Most of these delays impact the person who is filing for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. First, it isn’t an easy decision. People often wait too long to file for… Read More »
THE APPEALS COUNCIL DENIES MORE THAN 80% OF APPEALS
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO APPEAL IF THE JUDGE DENIES YOUR CASE The Appeals Council denies many cases. If you lose your case at an ALJ hearing, then you have the right to appeal your case to the Appeals Council. An appeal must be written within 60 days of the date of the ALJ’s… Read More »
RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY & SSD
WHAT IS RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY? Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is one of the most important concepts in your Social Security benefits case. The reason it is so important is your RFC can make the difference between winning or losing your SSDI and SSI benefits. If you can prove that your RFC prevents you from… Read More »
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 »
HEPATITIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS HEPATITIS? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, it can be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. The most common types of hepatitis are A, B, and C. However, there are other types… Read More »
PLEURAL CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS PLEURAL CANCER? Pleural cancer or cancer of the pleura is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. The pleura is a thin, protective membrane that covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity. The main cause of pleural cancer is exposure to asbestos, a… Read More »
BLINDNESS AND SSD BENEFITS
Blindness or visual loss can impact your daily life and ability to work. If you cannot work due to blindness and visual loss, then you should file for SSDI benefits. Visual loss refers to a significant reduction in the visual acuity or field of vision. Total blindness means a complete loss of vision or… Read More »
DIABETES TYPE 1 & CHILDHOOD DISABILITY
WHAT IS DIABETES TYPE 1? Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This leads to a lack of insulin in the body, which is necessary to control blood glucose levels. Type 1 Diabetes is… Read More »
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
WHY YOU NEED A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN 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 help… Read More »
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, then you might want to seek Appeals Council review. The Appeals Council reviews ALJ decisions from all over the country. If you lost your hearing,… Read More »
CAN YOU RETIRE EARLY AND COLLECT SSD BENEFITS?
SHOULD YOU RETIRE EARLY OR COLLECT SSDI BENEFITS? Retire early or seek SSDI benefits? This is an important question for many people. Especially when they are in their sixties and may not have good health. Unfortunately, you cannot do both. Many people who can no longer work due to medical conditions experience confusion about… Read More »
HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE? Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland. The body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing damage to the gland. This condition often leads to hypothyroidism, which occurs when where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays… Read More »
THE MEDICAL OPINION OF YOUR DOCTOR
HOW DOES THE SSA WEIGH THE MEDICAL OPINION OF YOUR DOCTOR? The medical opinion of your doctor should be given greater weight than the opinion of SSA’s doctors. Most people submit a letter or progress notes from their doctor that states they cannot work. Sometimes, they even file for SSD benefits on the advice… Read More »
WILL MY CHILDREN GET BENEFITS IF I’M ON DISABILITY?
If you win Social Security disability benefits, then you may wonder if your children can receive benefits too. The answer depends on whether you’re receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. Only SSDI benefits are available to a child if a parent is getting SSDI benefits. SSI does not… Read More »
PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE & DISABILITY
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE? Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also called peripheral arterial disease, is a common circulatory condition in which fatty deposits build up in the artery walls and block blood flow. Your arteries supply blood flow to your arms and legs. If the blood flow is blocked, then you have PAD. When your… Read More »
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS? Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of your bones wears away. When the cartilage wears away, you feel pain in your joints. Your joints can also start to swell and burn. Eventually, muscle weakness and reduced range of joint motion… Read More »
THYROID CANCER & SSDI BENEFITS
DOES THYROID CANCER QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? Thyroid cancer is a serious illness that can have a major impact on your life. For example, if you have thyroid cancer it may require expensive treatments and you may be unable to work. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration provides Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security… Read More »
IS THE DISABILITY TRUST FUND IN JEOPARDY?
WILL THE DISABILITY TRUST FUND RUN OUT OF MONEY? Most people don’t understand the Social Security and Disability trust funds and how they work. Headlines are constantly stating the Disability Trust Fund is going to run out of money. Therefore, people with disabilities who cannot work will not receive their payments. Let’s examine the… Read More »
CROHN’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS CROHN’S DISEASE? Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which can affect the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, Crohn’s disease occurs in the small intestine and the colon. Symptoms often include pain, diarrhea, and fever. Additionally, you may also experience distention of your abdomen and weight loss. Other complications from… Read More »
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.
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 »
EATING DISORDERS & ANOREXIA CAN BE DISABLING
Eating disorders qualify for SSD and SSI benefits, if they keep you from working for over one year. You must have medical evidence to present to the SSA about your condition. This medical evidence should be from your treating doctor. It should discuss how your symptoms result in disability.
COPD DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes a group of progressive lung diseases. The most common COPD diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema destroys air sacs in your lungs and this interferes with outward air flow. Chronic bronchitis, however, causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which allows mucus to build up in the… Read More »
SSA USES SIX DOMAINS TO DESCRIBE CHILDHOOD DISABILITY
WHAT ARE THE SIX CHILDHOOD DISABILITY DOMAINS ? In order to win SSI or childhood disability benefits, you must be familiar with the six domains the SSA uses to describe childhood medical conditions. The six domains are listed below. If your child’s mental or physical condition does not meet a listing, then you can… 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 »
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 »
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 »
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
WHAT IS BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER? Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a medical condition for which SSD benefits are available if you cannot work for longer than 12 months due to your condition. To determine if the SSA can pay you benefits for BPD, the SSA will look at all of your symptoms. They will… Read More »
STROKE DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR A STROKE? If you are suffering severe stroke symptoms and cannot work, then you can apply for stroke disability benefits. However, you must be unable to work for over 12 months for the SSA to pay you SSD benefits. You can apply for SSDI benefits and Supplemental Security… Read More »
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS – WHEN TO FILE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME BENEFITS Many people contact our office asking whether they should file an application for SSDI benefits or Supplemental Security Income. Usually they wonder if they qualify for benefits. But they also wonder if they should wait to file for benefits. After all, many people with injuries or… Read More »
ANAL CANCER & DISABILITY
WHAT IS ANAL CANCER? Anal cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract, through which stool passes out of the body. Anal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the… Read More »
ADHD DISABILITY BENEFITS
ADHD STANDS FOR ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER ADHD benefits may be available to replace your income if you cannot work for at least 12 months. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental condition that usually affects children. However, ADHD also impacts the life of many adults. Symptoms of ADHD include not being able to pay attention or… Read More »
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 »
INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS – LISTING 14.09
SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS FOR INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS Inflammatory Arthritis, under the SSA’s listing, is meant to cover a number of physical conditions. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, inflammation of your major joints is the main sign of arthritis. Major joints include… Read More »
SPINAL CORD INJURY & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS A SPINAL CORD INJURY? A spinal cord injury refers to damage to the spinal cord. Your spinal cord is a long tube of nerve tissue that runs from the brain down through the center of your back. The spinal cord contains nerve fibers that transmit messages between the brain and the rest… 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 longer due to your health. Most people who are suffering from a physical or mental condition that prevents them from working should apply for SSD benefits. It is possible for you to have either a disabling… Read More »
UNDERSTANDING SSA’S LISTING OF IMPAIRMENTS
WHAT IS SSA’S LISTING OF IMPAIRMENTS? The Listing of Impairments is a list of medical conditions that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine whether you have a severe medical condition. If the medical condition is severe and you prevents you from working for 12 months or more, then you should be paid… Read More »
THE 5 DAY RULE – Evidence Submission in Disability Hearings
THE 5 DAY EVIDENCE SUBMISSION RULE As you start to prepare for your Social Security hearing, you should be aware of the rule that requires all evidence be into the judge 5 business days before the hearing. Even though the Social Security hearings are legally binding, the normal rules of evidence do not apply. However,… Read More »
PARKINSON’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PARKINSON’S DISEASE Every year, around 60,000 Americans get Parkinson’s disease. Around the world, there are more than 10 million people living with the condition. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the nervous system. It also affects the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Parkinson’s… Read More »
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER & SSD
WHAT IS ESOPHAGEAL CANCER? Esophageal cancer is a malignant cancer that affects the digestive system. The cancer occurs in the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer may spread throughout the esophagus and it may also extend beyond the edges of the primary tumor. In general, squamous… Read More »
