Tag Archives: legal help for disability benefits
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.
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 »
WHAT IS AN UNSUCCESSFUL WORK ATTEMPT?
SSA’S UNSUCCESSFUL WORK ATTEMPT An unsuccessful work attempt occurs when you try to work while you are waiting for benefits. But, even though your try, you simply fail because of your severe medical condition. Many people call us, while they are waiting for the SSA to make a decision, and ask if they can… Read More »
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 »
STEP FIVE: THE BURDEN OF PROOF SHIFTS TO THE SSA
SSA’S SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION IS A FIVE STEP PROCESS The SSA uses a five step review process to see if you qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. Each step involves a question. The answer to the question helps the SSA know what to do with your claim. Depending on the answer, the SSA can deny… Read More »
WORST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE AT DISABILITY HEARING
DON’T MAKE THIS BIG MISTAKE Waiting for a hearing with a judge from the Social Security Administration can take years. From filing an application for SSD benefits to the date of your hearing can be a two year wait. You would think that such a long wait, most people would be eager to have… Read More »
SSD BENEFITS FOR HERNIATED OR BULGING DISCS
A herniated disc occurs when the jelly type filling in between the spinal disc breaks through the outer shell of the disc and presses on the nerves. The pinched nerve can cause severe pain in your back, hips, and legs and make you unable to work. You may need surgery for the herniation. If you can’t work for more than 12 months, then you should apply for disability benefits. The SSA awards SSD benefits under listing 1.15 for a herniated disc that prevent you from working. Disability benefits replace your income until you can work again.
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. This form of cancer is relatively uncommon compared to some other types of cancer. However, the chances of developing esophageal cancer depends… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER – LISTING 12.10
WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER? Autism is a spectrum condition. This means that there is range to the condition and some people have greater symptoms than others. For example, some people with this condition do not use spoken language. However, others have excellent spoken language skills, but may have trouble understanding what other people mean… Read More »
STOMACH CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
FACTS ABOUT GASTRIC OR STOMACH CANCER Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops in the cells that line the stomach walls. It is one of the most common types of cancer and can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages due to its lack of symptoms. However, with proper screening and early… Read More »
STEP TWO OF THE DISABILITY REVIEW PROCESS
WHAT IS THE SECOND STEP OF THE DISABILITY REVIEW PROCESS? Step two is arguably the most important step of the five step review process that the SSA uses to decide if you qualify for SSD benefits. Step two requires your medical conditions to be severe. You need to understand how to prove step two… 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.
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 »
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 »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR NECK PAIN
WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN? Neck pain has many causes, including nerve compression, neck injury, muscle spasms and degenerative disc disease of the neck. Most people, at one time or another, experience neck pain. But, with time and treatment, neck pain usually doesn’t interfere with our ability to work. Obviously, the Social Security Administration doesn’t… Read More »
COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS FOR YOUR DISABILITY CASE
CAN YOU COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS? Yes, you can collect your own medical records. In fact, the burden to submit your medical records to the SSA is on you. You need to collect your medical records, as they are crucial to winning your SSD benefits. After you apply for SSD benefits, you must collect… Read More »
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.
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.
BONE FRACTURES & DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET SSD BENEFITS FOR BONE FRACTURES? Bone fractures and broken bones normally heal in a matter of a couple of months. Therefore, it can be difficult to get SSD benefits for bone fractures. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and SSI benefits, you must have a medical condition that… Read More »
ALS DISABILITY BENEFITS: LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE
WHAT IS LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE OR ALS? ALS disability benefits are available for you if you have Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a disabling and fatal disease. Very few people survive more than a handful of years after their ALS diagnosis. For the following reasons, ALS is also… Read More »
MENTAL ABILITIES YOU MUST HAVE TO PERFORM UNSKILLED WORK
Certain mental abilities are necessary to do any type of work, even work that does not require skills. Skills have a specific definition that the SSA uses when they are deciding if you can work. For example, the SSA states that a skill is knowledge of a work activity which requires the exercise of… Read More »
IF CLAIMANT DIES CAN FAMILY RECEIVE SSD BENEFITS?
What happens when a claimant dies and there is an SSD application pending? Can a family member still receive SSD benefits on behalf of the deceased? The answer is yes. Cannon Disability Law can help your family after the death of a loved one who filed an application for SSD benefits. Sadly, this happens… 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 »
GLIOBLASTOMA & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS GLIOBLASTOMA? Glioblastoma is an aggressive and highly malignant brain tumor that forms from glial tissue of the brain and spinal cord. The cells that look very different from normal cells. The cells spread aggressively throughout the brain tissue, which makes it difficult to treat. It is the most common malignant brain cancer… Read More »
BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE BENIGN BRAIN TUMORS? Benign brain tumors, or noncancerous brain tumors, are abnormal growths of cells that develop in the brain. Unlike malignant tumors, benign brain tumors do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Although they are not cancerous, they can still cause problems depending on their… 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 »
ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER
Antisocial personality disorder is a serious mental health condition that can keep you from working. If you cannot work due to ASPD, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, you should hire a law firm who handles SSD benefit cases exclusively. A lawyer with years of legal experience can help you win past due and ongoing disability benefits for your antisocial personality disorder.
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 about other… Read More »
SOFT TISSUE INJURIES & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE SOFT TISSUE INJURIES? A soft tissue injury occurs when there is damage to your muscles, ligaments, or tendons . These injuries usually occur due to sudden trauma or overuse. For example, you could have a bike accident and fall onto your shoulder, tearing your shoulder tendons. Or, you could play a lot… 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 »
HOW TO FILE A REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
DID THE SSA DENY YOUR APPLICATION FOR SSDI & SSI BENEFITS? Request reconsideration online at the SSA’s website if the SSA denied your application for SSD benefits. Don’t wait to appeal your SSI or SSDI initial denial. You can file your appeal online. You don’t have to fill out forms by hand or go… Read More »
ENDOMETRIOSIS & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition that affects women. The condition occurs when the endometrium, which is the lining inside the uterus, begins to grow outside the uterus. The endometrial cells then implant on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvis. This causes pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding,… Read More »
WHAT YOU NEED FROM YOUR DOCTOR TO PROVE DISABILITY
THE BURDEN TO PROVE DISABILITY IS ON YOU Your doctor can help you prove to the SSA that you have a severe medical condition. You need the help of your doctor. Because the burden to prove that you deserve benefits is on you. Submitting medical evidence is important. But statements from your doctor about… Read More »
CONCURRENT DISABILITY BENEFITS
Concurrent disability benefits are available to you if you have a severe medical condition that keeps you from working more than 12 months. “Concurrent benefits” refers to receiving both SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time. This typically occurs when your SSDI payment is less than the federal SSI benefit amount. With concurrent benefits, you receive coverage from both Medicare and Medicaid. If you are disabled, then make sure to apply for all of the benefits available to you.
WHEN DO SSDI BENEFITS END?
WHAT ARE THE REASONS THAT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS END? There are a number of reasons why Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can end. This article will discuss the four most common reasons for an end to your Social Security Disability benefits. The first event that usually ends SSDI benefits is an improvement… 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 2023, it took an average wait time of 13 months to get a Social Security hearing. In 2024 wait times are 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 »
ADJUSTMENT DISORDER & SSD BENEFITS
An adjustment disorder is similar to depression, but it may not last as long. If your symptoms persist and keep you from working for more than one year, then you may qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. The burden is on you to prove that you meet the SSA’s criteria for disability. For this, you will need ongoing medical treatment and the support of your doctor and a counselor. It can take up to two years to win SSD benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to apply for benefits as soon as you realize you cannot work due to your adjustment disorder. Take proactive steps towards financial security by hiring an attorney and starting the SSD application process.
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.
REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE & YOUR BENEFITS
WHAT IS A REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE? A representative payee is a friend, relative, or other interested party that the SSA appoints to protect the interests of the person who is being paid Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. More than eight million people, who get monthly SSDI and SSI payments, need… Read More »
CAN SOCIAL SECURITY TAKE AWAY YOUR BENEFITS?
Can Social Security cease or take away your disability benefits? This is one of the most common questions we hear at Cannon Disability Law. And the short answer is “yes.” Even if you win benefits, the SSA can cease or take away your benefits. This is true whether you receive SSDI or SSI benefits…. 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.
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.
AUTISM BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN
WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN CHILDREN? Autism benefits are available for children who have Autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a medical condition that affects a child’s nervous system, growth and development. Parents usually notice the symptoms of ASD during their child’s first 3 years of life. For example, some children… Read More »
BLACK LUNG DISABILITY BENEFITS
BLACK LUNG DISEASE If you have black lung disease or Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis, you may qualify for benefits under the federal Black Lung program. Black lung disease can be seen on chest X-ray and CT scans. If you have black lung disease, then your chest X-ray or CT scan will show pulmonary nodules in… 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 »
ARE YOU WORKING? IF SO, ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS?
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF “WORK” FOR THE SSA? If you are working, according to how the SSA defines work, then you cannot be paid SSDI or SSI benefits. However, work has a very specific meaning under SSA’s rules. The SSA calls work “substantial gainful activity“(SGA). A person who is earning more than a… 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 »
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 »
