Tag Archives: SSA
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 grants your… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
REOPEN YOUR PRIOR APPLICATION & GET ALL YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU REOPEN A PRIOR APPLICATION? Reopening a prior application is sometimes possible in SSDI cases. However, it is not easy to reopen a prior application. If you let an old application lapse and did not appeal it within the proper time frame, then you may not be able to reopen it. Additionally, there… 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 »
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 over a certain… Read More »
BLADDER CANCER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Bladder Cancer begins in the cells of the bladder. Your bladder is the organ in the pelvic area that stores urine. There are several types of bladder cancer, but the most common type is transitional cell carcinoma. This type begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Other types of cancer… Read More »
MARFAN SYNDROME AND SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS MARFAN SYNDROME? Marfan syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder that can cause severe physical issues. For example, the condition affects multiple body systems, including the skeleton, eyes, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and lungs. If your symptoms are severe and prevent you from working, then you can obtain SSDI and SSI… Read More »
SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY
THE SSA AND SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY (SGA) Substantial gainful activity are the words the SSA uses for “work.” If you file a claim for SSD benefits and you are still working, then you are going to hear the term “substantial gainful activity.” But what is SGA? SGA means “work” over a certain amount 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.
EPILEPSY AND SEIZURES
YOU CAN WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR EPILEPSY SSD benefits are available for epilepsy and for seizures. If your seizure medications do not control your epilepsy and you are unable to work, then the SSA may pay you SSD benefits. Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits are paid by the Social Security… 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 »
HIRE A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER TO WIN BENEFITS
TO WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS YOU NEED A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER If you suffer from mental illness and need disability benefits, then you should hire a mental health SSD lawyer. If you cannot work for at least one year at any job one year due to mental illness, then you should file an application… Read More »
HEART TRANSPLANT & SSD BENEFITS
HEART TRANSPLANT & SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS A heart transplant is an operation where surgeons replace a failing or damaged heart with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. This procedure is usually performed on individuals with end stage heart failure or severe heart conditions. It is an option only after your heart disease… Read More »
LUNG TRANSPLANT WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS A LUNG TRANSPLANT? A lung transplant is a critical procedure for those who have exhausted all other treatment options. They are usually done only after all other treatment options—such as medications, oxygen therapy, or less invasive surgeries—have failed. Candidates for a lung transplant must meet strict medical criteria to ensure success. A… Read More »
NARCOLEPSY & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS NARCOLEPSY? Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that impacts the brain’s ability to control your sleep and wake cycles. People with narcolepsy experience extreme daytime sleepiness and may fall asleep suddenly during the day. This can happen at work or even in dangerous situations. For example, you could fall asleep while driving. In a normal… 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 »
CANCER OF THE FEMALE GENITAL TRACT & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS CANCER OF THE FEMALE GENITAL TRACT? Cancer of the female genital tract is a type of cancer that affects the reproductive organs in women. It includes carcinoma or sarcoma of the uterus, cervix, vulva and ovaries. This type of cancer can be caused by many factors. For example, genetics, lifestyle choices, and… Read More »
FIVE MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN APPLYING FOR DISABILITY
Mistakes are made every day by thousands of people who file for Social Security benefits. Below you will find a discussion of five common mistakes that you should NOT make when filing for benefits. If you listen to this advice, it will help you win SSDI and SSI benefits. If you cannot work, then… Read More »
WHAT ARE JOB SKILLS?
WHY ARE JOB SKILLS IMPORTANT TO YOUR SSD CASE? Job skills 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 you have job skills, then it is likely… Read More »
HEART FAILURE & DISABILITY – LISTING 4.02
WHAT IS HEART FAILURE? Heart failure is a significant public health concern in the United States, because it affects 6.7 million adults. This chronic condition, which occurs when the heart cannot properly pump blood to meet the body’s needs, is a leading cause of disability nationwide. Heart failure is the inability of the heart… 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 »
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 »
STEP THREE WINS DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS STEP THREE OF THE SSA REVIEW PROCESS? Step three is a crucial step in the SSA review process. That is why it is important for you to understand it. Even though the last thing you need to worry about is one more step in the SSA review process that you have never… 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 »
WHY DOES SSA KEEP DENYING MY CASE?
WHY ISN’T THE SSA GRANTING YOUR BENEFITS? At Cannon Disability Law, we hear a version of this question every day. People look at their neighbors and believe they should not be getting SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, people compare themselves to others and think their illness is worse. Therefore, they believe they should get benefits… Read More »
TIPS ON SURVIVING THE WAIT FOR SSD BENEFITS
Here are seven tips on how to survive the long wait for SSD benefits. You can apply for other benefits, like Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF. Health insurance options are also available. Other tips require you to save money and cut expenses. Hiring a lawyer to help you win SSD benefits is also a useful tip.
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
WILL SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS INCREASE?
In order to know if your Social Security benefits will increase, you need to first understand the basics of your benefits. There are Social Security Disability benefits. Also, there are Supplemental Security Income benefits. Finally, there are retirement benefits. All three of these programs are run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This article… Read More »
FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA & SSD BENEFITS
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes progressive problems with balance, muscle weakness, and sensation loss in the legs and arms. If you have Friedreich’s ataxia, then you should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits under SSA listing 11.17. Additionally, Friedreich’s ataxia is a compassionate allowance that provides for an immediate award of benefits if you can prove it prevents you from working.
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.
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
FILING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Applying for disability, or SSD and SSI benefits, can be stressful because you may not know what you need to do. Likewise, you may not know what questions the SSA will ask you when you apply. The most important thing you can do is begin your application. You can… Read More »
SSA CHANGES DISABILITY LISTINGS FOR BACK CONDITIONS
Back disability benefits are, once again, going through changes by the SSA. The SSA changed their listing of medical conditions for people with a back disability. This change should concern to all lawyers and people who are seeking SSD and SSI benefits. When the SSA changes the medical criteria for benefits, it effects million… Read More »
HOW TO SPOT A SCAM – SIX THINGS THE SSA WILL NEVER DO
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SPOT AN SSA SCAM? How can you spot a scam? How do you know if it is really the SSA on the phone calling you? You may have received a phone call from someone claiming they were from the Social Security Administration. There are phone scams, text scams, and… 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 »
FIVE NEW COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES FOR 2020
In 2020, Andrew Saul, the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, announced five new Compassionate Allowances conditions: Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors GM1 Gangliosidosis – Infantile and Juvenile Forms Nicolaides-Baraister Syndrome Rubinstein-Tybai Syndrome Secondary Adenocarcinoma of the Brain If you have one of the above conditions, you can apply online for disability benefits at… 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 »
Check Your Earnings To Protect Your Future
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS AND RETIREMENT The monthly amount of your Social Security Disability benefits and your future retirement benefits is based upon your earnings. You are responsible to check your earnings statement every year. Therefore, you must check your earnings to make sure they are properly reported to the SSA and IRS. When… 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 »
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 »
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 »
