Tag Archives: SSDi benefits
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR AMPUTATION
IS AMPUTATION OF A LIMB AN AUTOMATIC DISABILITY? SSD benefits for amputation of a limb is available from the SSA under certain circumstances. You might believe that the amputation of a limb would automatically qualify you for benefits. But it doesn’t. Only certain types of amputations qualify for benefits. For example, the amputation of… Read More »
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS & BENEFITS
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune, neuromuscular condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. In fact, the name means “serious muscle weakness,” which is the main symptom of the condition. This weakness tends to get worse the longer the muscles are used and gets better after the muscles are rested. It is caused… Read More »
HOW TO WIN A CLOSED PERIOD OF SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS A CLOSED PERIOD OF DISABILITY BENEFITS? A “closed period” of SSD benefits is what it sounds like: it is an award of disability benefits for a period of time. That period of time has a beginning and an end. The beginning date is your onset date of disability. Similarly, the end date… 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 $1160 and still receive your SSD payments. For 2025, a trial work period begins when you earn more than $1160 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.
LUPUS DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET LUPUS SSD BENEFITS? Lupus disability benefits are available for people with severe lupus symptoms who cannot work for over one year. Are you a worker who pays your taxes? Did you stop working for over 12 months due to lupus? If so, then you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits… Read More »
SARCOIDOSIS & PROVING DISABILITY
WHAT IS SARCOIDOSIS? Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to overreact and start attacking the body. The disease does this by forming granulomas. Granulomas are clumps of inflammatory cells. These granulomas, or small clusters of inflamed tissue, start to form throughout the body and imbed themselves in the body’s organs…. Read More »
SHOULDER PAIN & SSDI BENEFITS
CAN SHOULDER PAIN QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? Shoulders are complex joints and can be a source for pain and disability. The shoulder is made up of the arm bone and the collarbone. The scapula and the clavicle work together to form the glenohumeral joint, which forms a cage around the head of your humerus…. Read More »
HOW TO DOCUMENT YOUR FATIGUE & WIN SSD BENEFITS
FATIGUE IS A DISABLING MEDICAL SYMPTOM Documenting your fatigue is one of the most important factors in winning your SSDI and SSI benefits. The reason it is important is that severe fatigue symptoms prove you cannot work a full-time job. Even though fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported in SSD claims,… Read More »
PULMONARY EMBOLISM & DISABILITY
WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lungs. This can occur when the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs become blocked. Usually, the blood clot begins somewhere else. For example, the blood clot may form in the legs or the pelvic area. Next,… Read More »
ANXIETY DISORDER AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER AND SSD BENEFITS Anxiety Disorder is a mental condition that can prevent you from working. If you cannot work for over 12 months due to your anxiety symptoms, then you may be able to win SSD benefits. When you suffer from anxiety, the symptoms can have a negative impact on your… Read More »
DON’T WAIT TO APPLY FOR SSDI BENEFITS
DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF WAITING TOO LONG TO APPLY FOR SSDI BENEFITS Waiting to apply for your SSDI application is almost always a mistake. You need to file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to protect your income when you can no longer work due to a severe medical condition…. Read More »
EWING SARCOMA & SSI BENEFITS
EWING SARCOMA IS A RARE CHILDHOOD CANCER Ewing sarcoma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the bones and soft tissues. Named after Dr. James Ewing, who first described it in the early 20th century, this condition commonly affects children and young adults. One of the most important features of… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR BACK PAIN
YOU CAN WIN SSDI & SSI BENEFITS FOR BACK PAIN If you suffer from back pain and cannot work, then let us help you win SSDI and SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI benefits. If you have worked and paid taxes, then the SSA can pay… Read More »
THE PART C CRITERIA WINS MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
UNDERSTAND PART C OF THE MENTAL HEALTH LISTING If you are filing an application for SSDI and SSI benefits because a mental disorder keeps you from working, then you should understand SSA’s Part C criteria. The SSA evaluates mental disorders under the Listing of Impairments. Each mental disorder in the listing contains specific symptoms…. 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 »
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 »
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 »
DISABLED VETERANS QUALIFY FOR SSA EXPEDITED REVIEW
EXPEDITED REVIEW IS AVAILABLE FOR DISABLED VETERANS Are you a disabled veteran? Did you know that Veterans who are 100% service connected qualify for expedited review with the Social Security Administration? This means that if you file an application for SSD benefits, you may not have to wait so long for a decision. Currently,… Read More »
SSA’S 5 POINT RATING SCALE FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS
UNDERSTANDING SSA’S 5 POINT RATING SCALE FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS When you apply for SSD benefits because of a mental health condition, the SSA uses a 5 point rating scale to determine how severe your condition is. The SSA’s 5 point scale focuses on how your symptoms affect your ability to function on a consistent… Read More »
MALIGNANT MELANOMA & SSD
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and threaten your life. Doctors usually find skin cancer by doing a physical exam. The doctor will then do a biopsy or imaging tests. This type of cancer… Read More »
ULCERATIVE COLITIS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS ULCERATIVE COLITIS? Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that causes ulcers in the large intestine and also the colon. These ulcers or sores cause the colon to become thick and scarred. Because the colon is damaged it cannot properly absorb water. Also, it cannot absorb electrolytes from the food passing through the… Read More »
FEDERAL COURT REVIEW FOR YOUR SSD CASE
CAN YOU APPEAL YOUR SSD CASE TO FEDERAL COURT? It is possible to appeal a denial from the Appeals Council to Federal Court. However, in order to have access to judicial review under the Social Security Act, the decision of the SSA must be final. Also, you must file a Complaint in Federal Court… Read More »
CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE? Chronic liver disease is a medical condition that affects the structure and function of your liver. Over time, inflammation of your liver cells leads to liver damage. There are a number of causes of chronic liver disease. These include viral infections, such as Hepatitis B and C, drinking too… 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 »
HIRE A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER TO WIN BENEFITS
TO WIN BENEFITS YOU NEED A MENTAL HEALTH SSD LAWYER If you suffer from mental illness and need SSD benefits, then hire a mental health SSD lawyer. If you cannot work for at least one year at any job due to mental illness, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits…. 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.
SPINAL DISORDERS & SSD BENEFITS – LISTING 1.15
SSD BENEFITS FOR SPINAL DISORDERS Spinal disorders can keep you from working and you may need to replace your income with SSD benefits. Do you have a spinal condition that prevents you from working? To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and SSI benefits, the SSA requires you to have a severe medical… Read More »
PSYCHOSIS, DELUSIONS & DISABILITY
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS WITH PSYCHOSIS Psychosis can destroy your ability to work, communicate, and function on your own. Many people with psychotic disorders struggle to maintain a job because these symptoms interfere with concentration, judgment, and social interaction. Hallucinations and delusions often create severe mental issues that make full time work… Read More »
SYRINGOMYELIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS SYRINGOMYELIA? Syringomyelia is a neurological condition where fluid filled cysts form within the spinal cord. As these cysts grow they damage the spinal cord. They can also damage the nerve fibers that carry impulses between your brain and body. If you have syringomyelia, then nerve damage may make it difficult to move… 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 »
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 »
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND DISABILITY BENEFITS – LISTING 12.02
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its symptoms can prevent you from working. If you cannot work for longer than 12 months due to a TBI, then you should file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits. A TBI can occur from a head injury while playing sports. Also, combat veterans may suffer from a… Read More »
WHEN DO SSDI BENEFITS END?
WHAT ARE THE REASONS 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 in… 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 SSDI 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 »
FIVE MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN APPLYING FOR DISABILITY
Mistakes are made every day by thousands of people who file for Social Security disability benefits. In this blog you will find a discussion of five common mistakes that you should NOT make when filing for benefits. If you listen to this advice, then it will help you win SSDI and SSI benefits. If… Read More »
MANIC SYMPTOMS & DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING MANIC SYMPTOMS & SSD BENEFITS Manic symptoms affect daily life in serious ways. Many people with bipolar disorder struggle to keep a job, manage money, and maintain stable relationships. Additionally, manic symptoms impact your focus, your mood, and your ability to function at work and at home. As a result, you may find… Read More »
INSOMNIA MATTERS IN YOUR SSD CLAIM
WHAT IS INSOMNIA? When people think about Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, they often picture obvious physical limitations or mental conditions. What many don’t realize is that often insomnia and chronic sleep problems play a significant role in a successful disability claim. This is especially true when insomnia is a symptom of an underlying… Read More »
BIPOLAR DISORDER AND SSD BENEFITS
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER? Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that can qualify for Social Security benefits. If your mental health symptoms are severe enough that they keep you from working, then you might be able to win SSDI and SSI benefits. In order to… Read More »
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS & DISABILITY
WHAT ARE ENDOCRINE DISORDERS? Endocrine disorders are a group of diseases which affect the glands of the endocrine system. Disease can be caused by hormonal imbalance, autoimmune issues, your genes or environmental factors. The most common endocrine conditions include diabetes, thyroid disease, and obesity. When an endocrine gland is not working properly it creates… Read More »
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR THE HEARING DECISION?
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME TO GET AN SSD HEARING? The wait time to get a hearing depends on the location where you live. Currently, in 2026, the wait time for a hearing has gone down. It is possible to have a hearing within 7-10 months after filing for one. However, the wait time… 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.
EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME (EDS)? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic conditions. These conditions affect the connective tissues in your body. Because there are different forms of the syndrome, the symptoms differ for each person. In order to win disability benefits, you must be unable to work at any job for longer… Read More »
CHECK YOUR EARNINGS TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PAYMENTS AND RETIREMENT The monthly amount of your Social Security Disability payments 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 you… Read More »
SPINAL NERVE ROOT CANCER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS SPINAL NERVE ROOT CANCER? Spinal nerve root cancer is a rare but serious condition that affects the nerves leaving your spinal cord. About 10,000 to 18,000 people in the USA are diagnosed with metastatic spinal tumors each year. Your nerve roots carry signals between your brain and body. When cancer develops in… 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 »
WHY DOES SSA KEEP DENYING MY CASE?
WHY ISN’T THE SSA GRANTING YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS? At our disability law firm we hear a version of this question every day. People look at their neighbors and cannot understand why they are getting SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, people compare themselves to others and think their illness is worse. Therefore, they believe they should… Read More »
HIP REPLACEMENT & SSD BENEFITS
Hip replacement can result in winning SSD benefits if you are unable to work after surgery. However, you must be unable to work for at least 12 months following your hip operation. Additionally, your hip condition must interfere with your ability to perform your past work and all other jobs. Likewise, it must also… Read More »
THE ALJ HEARING DECISION
THE ALJ HEARING DECISION EXPLAINED It is important to understand your ALJ hearing decision because it will tell you if you won SSD benefits. If you didn’t win benefits, then the ALJ decision will tell you why you didn’t win. Finally, if you lost your case, it also tells you what to do next…. Read More »
CAN YOU WORK PART-TIME & STILL GET SSD BENEFITS?
PART-TIME WORK AND IT’S IMPACT ON YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS Can you work part-time and still keep your Social Security disability benefits? The answer depends on the type of benefits you receive—SSDI or SSI. Each benefit program has different rules. Understanding those rules is key to protecting your income and your health. Our SSD law… Read More »
REVERSE DIABETES THROUGH DIET & EXERCISE
CAN DIABETES TYPE 2 BE REVERSED? Diabetes is Type 2 is the most common form of the three types of Diabetes. It is also known as adult onset diabetes. This condition can be genetic. However, it is usually brought on by a poor lifestyle choices. For example, if you are overweight, don’t exercise, and… Read More »
