Tag Archives: ssi benefits
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 »
GRID RULES AND WINNING SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE THE GRID RULES? GRID Rules are regulations the SSA uses to award SSD benefits if you are over 50 years old. The GRID Rules are actually known as the Medical Vocational Guidelines. These guidelines apply to you if your medical condition does not meet or equal an SSA listing. These special rules… Read More »
FIBROMYALGIA AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
SSD BENEFITS AND FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia is a medical condition for which the Social Security Administration will pay SSD benefits. You can obtain Social Security benefits from the SSA if you have fibromyalgia and are unable to work. However, you must show that your illness meets certain rules and will last longer than 12 months…. Read More »
CAREGIVERS & THE SSD PROCESS
HOW CAREGIVERS CAN HELP THROUGH THE DISABILITY PROCESS If you’re a caregiver for someone with a severe disability, then you already know how challenging daily life can be. But when your loved one can no longer work, the stress of lost income adds another layer of difficulty. You may be looking for answers for… 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 »
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT & SSD BENEFITS
DOES A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? A bone marrow transplant is one of the most complex medical procedures that a person can have. You might need a bone marrow transplant if you have cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Doctors will transplant healthy bone marrow cells into your body…. 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 »
COSTELLO SYNDROME & SSD BENEFITS
At Cannon Disability Law, we help families deal with complex process of filing for SSI benefits. When a child has a rare condition like Costello Syndrome, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Costello Syndrome causes a wide range of physical and developmental challenges, many of which can qualify the child for… Read More »
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 »
SOMATIC DISORDER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS A SOMATIC DISORDER? A somatic disorder can prevent you from working a full time job. A somatic disorder requires you to have physical symptoms that are not explained by another medical condition. However, your doctor will not diagnose a somatic disorder only because a medical cause can’t be found for a physical… 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 »
PERIPHERAL NERVE CANCER & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL NERVE CANCER? Peripheral nerve cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the peripheral nerves, which are the vast network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves play a vital role in transmitting signals from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. Your… 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 »
MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that develops in the outer layer of the skin. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is most commonly found in areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, head, and neck. It can develop on any part of the… Read More »
HOW TO FILL OUT SSA’S WORK HISTORY FORM
WHAT IS SSA’S WORK HISTORY REPORT FORM? Do you know how to fill out SSA’s Work History form? If you are asking yourself this question, then that is good! You should worry about what you write on the forms that you send to Social Security. Believe it or not, the work history form is… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
UNDERSTANDING LEWY BODY DEMENTIA Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts your cognitive ability, behavior, and movement. It is the second leading cause of dementia in the elderly, following Alzheimer’s disease. This complex medical condition impacts almost 1.4 million individuals in the United States, making it a major cause of… 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 »
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS
HOW TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR SSD BENEFITS ONLINE Do you know how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? Are you wondering what is the best way to apply? If so, we have some answers. If you have access to the internet, then you should apply on the Social Security’s website…. Read More »
MALIGNANT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
UNDERSTANDING MALIGNANT MULTPLE SCLEROSIS Malignant Multiple Sclerosis (Malignant MS) is a rare and severe form of MS. This condition causes intense inflammation and serious damage to myelin, the protective layer that surrounds your nerves. As myelin breaks down, more lesions and plaque form in the brain and spinal cord. This damage makes it harder… 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 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 »
MEDICARE BENEFITS INFORMATION
WHAT IS MEDICARE? Medicare is the United States health insurance program for people who are 65 years or older. However, if you receive Social Security Disability benefits, then you also get Medicare benefits after a waiting period. In order to obtain SSD benefits, you must apply. You can apply on the Social Security website…. 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 »
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
KIDNEY DISEASE IS A DISABILITY Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious, progressive condition that affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluids from the blood. As the disease advances, you may experience severe fatigue and swelling. You may also experience problems like high blood pressure and anemia. These issues can make it… Read More »
HOW TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
APPLY NOW FOR SSD BENEFITS If you are wondering how to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, then you have come to the right place. Filing for Social Security Disability benefits has never been easier. The SSA has multiple ways for people to file an application for SSD benefits. If you cannot work for… 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 »
ASSISTIVE DEVICES & THE SSA
WHAT IS AN ASSISTIVE DEVICE? An assistive device, according to the SSA, is any item or piece of equipment that you use to improve your ability to keep your balance, use your hands, and move about and walk. An assistive device can be worn, held in your hand, or it can be used in… Read More »
RETIREMENT BENEFITS & SSD
WHAT ARE RETIREMENT BENEFITS? Retirement benefits are monthly payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You are entitled to retirement benefits based on your earnings record. These benefits replace a percentage of your income based on your lifetime earnings. The portion of your wages that the SSA replaces is based on your highest 35… Read More »
MENTAL IMPAIRMENTS THE JUDGE MUST CONSIDER
The SSA judge must consider “moderate” mental impairments when deciding your case. If they don’t, then their decision is in error. You should appeal the judge’s decision or any SSA decision that does not take your mental impairments into consideration. Call Cannon Disability Law to help you win disability benefits if your mental health keeps your from working.
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 »
HOW TO SET UP DIRECT DEPOSIT TO GET YOUR SSD CHECK
HOW DOES THE SSA PAY YOUR SSDI & SSI BENEFITS? If you’ve been awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you are probably wondering about direct deposit options. Or, at least you are wondering how you will get paid. Believe it or not, it will take some effort on… Read More »
HOW TO BUILD MEDICAL RECORD EVIDENCE FOR YOUR DISABILITY CASE
MEDICAL RECORDS WIN SSD BENEFITS Medical records are the single most important thing in your SSD case. Building that medical evidence is the best thing you can do to help yourself win SSD and SSI benefits. At Cannon Disability Law, we can help you build your medical records and win your benefits. Unfortunately, many… Read More »
ACUTE LEUKEMIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
DOES LEUKEMIA WIN SSD BENEFITS? Acute Leukemia is a form of cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Your bone marrow is where your blood cells are produced. Leukemia affects white blood cells, which are crucial to your immune system. Acute leukemia starts when a cell changes and becomes a leukemia cell. Because it… 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 EQUAL SSD BENEFITS
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 »
SSD BENEFITS FOR MULTIPLE DISABILITIES
CAN YOU GET SSD BENEFITS FOR MULTIPLE DISABILITIES? When you file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits, the SSA must consider the combined effect of multiple disabilities. For example, if you have degenerative disc disease in your spine, then pain may cause mental issues. Many people experience anxiety and depression when dealing with… 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 »
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 »
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 »
CYSTIC FIBROSIS GUIDE TO SSD BENEFITS
APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU HAVE CYSTIC FIBROSIS Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects almost 40,000 adults and children in the United States. It is a defect in a protein that results in the buildup of mucus in organs throughout the body. This can lead to blockages, tissue damage, and infections…. 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 »
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 »
APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS WITH CANNON DISABILITY
IF YOU HAVE MENTAL IMPAIRMENTS SEEK HELP TO APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS Apply for SSD benefits with our law firm, Cannon Disability Law. We can help you apply for benefits. Because, the SSA’s application process is difficult to understand on your own. The SSA requires you to complete an application form, submit medical records,… 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 »



