Tag Archives: SSI
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 »
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, genetic mutations, or environmental factors. The most common endocrine conditions include diabetes, thyroid disease, and obesity. When an endocrine gland is not working properly it produces… 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 thickening and scarring of the colon. Because the colon is damaged it cannot properly absorb water. Also, it cannot absorb electrolytes from the food passing through the organ… 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 »
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.
HOW TO WIN SSD BENEFITS DESPITE SSA’S DENIAL RATES
SSA denial rates don’t matter, until they effect you. The SSA denies 40% of initial applications. After that, the denial rate is worse. The chances of the SSA denying your claim at the reconsideration level are 85%. At the hearing level, judges deny 54% of the cases that they review. Find out what steps you can take to beat the SSA’s high denial rates.
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 »
BLINDNESS AND EARNING WORK CREDITS FOR SSD BENEFITS
SSDI and SSI benefits for the blind are available under SSA’s laws. In order to qualify for Social Security benefits due to blindness, you will need to provide evidence that shows you meet the visual listings. The visual listings for blindness include people who have been blind since birth. Learn more here about SSD… 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.
HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE
WHAT IS HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE? Huntington’s disease is a rare genetic disease that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. This neurological condition impacts your ability to sit, stand and walk. The condition results in being unable to control your physical movements. Also, it results in severe mental symptoms, such as dementia, depression… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR AMPUTATION
IS AMPUTATION OF A LIMB AN AUTOMATIC DISABILITY? Disability 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 »
AMYLOIDOSIS WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS AMYLOIDOSIS? Amyloid light chain or primary amyloidosis is a rare disorder triggered by abnormal plasma cell activity in the bone marrow. This condition results in the production of a protein called amyloid that builds up in your organs and tissues. This amyloid buildup can make the organs not work properly. Usually, this… 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 »
SPINAL ARACHNOIDITIS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS SPINAL ARACHNOIDITIS? Spinal arachnoiditis is a painful condition that occurs from inflammation of the arachnoid membrane. This membrane surrounds the spinal cord nerves. It can become inflamed from various causes such as back surgery and infections. Additionally, inflammation can be caused by herniated discs, nerve damage, or spinal injuries. Most cases of… 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 »
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.
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.
SJOGREN’S SYNDROME BENEFITS
WHAT IS SJOGREN’S SYNDROME? Sjögren’s syndrome is an immune disorder of the exocrine glands. It is named after Swedish doctor Henrik Sjögren who first described it in 1933. The autoimmune disorder occurs when there is dysfunction of certain glands, mostly the salivary and lacrimal glands. This condition affects the body’s moisture producing glands. Therefore,… Read More »
SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS? Systemic vasculitis refers to a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body. Blood vessels inflammation causes the walls of the blood vessels to thicken. Therefore, this reduces the width of the passageway through the blood vessel. If blood flow is restricted, then it… Read More »
EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME (EDS)? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of more than one genetic condition. These conditions affect the connective tissues in your body. Because there are different forms of the syndrome, symptoms differ for each person. If you need SSDI benefits due to your EDS, then contact our law firm today…. 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.
MENIERE’S DISEASE & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Meniere’s disease is a rare disorder of the inner ear. The inner ear controls your balance and hearing. If you have a disorder of your inner ear, then it is likely you will suffer hearing loss. Along with hearing loss, Ménière’s disease also causes vertigo and loss of balance. If you have Ménière’s disease,… Read More »
SAME SEX MARRIAGE & SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
THE SSA RECOGNIZES SAME SEX MARRIAGES Same sex marriage is recognized by the SSA for the purposes of benefits. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states. Also, in matter what state in… 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 »
HOW FREE MEDICAL RECORDS HELP YOU WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS
YOU MUST HAVE MEDICAL RECORDS TO WIN YOUR SSD BENEFITS If you are like most people who apply for SSDI and SSI benefits, then you need free medical records in order to win your case. You need free records, because it usually costs money to get a copy of your records. And, you don’t… 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 »
THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL RECORDS IN YOUR DISABILITY CASE
THE SSA NEEDS MEDICAL RECORDS AT EVERY LEVEL OF YOUR SSD CASE You must understand the importance of collecting your medical records when you file for SSD benefits. You can apply for SSD and SSI benefits online at the Social Security’s website. When you first apply for benefits, you should include a copy of… 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 »
COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES IN 2023
SSA’S NEW COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES FOR 2023 In 2023 there were several new Compassionate Allowances added to SSA’s list. The Compassionate Allowances initiative allows Social Security to quickly identify severe medical conditions that meet the criteria for SSD benefits. Because the diseases on the list are so severe, the SSA wants to pay benefits as… Read More »
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 »
KIDNEY CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS KIDNEY CANCER? Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. The kidneys are two organs located on each side of the spine, below the ribcage. They play an important role in removing waste products from your blood and keeping an overall fluid balance… 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 »
SSD BENEFITS FOR BRONCHIECTASIS
WHAT IS BRONCHIECTASIS? Bronchiectasis is a condition that occurs when the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs get damaged, causing them to widen and become loose and scarred. These tubes are called airways. Bronchiectasis usually results from an infection or other condition that injures the walls of your airways or… Read More »
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS? Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that can occur in some people who have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. The common symptoms of the disease are red, scaly patches on the skin caused by the accelerated growth of skin cells. You can see this type of skin issue in the… Read More »
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOUR FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOU FOR SSD BENEFITS If you have depression, you need to know if you qualify for SSD benefits. If you have been off work for over 12 months or you think you will be, then should you apply for SSD and SSI benefits? Depression is a common mental ailment that most… Read More »
FIBROMYALGIA AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
SSD BENEFITS AND FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia is a medical condition for which the Social Security Administration will pay disability 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 »
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 »
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 Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income. Typically, they wonder if they will qualify for benefits. But they also wonder if they should wait to file for benefits. After all, many people are… Read More »
SSD BENEFITS FOR RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS
RECURRENT ARRHYTHMIAS: HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE HEART? Recurrent arrhythmias is a condition that affects the normal beating of the heart. The heart has a natural rhythm that is created by the sinoatrial node or the SA node. This rhythm is created by a group of cells in the right atrium of the heart… Read More »
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR RETROACTIVE SSD BENEFITS?
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF DISABILITY BENEFITS – SSDI & SSI BENEFITS Retroactive SSDI benefits may be available to you. However, it depends on what kind of benefits you are seeking. There are two kinds of Social Security benefits that one can apply for. The first benefit is Social Security Disability or Title II…. Read More »
ALCOHOLISM, DRUGS, AND DISABILITY
CAN YOU RECEIVE SSD BENEFITS IF YOU ARE AN ALCOHOLIC OR DRUG ADDICT? Alcoholism and drug addiction are problems for many people. These addictions can result in mental or physical disability, but it can be difficult to win benefits unless you quit drinking or using drugs. To apply for Social Security benefits, go to… Read More »
RAISE THE SSI ASSET LIMITS
SSI ASSET LIMITS NEED TO BE RAISED For years, the SSI savings and asset limits have kept people with severe medical conditions in poverty. SSI or Supplemental Security Income is a benefit for those who have a disability that keeps them from working. However, in order to receive it you must have a severe… 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 matter more 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 of their… Read More »
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 »
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 or not 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… Read More »
