Tag Archives: SSI
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 »
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in response to a wide range of traumatic experiences. For example, it can occur due combat, sexual or physical assault, natural disasters, accidents,… 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 »
CHILDHOOD CEREBRAL PALSY & SSI BENEFITS
Childhood cerebral palsy SSI benefits are available for children through the Social Security Administration. In order to receive SSI benefits, you child’s cerebral palsy symptoms must be severe. For example, their cerebral palsy would effect them physically, but may also give them trouble doing things that other children can do with ease. Perhaps they… Read More »
BURN INJURIES & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT ARE BURN INJURIES? Burn injuries are damage to the skin or other tissues caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. Burn injuries can vary from minor burns to more severe burns that penetrate deeper layers of skin tissue. Severe burns can cause physical and emotional trauma. One of the main… Read More »
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION & SSD BENEFITS
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to those who suffer an on the job injury. Benefits include medical treatment for work related conditions. Benefits also include cash payments that partially replace lost wages. Workers’ compensation pays temporary total disability benefits benefits while you recover from your injury. If the condition has lasting consequences, then the program… Read More »
CROHN’S DISEASE & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS CROHN’S DISEASE? Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which can affect the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, Crohn’s disease occurs in the small intestine and the colon. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Additionally, you may also experience distention of your abdomen and weight loss. Other complications… Read More »
TAXING SSDI & SSI BENEFITS
Taxing SSDI and SSI benefits doesn’t seem right. Especially when you consider that SSD benefits are for those who cannot work and you only earned the right to get the benefits by paying taxes. However, they say that there are only two things that you can count on in this life: death and taxes…. Read More »
SCHEUERMANN’S DISEASE & SSD
WHAT IS SCHEUERMANN’S DISEASE? Scheuermann’s disease, also known as Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is a condition that affects the spine. In particular, it is found in the thoracic or upper spine. Scheuermann’s disease is a type of juvenile osteochondrosis, which is a disorder that affects the growth and development of bones. In Scheuermann’s disease, the vertebrae… Read More »
HEPATITIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS HEPATITIS? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, it can be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. The most common types of hepatitis are A, B, and C. However, there are other types… Read More »
IDEA Gives Disabled Children the Right to a Good Education
WHAT IS THE IDEA? The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities. The IDEA was enacted in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA). However, it was… 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 »
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 »
TESTICULAR CANCER & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS TESTICULAR CANCER? Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are the male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. It is one of the most common types of cancer among men between the ages of 15 and 35. In fact, over 8,000 men will receive the diagnosis of… Read More »
COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME & SSDI
WHAT IS COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME? Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. The condition causes severe pain and swelling in the affected area of the body. The cause of CRPS is not known, but doctors believe it is caused by an abnormal reaction… Read More »
LYMPHOMA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for the production and circulation of white blood cells. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that spreads throughout your body. Therefore, if you have cancer of the lymphomatic system it… Read More »
THYROID CANCER & SSDI BENEFITS
DOES THYROID CANCER QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? Thyroid cancer is a serious illness that can have a major impact on your life. For example, if you have thyroid cancer it may require expensive treatments and you may be unable to work. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration provides Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security… Read More »
BRAIN CANCER AND DISABILITY
DOES BRAIN CANCER QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? Brain cancer is a serious condition that can cause severe physical and mental symptoms. It can have a significant impact on your ability to work and make it difficult for you to support yourself. Fortunately, there are several ways for a person with brain cancer to obtain… Read More »
POST-POLIO SYNDROME & SSDI BENEFITS
IS POST-POLIO SYNDROME A DISABILITY? Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a medical condition that affects people who had polio earlier in their lives. PPS can occur decades after the initial polio infection and it can cause disability. If you cannot work for one year or more due to your symptoms, then you can apply for… Read More »
HOW TO GET BOTH VETERAN BENEFITS & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT ARE VETERAN DISABILITY BENEFITS? VA benefits are for veterans who were on active duty in the military and were injured or disabled during their service. Additionally, you can also win benefits if your post service medical condition relates to your time in service. This is true, even if your medical condition arose after… Read More »
DISABLED? CAN YOU GET FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT LOAN DEBT?
STUDENT LOAN DEBT AND DISABILITY Student loan debt is almost impossible to pay if you have a disability that keeps you from working. In fact, it is a huge problem to pay any bills when you cannot work due to a severe mental or physical medical condition. Probably, you are going to want to… Read More »
HEMOPHILIA DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS HEMOPHILIA? Hemophilia is a medical condition that causes excessive bleeding due to a deficiency of clotting agents in the blood. Because the blood doesn’t clot normally, people with hemophilia who have a minor cut or bruise can lose a lot of blood. Hemophilia can also cause nosebleeds and bleeding in the gums… Read More »
AUTOMATICALLY WIN SSD BENEFITS
12 NEW MEDICAL CONDITIONS ADDED BY THE SSA Automatically win SSD & SSI benefits if you have one of the 12 new conditions added by SSA to the Compassionate Allowances list. On August 15, 2022, the SSA added twelve new conditions to the compassionate allowances program. Compassionate Allowances are a way for SSA to… Read More »
SSI BENEFITS FOR LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS
WHAT IS LOW BIRTH WEIGHT FOR AN INFANT? Low birth weight infants are eligible to receive SSI payments as soon as you apply for the benefit. The SSA will begin monthly payments and pay for up to six months while they make a decision on your application. They do this because the SSA considers… Read More »
COVID & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Over 1 million people have died of Covid-19 in the United States. Worldwide, that figure is currently over 6 million deaths. The impact on everyone cannot be overstated. In addition to losing lives, good health, and jobs, during the pandemic people had trouble managing stress. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has a much higher effect on the… Read More »
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS & SSD BENEFITS
CAN YOU COLLECT UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALSO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS? Many people collect unemployment benefits after they lose a job. Sometimes, people file for unemployment benefits, thinking they will soon return to work. However, they then realize a disability is going to prevent them from returning to work. When you collect… Read More »
NEW COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES
In 2022 and 2021 there were new Compassionate Allowances. 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 soon as possible. For example, fatal conditions like ALS… Read More »
AIDS DISABILITY BENEFITS
AIDS disability benefits are available if your condition is keeping you from working. Many individuals with HIV infection have severe symptoms that prevent them from working. If you have severe AIDS symptoms and you will be off work for over 12 months, then the SSA may find you eligible for SSDI benefits. On the… Read More »
THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PROGRAM IS GROWING The Social Security Disability program has seen significant growth in both costs and the number of beneficiaries in the last 25 years. Since 1990, the age of the working population being paid disability benefits has more than doubled—from about 1 in 40 individuals to about 1 in… 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 »
CARR V. SAUL – CAN YOU GET A NEW DISABILITY HEARING?
Can you get a new disability hearing? On April 22, 2021, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in Carr, et.al, v.. Saul, 593 U.S. _,(2021). This is an important case because it holds that some claimants have a right to a new hearing. You can obtain a new hearing if you have an unfavorable… 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 employment taxes, you pay into SSA’s insurance… Read More »
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR DISABILITY HEARING?
Are you wondering what questions the judge will ask at your disability hearing? Will you need to explain your medical symptoms in court? Should you bring other witnesses to your ALJ hearing ? How long does the hearing take? Do you know at the end of the hearing if you have won SSD benefits?… Read More »
WHAT WILL THE JUDGE ASK AT MY ALJ HEARING?
HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR ALJ HEARING Be prepared for your ALJ hearing. You should hire an attorney to help you be a good witness. You need to think about the answers to some basic questions before you arrive. The hearing is being held to determine not only if you… Read More »
BIDEN’S DISABILITY PLAN
Fortunately, the president of the United States has a disability plan. This is good news for the almost 9 million people receiving disability benefits. Additionally, this is good news for 117,000 spouses and 1.5 million children who also receive disability payments through a family member. Individuals who qualify for SSD and SSI need is… 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 »
CORONAVIRUS AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
UPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS AND DISABILITY BENEFITS The Coronavirus is not stopping your disability benefits from being paid. Nor, is it stopping the SSA from deciding disability cases. This is good news for those who are receiving disability benefits. It is also good news for those who are patiently waiting for the SSA to decide… Read More »
Procopio, et. al. v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Navy Veterans Lose Expedited Review for Agent Orange Exposure During Vietnam War
NAVY VETERANS SEEK EXPEDITED REVIEW OF AGENT ORANGE CLAIMS The Court of Appeals Federal Circuit, held in Procopio, et al. v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Court of Appeals Federal Circuit 12/08/2019) that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has the authority to stay disability compensation claims until January 1, 2020. This is a disappointing case for Navy… 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 »
RETIREMENT BENEFITS & SSD
WHAT ARE RETIREMENT BENEFITS? Retirement benefits are monthly payments from Social Security. These benefits replace a percentage of your pre-retirement income based on your lifetime earnings. The portion of your pre-retirement wages that Social Security replaces is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. This amount varies depending on how much you earn. The… 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 »
IS THE DISABILITY TRUST FUND IN JEOPARDY?
WILL THE DISABILITY TRUST FUND RUN OUT OF MONEY? Most people don’t understand the Social Security and Disability trust funds and how they work. Headlines are constantly claiming the Disability Trust Fund is going to run out of money. Therefore, people with disabilities who cannot work will not receive their payments. Let’s examine the… Read More »
