Tag Archives: step five

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.

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 »

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 »

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.

SSA ELIMINATES INABILITY TO SPEAK ENGLISH FROM RULES

The Trump administration is considering a new rule that bars a claimant’s inability to speak English as a factor in the disability review process. This is one of several cuts to the disability program that President Trump is pursuing as part of his assault on disability benefits. Or, what Trump considers to be the… Read More »