When you file an application for Social Security Disability benefits, you will be required to complete various forms and provide certain information to properly file your application. Some of the required forms include consent for release of information form, adult...
SSD – Social Security Disability Process And Benefits
What does substantial gainful activity mean?
The first step in any social security disability case is whether the claimant has performed “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) during the period they are alleging they were disabled. Substantial gainful activity is used to describe a level of work activity and...
Disability Recipients To See Massive Benefit Increase In 2023
Disabled Americans can expect to see their largest increase in their monthly benefits in more than four decades next year. In October, the Social Security Administration announced that individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security...
Neurocardiogenic Syncope
Neurocardiogenic syncope, or vasovagal syncope, is a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain. The sudden lack of blood flow to the brain may cause a fainting spell or syncope. The fainting may also result in dangerous...
Transferable Skills
To prevail on a disability case the claimant must first show that they are no longer engaging in substantial gainful activity due to a severe medical impairment and can no longer perform past relevant work. In the final step of disability evaluation, adjudicators...
Treating Source Statements: What You Should Know
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, all medical records during the period of alleged disability must be requested and submitted. Along with mandatory medical records, you may also request your treating doctor or provider fill out a treating source...
Prior Decisions and Reopening Options: SSDI v. SSI
In general, a prior determination or decision that is made is final and binding if a timely request for review or appeal is not filed. These prior determinations or decisions include initial, reconsideration, and hearing decisions. This means if you received a denial...
Ways to increase the odds of an SSDI claim approval
No one wants to suffer an illness or injury that interferes with the ability to earn a living. Yet, this happens to thousands of people across the country every year. Luckily, qualifying individuals can take advantage of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits...
I’m Self-Employed: Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Yes, if you used to be self-employed, and while doing so, paid self-employment (SECA) taxes. These taxes will have earned you eligibility for the disability program, just as FICA taxes do for employees of a business. If you are still self-employed, you may still be...
What is the importance of Medical Records in a Social Security Disability Claim?
Along with several forms and paperwork required by Social Security, an individual is responsible for obtaining and submitting all medical records relevant to their case. These medical records include all medical appointments and treatment within the time frame an...
Social Security Fraud, Scams, and Investigations
Concerns about Social Security frauds and scams are reasonable and should be paid attention to! Whether or not you are receiving some type of Social Security benefit, the issue impacts all tax payers. Typical types of fraud include concealing work activity or medical...
Continuing Disability Review: The Basics
A continuing disability review (CDR) is a process by which Social Security analyzes your medical impairments to determine if you continue to be disabled in order to keep receiving benefits. If Social Security determines that your condition has improved and you are no...
Social Security Disability Hearing: Vocational Experts
A vocational expert is present and generally will testify at every Social Security disability hearing. Due to the impact of the pandemic, most vocational experts will now appear at your hearing by telephone despite if your hearing is in-person, by video, or by...
What is a Vocational Expert?
Of the many confusing aspects of the disability process, one thing that continually mystifies many claimants is the role of vocational experts at a disability hearing. Vocational experts are called to testify at nearly every single adult disability hearing. They...
What is SGA?
One issue that some claimants have trouble understanding is how much they can earn and still be eligible for disability benefits. Under Social Security’s rules, you have to earn less than what SSA calls “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) to receive disability...
Injured At Work?
Find out if you can collect Work Comp benefits too