Pets….they’re often a big part of the family, but sometimes they can even be a big part of our ability to function daily or go to a job. After you’ve won your Social Security Disability case, you might receive a large lump sum of money. This could be used for the...
SSD – Social Security Disability
Allergies and Disability
An allergy is a pathological overreaction to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual. Allergic reactions can cause coughing, sneezing, hives, rashes, and in severe cases known as anaphylaxis, individuals...
Do I have to talk during my hearing?
Yes! This answer surprises many of our clients, who think because they have an attorney they won’t be talking during the hearing. The reality is that the attorney covers the legal issues and makes arguments on your behalf, but a lot of the hearing is you talking! You...
What if I move? Do I lose my benefits?
Social Security benefits, both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, are a federally run program. If you have filed an application and are awaiting adjudication, you do not need to file a new application. If you are currently...
The Inability to Afford Healthcare
About half of all adults in the U.S. report difficulties affording healthcare costs, and nearly 30 million Americans remain uninsured. The inability to afford medical treatment can pose a serious problem for those seeking disability benefits with Social Security...
IMPORTANT: The Fifth Step in Every Social Security Disability Case
The definition of disability is the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medical determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous...
IMPORTANT: The Fourth Step in Every Social Security Disability Case
The definition of disability is the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medical determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous...
Does Self-Employment Count as Past Work?
When an application for disability benefits goes to hearing, the Social Security Administration pulls a copy of your IRS records that shows past employers and how much they’ve paid you over the years. On these reports, it’s not uncommon to see a claimant has made some...
Continuing eligibility for SSDI benefits
When workers suffer a debilitating injury or illness that prevents them from working, they may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. In most cases, those who apply and receive disability benefits will continue to receive them for many...
Unacceptable wait times for SSDI claims
When an injury prevents someone from working, it can cause a lot of stress and financial hardships. Those in this situation can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance to help them while they recover. Most of the time, injured workers need these benefits as...
Can I Be Approved for Disability for Long Covid?
In 2022 the US Department of Health and Human Services ruled that long COVID is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are applying for disability with SSA, your symptoms must have lasted for at least 12 months to be considered for approval....
Will Using a Cane or Walker Win My Disability Case?
It sure can! But do you have proof you need it?? Almost anyone can walk into Walgreens and pick up a cane, brace, crutches, and sometimes even a wheelchair! Maybe your mom or dad used one and you now have it or a neighbor lends you one. But is this going to help your...
Conversion Disorder
Conversion disorder is a condition where mental health issues manifest in physical symptoms such as seizures, numbness, weakness, paralysis, or reduced input from the senses. Although there is no underlying neurologic pathology, the symptoms are real, uncontrollable,...
Artificial Intelligence in Social Security Administration
A few years ago, I posited that Social Security Administration (SSA) may someday implement automated decisions.[1] Today, my observation of recent trends in artificial intelligence (AI) confirms that we are moving closer to that day. SSA has long used data analytics...
Should I do my hearing on the telephone, video, or in person?
Currently, hearings before Federal Administrative Law Judges are occurring via the telephone, via Microsoft Teams Video, and in person at local Social Security Office’s of Hearings Operations. Whether you wish to appear in person, on video, or via telephone is up to...
Injured At Work?
Find out if you can collect Work Comp benefits too