SSA rules clearly state: a claimant “shall not be considered to be disabled if alcoholism or drug addiction would be “material” to the finding of disability”. What is “material”? This means you must prove that IN THE ABSENCE of drugs or alcohol, your other medical or...
SSD – Social Security Disability
How do I get covered for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you have to have worked and paid into the Social Security system through your taxes. You can earn a maximum of four credits per year, and the amount needed to earn a credit changes yearly. In...
Age: Not Just a Number in Determining Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration has a strict set of laws and regulations that determine how disability cases are decided and awarded. It is important to note that age will not disqualify someone from applying or receiving disability benefits. However, an...
The Decision: Possible Outcomes and Options
Often times after a Social Security disability hearing, the judge will take the case under advisement. What this means is the judge wants the opportunity to review the medical records as well as the testimony taken at the hearing before he/she makes their decision...
Social Security to Permanently Move to Virtual Hearings
In March 2020, the Social Security Administration began holding all disability hearings over the phone in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As the pandemic continued, the SSA also allowed for the option of video hearings held over Microsoft Teams. The expectation...
Obtaining Social Security disability for joint pain
Anyone who has suffered severe or chronic pain in their knees, elbows or wrists knows just how painful and debilitating these ailments can be. Joint pain is often the byproduct of repetitive and long-term stress on the bones. Severe or chronic joint pain can make it...
Are There “Magic Words” to Win at a Disability Hearing?
Something that claimants often ask me before a hearing is what they need to say to be approved by an administrative law judge. First, your attorney can’t tell you exactly what to say at the hearing. Second, even if I could, there’s no such thing as “magic words” that...
What is a Date Last Insured?
First, what is disability? There are two kinds of disability through the Social Security Administration, Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. The latter is based on the taxes you have paid into the system while you worked, and as such...
Blindness as a Disability
Being “blind” can mean a lot of different things….color blindness, cerebral (or brain-related) blindness, loss of night or peripheral vision, loss of central vision, retinopathy/hemorrhage/retinal detachment related issues….the list is long. However, SSA defines it...
Disability and Asset limits
There are two kinds of disability: Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits have no asset limits. Supplemental Security Income eligibility is strictly impacted by how many assets you hold....
Waiting on a Decision Post Hearing: Post Hearing Development
Two frequent questions individuals will ask after they have their Social Security Disability hearing are the following: 1) Do I have to do anything thing else or provide any additional information? And 2) How long will it take to get my decision? Regarding question...
Waiting on a Decision Post Hearing: The Decision Writing Process
Two frequent questions individuals will ask after they have their Social Security Disability hearing are the following: 1) Do I have to do anything thing else or provide any additional information? And 2) How long will it take to get my decision? Regarding question...
When and how to apply for SSDI benefits
Most people work full-time jobs and earn a wage to financially support themselves and their families. However, if an individual suffers a debilitating injury and is no longer able to work, the suffering may be physical and financial. Fortunately, those who are injured...
What’s the Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?
While both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income provide financial support to individuals with disabilities, they differ significantly in terms of eligibility requirements, funding sources, and payment amounts. SSDI primarily caters to...
What is a Continuing Disability Review?
Unfortunately for those receiving Social Security Disability benefits, the journy doesn't end with approval. The Continuing Disability Review (CDR) process continues to evaluate recipients' ongoing eligibility for years after they’ve been found disabled. The CDR is a...
Injured At Work?
Find out if you can collect Work Comp benefits too