National Social Security Week Starts Now!
In honor of the 79th Anniversary of the Social Security Act, Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, invites everyone to celebrate the first National my Social Security Week. From...
View ArticleCombination of Impairments Must be Considered
It is worth a reminder that the law requires the Social Security Administration to consider the combined effects of impairments— physical, mental or emotional —when making a decision about disability....
View ArticleBack Pain Claims Can be Challenging, But Can be Won
Cases of back pain, especially involving lower back problems, are some of the most challenging to prove in a Social Security Disability claim. Unfortunately, “objective medical findings” such as x-rays...
View ArticleComplex Impairments Need Attention for Disability Claim
It is worth a reminder that the law requires the Social Security Administration to consider the combined effects of impairments— physical, mental or emotional —when making a decision about disability....
View ArticleCan You Lose Disability Benefits Once Established?
Social Security is a safety net for millions of Americans, either for retirement, disability or for the survivors of a qualified deceased family member. But there are situations when those benefits can...
View ArticleMinefields in the Application Process
Here is a great Motley Fool article about very common pitfalls during application for Social Security benefits. These three writers detail conditions that can impede eligibility: 1. Working too much –...
View ArticleSSA Launches a New Blog
Social Security recently launched a new blog, “Social Security Matters,” a new location for engaging with viewers by answering questions and concerns in a more interactive way. It offers the latest...
View ArticleWhen Should You Apply for Disability?
Q: I heard that my disability must be expected to last at least one year to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Does this mean I have to wait until I’ve been disabled an entire year before...
View ArticleMust I be Disabled for a Year to Apply?
Q: I heard that my disability must be expected to last at least one year to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Does this mean I have to wait until I’ve been disabled an entire year before...
View ArticleSuccessful Claim Numbers Decline
The number of American workers awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments is down for the fourth year in a row, according to statistics released by the government in late November. In...
View ArticleClaim Processing Times Mount
Social Security is facing a considerable increase in initial and reconsideration disability claims, resulting in a significant backlog at every level. The Agency received almost 2.8 million initial...
View ArticleMental Illness, Homelessness and Disability
Having a disability is a factor that increases the risk of becoming homeless. In 2009, almost 38 percent of the homeless population had a disability, compared with about 16 percent of the total U.S....
View ArticleHow to Calculate Disability Benefits
THere’s some great info from none other than Money Magazine about calculating your disability or retirement benefits, including the often-neglected family benefits for disabled individuals!...
View ArticleMay is Stroke Awareness Month
May is Stroke Awareness Month. The National Stroke Association offers lots of information on recognizing, treating and preventing strokes: • Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted....
View ArticleBacklogs in Wait for Hearings Continue to Rise
The Social Security Administration recently released statistics about the backlog work of work of Adminstrative Judges and hearing offices. The news was not great for claimants. The backlog grew...
View ArticleWhat is Acceptable Medical Evidence?
Social Security issued a ruling about ten years ago about “acceptable medical evidence,” considerably broadening the scope of proof allowed in a disability case claim. This has always been a...
View ArticleSide Effects of Meds are a Symptom
People with disabilities are necessarily on medications to manage their symptoms. Often these medications have side-effects that are nearly as troublesome as the original disease, but are necessary for...
View ArticleWhat are SSI and Social Security Disablity (SSDI?)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. While both of these programs offer cash benefits for...
View ArticleWhat Happens to Disability Benefits at Retirment Age?
If I get Social Security disability benefits and I reach full retirement age, what happens to my benefits? Will I then receive my retirement benefits? Social Security disability benefits automatically...
View ArticleBenefits for Family Members of Disabled People
One of the most important aspects of Social Security disability benefits is payments to qualified family members. It is also one of the important distinctions between SSI and Social Security...
View Article
