19
Apr
Many clients who are seeking our legal services ask this question. Unfortunately, although you can file for Social Security Disability (or SSD) online, Supplemental Security (or SSI) cannot be filed online. In order to file for SSI, you must call the 800 number at 1-800-832-3471 or your local office to schedule a telephone interview with […]
02
Apr
A potentially large group of disability cases could be emerging in the months and years ahead which is being called “the COVID-19 long-hauler”. Thankfully, for most of the population that acquire COVID-19, the symptoms are mild to moderate, lasting only a few weeks. However, there is a group of people that experiences persistent symptoms. Medical […]
12
Mar
The fact that an individual suffers from substance abuse may have an adverse impact on a claim for Social Security disability. Social Security calls this DAA which is short for “drug addiction and alcoholism”. The essential question is whether the individual is disabled by other medical impairments which are independent of continued alcoholism or drug […]
19
Feb
Even though hearings are now being held on the telephone, your testimony is still taken under “oath” which means you must tell the truth. When the judge (also Administrative Law Judge or “ALJ”) asks a question, do not try to figure out why the judge is asking that particular question or whether your answer will […]
12
Feb
When filing for disability, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your past employment. This is one of the steps required in the evaluation process. That is, the SSA is making a determination as to whether you can return to any of your past work while considering your functional limitations. Once again, this is one of […]
19
Nov
If you are a Social Security beneficiary, expect to see your benefit increase next year. All SSDI and SSI disability recipients will receive a 1.3 percent COLA for 2021. COLA stands for “Cost of Living Adjustment”. Social Security annually increases benefits to counteract inflation. Here are some other important changes related to the Social Security […]
24
Sep
Once you file an application for SSD or SSI benefits, you will received a “Function Report”. This is from the DDS (Disability Determination Services) who is working up your claim. Although what you write on the form does provide a basis for Social Security approving your claim, generally, it must be backed-up by the medical evidence. […]
10
Jul
In response to the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began conducting telephone hearings in late March 2020. By now, our lawyers have participated in several of these hearings. For the most part, the hearings have been conducted without any technical difficulties. You have the option to choose whether or not you want […]
01
Jun
Now that you have been approved for Social Security disability benefits, it is not unreasonable to think about whether or not you will continue to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI ) payments indefinitely, or if they will stop at some point in the future. Thinking of having to go through […]
24
Apr
During states of emergency that are being declared across the country, many offices are closing. These offices include Social Security Administration (SSA) offices. These closures are for the safety of the general public as well as the employees of the SSA. If you have a disability, you may want to get your disability claim filed […]