The SSA experimented with removing the reconsideration appeal level in 10 “proto-type states” for the last few years. Claimant’s living in these states were able to file a request for hearing immediately after receiving their initial denial. The … [Read more...]
2034 and 2023 – Important Years to keep in mind for all current and future SS Beneficiaries.
For years and years people have been claiming that Disability and SS Retirement are going to end. They are actually separate funds, but at times, they have borrowed from one another to keep both programs afloat. Due to the aging of the baby … [Read more...]
Choosing Between waiting for Disability or Food Stamps
Earlier this year, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the program that oversees Food Stamps, found that the economy is improving enough to stop extending the time low income people could receive food stamps. The work-for-food … [Read more...]
SS Disability and Gun Control
SSA has issued a Notice of Proposed rule which would prohibit any individual from owning a gun if they have been adjudicated as, “a mental defective or who has been committed to a mental institution.” Mental defective sounds pretty not PC, it has … [Read more...]
2016 SSA Changes:
Right now it takes a year or more to get your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. (National time is 505 days, Ft. Worth is currently at 411 and Dallas is at 467). SSA is planning on hiring senior attorneys to review the cases that are … [Read more...]
Dying while waiting for Social Security Benefits
Dying while waiting for Social Security Benefits Denials are a part of the disability process. Sometimes a denial comes because the case is not completely worked up: no recent tests; no treating doctors willing to give opinions regarding … [Read more...]
How important is it that I see a doctor while applying for disability?
Extremely important! I often find myself repeating to my clients one of two phrases: “God helps those who help themselves” SSA feels the same way. You cannot refuse to try and get better and expect the government to pay you. The second phrase I catch … [Read more...]
When will my benefits begin once I establish that I am disabled?
Just like most areas of law, the answer is that it depends…. For SSI benefits, (need based) you are eligible to receive payments the first full month following the month you applied.* That means if you apply in January 2015, it does not matter if … [Read more...]
SSDI/SSI Payment Amounts
The amount of your monthly benefit for SSDI is calculated just as your full retirement is. SSA takes 31 years of your highest earnings reported, averages them, and then gives you a percentage of that amount. The percentage changes based on your … [Read more...]
Disability and Student Loans
What happens to your student loan debt if you become unable to work? It depends on both the type of loan you have and what kind of disability benefit you receive. SSI benefits, which are paid as part of a need based disability program, cannot be … [Read more...]