Increasingly the Social Security administration is utilizing video conferencing technology to conduct hearings in less urban locations and to ease the current back log. However, the claimant’s have always been given the opportunity to “opt out” of … [Read more...]
SSA Disability for Migraines
In order to be awarded disability benefits, you must show a “medically determinable impairment.” This means medical tests must support your claims. Occasionally, evidence of migraine headaches can be seen on MRI, but this is the exception rather … [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...]
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...]
Retirement Age
By Jennifer Scherf The earliest age at which (reduced) Social Security retirement benefits are payable is 62. When you are eligible for full retirement benefits depends on what year you were born. People born before 1938 have what most consider … [Read more...]
Working While Applying For Disability Benefits
by Jennifer Scherf Many people believe that you cannot work if you are trying to get disability benefits. On the contrary, the Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages people to attempt to achieve gainful employment both during the … [Read more...]
Who Receives SSA Benefits?
By Jennifer Scherf Social Security was created by FDR in 1935 as a part of the New Deal plan. This program was created to assist aging workers in the post-depression-era economy. After many revisions, the original act has been expanded to include … [Read more...]
Does Race or Gender Play a Role in Disability?
by Jennifer Scherf Many people believe that race and/or gender play a role in disability determinations. This is absolutely not true. Age is a factor, but religion or the color of your skin is not considered by the Social Security Administration … [Read more...]
Getting Awarded for Disability — the Different Levels of Appeal
by Jennifer Scherf There are always exceptions, but in general it is very hard to prove you are entitled to Social Security Disability prior to a hearing. Initial Application: Time frame of three to four months The most recent statistics … [Read more...]