On August 11, the Social Security Administration (also known as the SSA) announced that it would be adding thirteen new medical conditions to its “compassionate allowances” list. As a result, people who have these conditions can avoid many of the hurdles that people ordinarily face when seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This will be of great benefit to all the people who suffer from these conditions, and may have struggled in the past to obtain Social Security disability benefits. Continue reading “13 Conditions Added to SSA Compassionate Allowances List”
Category: Social Security Law
How Mental Health Issues May Qualify You For SSDI or SSI
While people commonly think of people with disabilities as those with severe physical or developmental problems, the fact of the matter is that psychological issues may also be disabling. In fact, people with persistent mental health issues may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But how exactly can a mental health problem qualify you for SSDI or SSI, and how can you know if you might be eligible?
Continue reading “How Mental Health Issues May Qualify You For SSDI or SSI”
What You Need to Know About Disability Determination Services (DDS)
If you are looking to apply for Social Security disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there is a good chance you will need to be interviewed by Disability Determination Services, also known as DDS. This process may seem frightening, but it is considered critical to ensuring you get the benefits you deserve. But what is DDS, and why might you need to visit their offices if you apply for disability benefits?
Continue reading “What You Need to Know About Disability Determination Services (DDS)”
Why Should You Appeal Your SSDI or SSI Denial?
While millions of people apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) every year, less than half of these people have their applications approved. For those who are denied, however, there is always the option of appealing the decision. But why exactly should you appeal your SSDI or SSI denial, and what happens if you do?
Continue reading “Why Should You Appeal Your SSDI or SSI Denial?”
What Are SSDI Work Credits, and Why Do You Need Them?
If you are looking to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, also known as SSDI, you will need to obtain a certain number of work credits. While this is not necessarily an issue for everyone looking to apply for disability benefits, it is nevertheless crucial to understand whether you have a sufficient number of credits to qualify for the program. But what exactly are work credits, and why exactly do you need them if you are applying for SSDI benefits?
Continue reading “What Are SSDI Work Credits, and Why Do You Need Them?”
Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) Increases Benefits for 2.5m Americans
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately 2.5 million Americans have received increased benefits under the Social Security Fairness Act, or SSFA. These include people who receive retirement benefits from Social Security, as well as people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is meant to compensate people who previously had reduced benefits due to receiving pensions or benefits through other means. Continue reading “Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) Increases Benefits for 2.5m Americans”
Seven of the Most Common Reasons Behind SSDI/SSI Applications
While there are countless issues that lead people to seek Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, there are a number of problems that tend to be more commonly cited than others. These issues can often be more debilitating than most people realize, even with proper medical treatment. Here are seven of the most common reasons that lead to people filing SSDI or SSI applications:
Continue reading “Seven of the Most Common Reasons Behind SSDI/SSI Applications”
How a Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Disability Benefits
A lawyer with experience handling applications for disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), can substantially improve your chances of success. Moreover, they can help you explore potential legal options if your application is denied. But how exactly can a lawyer help you obtain disability benefits, and what can you do if your application was not approved?
Continue reading “How a Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Disability Benefits”
How Does the SSA Decide if You Are Disabled?
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must first demonstrate that you have a disability. Ultimately, the question of whether you qualify as disabled falls to the Social Security Administration, also known as the SSA. But how exactly does the SSA decide if you are disabled, and what happens if they determine that you do not fit their criteria?
Continue reading “How Does the SSA Decide if You Are Disabled?”
How the Social Security COLA Can Impact You
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment, also known as the COLA, is a critical component of determining how much people obtain from Social Security benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Without it, these benefits would likely become quickly outpaced by growing costs for things like food, housing, and other basic expenses. But what exactly is the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security, and how might it impact you?
Continue reading “How the Social Security COLA Can Impact You”