The Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, which began as a way to help Americans with disabilities pay for their living expenses. In many ways, it is a time to recognize how far the program has come since it was created, and how many people it has helped. However, it is also a reminder that many people who could benefit from the program do not currently do so, often due to struggles with the application process.
Category: Social Security Law
SSA Introduces New Tools to Track Claims Online
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it will be adding new tools for its website that will make it easier for people to track their claims online. This will ostensibly make it easier for people with claims in front of the SSA to keep track of its progress, along with any ongoing appeals they may have. This, in turn, should help to make it easier for claims to be processed, increasing the speed at which claimants may receive their benefits.
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Seven Exceptions to the SSI Income Limit
To be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you not only need to have a disability, you also must fall below the program’s income limits (for 2026, this is $994 for individuals and $1,491 for married couples). However, not all forms of income count towards this overall limit, and it is important to know what types of income are counted. Here are seven exceptions to the SSI income limit you should know about if you are applying for disability benefits:
What is “Blindness” According to the SSA?
While anyone in the United States with a disability is potentially eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there is special mention of benefits for blind people. That being said, not everyone with visual impairment will necessarily qualify as being blind under the definition put forward by the Social Security Administration (SSA). So what is “blindness” according to the SSA, and why does it matter?
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What is the SSA “Blue Book,” and Why Does it Matter?
If you have applied to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability benefits, you will likely need to be evaluated by Disability Determination Services (DDS) to decide if you qualify as disabled. As part of this process, you will find your examiner consulting the so-called “Blue Book.” But what exactly is the SSA’s Blue Book, and why might it matter to you?
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Seven Commonly Seen Types of Disabilities Seen in SSDI/SSI Applications
While there are as many reasons for people to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as there are applicants, a few reasons tend to be more common than others. If you have one of these conditions, you may also be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits. Here are just seven of the most commonly seen disabilities in SSDI and SSI applications:
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Five Things to Know When Preparing For Your DDS Examination
Most people who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will need to be examined by Disability Determination Services (DDS). Fortunately, with a bit of information, you can increase your chances of successfully getting through the process. Here are five things you should know when preparing for your DDS examination:
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What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?
One of the economic requirements to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is to avoid engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA for short. This means that if you want to apply for disability benefits, you must not meet the standard of SGA. But what exactly is Substantial Gainful Activity, and why does it matter? Continue reading “What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?”
Five Common Reasons for SSDI and SSI Denials
More than half of all applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are denied every year. Often, these denials are due to preventable issues that can be avoided by taking due care, or by getting professional assistance with your application. Here are five common reasons for SSDI or SSI denials that you should be wary of:
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Seven Psychological Issues That May Qualify You For SSDI or SSI
While most people think of disabilities in terms of physical injuries or illnesses, psychological problems may also be considered disabilities when it comes to the law. This is important, as it means people with certain psychological issues may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Here are seven psychological issues that may qualify you for SSDI or SSI:
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