The coronavirus pandemic brought almost every aspect of life to a halt for months, with many businesses and government offices, including those of the Social Security Administration, forced to close or operate on a limited basis. In New York, at least, the rate of infection is on the downturn, which has allowed government functions to return to a semblance of normalcy. However, that does not mean the danger from the coronavirus is gone, or that you should not take precautions to avoid infection, especially if you are suffering from a physical disability that may make you vulnerable to coronavirus infection. Continue reading “Government Offices Reopen but COVID Danger Remains”
Category: Social Security Law
When Should You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two primary forms of economic relief that the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides to Americans with disabilities. However, simply because you have a disability does not mean that applying for SSDI or SSI is appropriate for you. So how should you know if you should be applying for disability benefits from the SSA? Continue reading “When Should You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?”
New Screening Tool Helps VA Diagnose COVID Faster
New York, along with many other states, is in the middle of reopening their states after a lengthy quarantine. However, the coronavirus remains a serious public health threat, particularly to people with long-term medical issues like disabled veterans. To help protect these vulnerable individuals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has introduced a new digital screening tool to help isolate potential COVID infections before they enter a VA medical facility. Continue reading “New Screening Tool Helps VA Diagnose COVID Faster”
Social Security, COLA and You
People who count on benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for survival, including people on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), tend to pay close attention to how their benefits change from year to year. And yet, many SSDI and SSI recipients are unaware of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and how it affects their benefits. So, what is the COLA, and how does it impact you? Continue reading “Social Security, COLA and You”
VA Emphasizes Importance of Mental Health in May
May is Mental Health Month, and at a time of great distress for many Americans, it is more important than ever to emphasize the importance of mental health. In recognition of the Month, and the strain caused by the coronavirus on veterans across the country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has created the “Now is the Time” program to address the mental health needs of veterans. The program promises to help veterans get help for their issues from family and friends, through professional counseling. Continue reading “VA Emphasizes Importance of Mental Health in May”
What is Disability Determination Services (DDS)?
When someone applies for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they need to meet certain criteria to be approved. One of those criteria is the determination as to whether they are, in fact, disabled. When that happens, an applicant will need to pay a visit to their local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. Continue reading “What is Disability Determination Services (DDS)?”
GAO Opens Investigation of SSA After Consultant Doctor Scandal
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is investigating the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s use of consultant doctors after it was alleged the doctors had engaged in fraudulent conduct. Specifically, they were conducting disability reviews that were going far faster than was reasonably possible, resulting in both a high rate of denials and large sums of fees being awarded to the consultant doctors by the SSA. This scheme disproportionately harmed low-income disability applicants, who also often lost their insurance when their disability applications were denied. Continue reading “GAO Opens Investigation of SSA After Consultant Doctor Scandal”
Is it Possible to Lose Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a major source of support for millions of Americans suffering from severe disabilities. It allows recipients to have some income to cover necessities, even when they’re not able to work due to their disability. But is it possible for someone to lose their disability benefits, and if so, how? Continue reading “Is it Possible to Lose Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?”
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
There are millions of people who receive benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) every year, and more people who apply every year. However, applying for SSDI means meeting certain basic requirements, and unfortunately, not everyone does. For those who can’t get SSDI, there is another program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which can potentially meet their needs. Continue reading “What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?”
SSDI: Who Can Apply For It?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has long been a resource for people who are unable to work due to a disability. However, the process for applying for SSDI can seem confusing for someone who has never dealt with it before, and especially someone who is already dealing with the consequences of a severe disability. Fortunately, the requirements are relatively easy to understand, once they’re broken down. Continue reading “SSDI: Who Can Apply For It?”
