According to preliminary statistics released by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the total number of applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) went down by more than 10% in 2020, compared to the previous year. This substantial decrease in applications for disability benefits seems to have coincided with the onset of the coronavirus epidemic. In addition, the total number of people receiving SSDI or SSI benefits went down, while the number of benefit terminations went up. Continue reading “Applications for SSDI and SSI Down More than Ten Percent in 2020”
Category: Social Security Law
COVID Can Result in Long-Term Disabilities
As the effects of the coronavirus become better understood, doctors are beginning to realize that COVID-19 is not just a simple infection. For many people, COVID can result in serious long-term medical issues, with some victims left with permanent disabilities. And for those who already have disabilities, the coronavirus can worsen existing conditions to the point where they become unmanageable. Continue reading “COVID Can Result in Long-Term Disabilities”
Five Things to Know Before Applying For Disability Benefits
If you have recently suffered from a disability and are looking to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), you may be worried and confused. After all, you are already dealing with your disability, without needing the added stress of navigating government bureaucracy. Here are five things you should know before you apply for disability benefits through the SSA, if you want to make things easier for yourself: Continue reading “Five Things to Know Before Applying For Disability Benefits”
Four Requirements for SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI, is a surprisingly large program that grants billions of dollars in benefits to Americans every single year. SSI is intended to help people who do not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI) to get financial support for a disability. However, not everyone can qualify for SSI. Here are four requirements you need to meet before you can receive SSI benefits: Continue reading “Four Requirements for SSI Benefits”
Four Factors That Get Considered in an SSDI or SSI Appeal
If you were denied access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may be able to appeal that decision to gain access to those benefits. However, the appeals process can be complicated, and its rate of success can depend on a variety of factors. Here are four factors that get considered in SSDI or SSI appeals: Continue reading “Four Factors That Get Considered in an SSDI or SSI Appeal”
When Have You Worked Enough for SSDI?
Anyone who has a disability that makes them unable to work can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, one of the principle programs under the SSA, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), requires that you prove you worked enough to earn your disability benefits. So how do you know if you have worked enough to be able to receive SSDI, and what happens if you do not meet that minimum criteria? Continue reading “When Have You Worked Enough for SSDI?”
Why Do You Need to Go to DDS For Your Disability Claim?
If you are applying for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), or if you have already gone through the process, chances are you have at least heard of Disability Determination Services (DDS). They are the ones who will conduct your examination to determine if you are considered legally disabled. But why do you need to go to them in the first place? Is a regular doctor not good enough to make that kind of decision? Continue reading “Why Do You Need to Go to DDS For Your Disability Claim?”
SSA Announces New Teams to Handle Disability Fraud
To deal with the growing issue of Social Security disability fraud, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced four new teams who will be assigned to investigating potentially fraudulent claims. These teams are part of the Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Units, and specialize in tracking down those who try to take advantage of Social Security benefits they are not entitled to. The goal of the CDI is to reduce fraudulent Social Security claims, which harm actual people with disabilities who struggle to get benefits for themselves. Continue reading “SSA Announces New Teams to Handle Disability Fraud”
Do You Have Enough Work Credits to Qualify for SSDI?
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, one of the major issues you will need to worry about is if you have enough work credits. If you do not have sufficient work credits, you may be disqualified from getting SSDI. But what are they, and how do you get enough of them to get SSDI benefits? Continue reading “Do You Have Enough Work Credits to Qualify for SSDI?”
What Does it Legally Mean to Have a Disability?
If you want to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), first you need to be legally disabled. Otherwise, you will not be able to qualify for benefits under either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But what does it mean to have a disability, in the legal sense, and how does that impact your ability to get SSDI or SSI benefits? Continue reading “What Does it Legally Mean to Have a Disability?”
