Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the two primary programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provide benefits for people with disabilities. However, even many people who apply for the program do not know much about it and do not know what to expect. Here are five important things you need to know about SSI: Continue reading “SSI: Five Things You Need to Know”
Category: Social Security Law
SSA Announces New Remote Video Hearings
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it will begin using teleconferencing software over the internet to conduct remote hearings for people with proceedings before the SSA. Until now, they have struggled to conduct hearings remotely due to technological limitations, causing delays and difficulties. However, by better integrating video conferencing technology, the SSA hopes to facilitate hearings for people applying for disability benefits.
The Five Steps of Applying for Disability Benefits Through the SSA
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can seem daunting, especially if you have only recently become disabled. However, it is not nearly as difficult as it initially seems, and you do not need to go through the process alone. Here are the five basic steps you need to take if you want to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA): Continue reading “The Five Steps of Applying for Disability Benefits Through the SSA”
How the SSA Makes a Disability Determination
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for determining who receives disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, the process for determining who qualifies for SSDI or SSI can seem complicated or opaque. What, exactly, goes into a disability determination by the SSA? Continue reading “How the SSA Makes a Disability Determination”
Obtaining Work Credits for Social Security Disability Insurance
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the Social Security Administration (SSA), chances are that you have heard the term “work credits” before. This is because applying for SSDI benefits requires meeting two primary criteria: having a verifiable disability that prevents you from working and amassing sufficient work credits. But what are work credits, and how do you obtain enough to qualify for SSDI? Continue reading “Obtaining Work Credits for Social Security Disability Insurance”
Government Offices Reopen but COVID Danger Remains
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”
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”
