Social Security Administration Reinstates “Reconsideration” Stage

Unfortunately, recent data shows that approximately 66 percent of initial applications for social security disability are denied.  That number is slightly lower for individuals who file with an attorney. Following a denied claim, the wait process can be draining.

For years, New York was one of several states which did not have a “reconsideration stage” and instead would skip right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  Once a denial was issued, the individual would have the ability to request a hearing before an adjudicative law judge.  The wait time for a hearing in New York is between one and two years.  Once the hearing is scheduled, the individual and a vocational expert appear before a judge where they review the claim and medical evidence.
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More Disabled People Opt to Collect Paychecks, Not Benefits

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal reported that a record number of people with mental and physical disabilities joined the workforce while, at the same time, stopped receiving disability benefits.

According to the WSJ, 51,302 people went off disability so they can find “gainful” employment; that is the most since 2002. Meanwhile, 8.5 million people are still collecting disability in December 2018, down from 9 million the same month four years ago.
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Changes Announced for Social Security in 2019

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced several benefit changes for 2019 that will increase the amount of monthly compensation received by its beneficiaries.

Currently, those who perform substantial gainful activity — that is, the level of work that a person without a disability can do — can now meet a higher threshold in order to be eligible for benefits. This year, those who are sight-impaired could make no more than $1,970 a month; in 2019, the monthly threshold will be raised to $2,040. Those who are not considered blind will likewise have their threshold moved up from $1,180 a month in 2018 to $1,220 a month next year.
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The Denial of a Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income Application is Not the End

Suffering a debilitating injury can pose a threat to your ability to work in the future. Not having a stable form of income to support your family with can be haunting. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits might be able to help you, depending on your situation. Once you’ve completed the SSDI or SSI application, you will be notified of the status of your application and whether or not is has been approved. Should you receive a notice that your application has been denied, there may be more options available to you to repeal this decision.
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Can Veterans Receive Compensation from the VA for Mental Illnesses?

Any sort of war exposure can severely impact an individual, physically and mentally. Today, many war veterans are seeking treatment and compensation for mental illnesses acquired from combat. The VA, formally known as the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, is a department within the United States Government that administers a multitude of different benefits and services for veterans, providing financial and life assistance to current military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. Continue reading “Can Veterans Receive Compensation from the VA for Mental Illnesses?”

What You Should Know About Social Security

As a working American, you will typically find a certain amount of money taken out of each paycheck designated as Social Security on your pay stub. 6.2% of your income will be contributed to the Social Security system and employers match this percentage for each worker, totaling 12.4%. Social Security provides you with benefits when you retire, become disabled, or to eligible family members with benefits when you die.
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Main Office

Additional Locations

MANHATTAN
Appointments available in our Manhattan office.
(One block away from Penn Station)

NASSAU COUNTY
1205 Franklin Avenue
Suite 330
Garden City, NY 11530

By Appointment Only

EASTERN SUFFOLK COUNTY
524 East Main Street
Suite 202
Riverhead, NY 11901

By Appointment Only
(Opposite Social Security Office)

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