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?”
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Explaining the VA Disability Application Process
Applying for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) can seem like a daunting process, especially for someone who has only recently left military service. Dealing with a disability can be difficult in its own right, without needing to navigate bureaucracy to get the benefits you deserve. Fortunately, however, the application process is not too difficult to understand, provided that you follow all the necessary steps. Continue reading “Explaining the VA Disability Application Process”
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?”
Five Things to Know When Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits
If you are a veteran seeking disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), you may be concerned about what to do. After all, navigating a government bureaucracy can be complicated, more so if you are dealing with a disability at the same time. Fortunately, however, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances to receive your veterans’ disability benefits. Continue reading “Five Things to Know When Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits”
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?”
VA Services Resume After Being Halted During COVID-19 Crisis
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) was forced to close down many of its services to the public during the coronavirus crisis. During the height of the pandemic, the risk that vulnerable patients would be infected was too great. Thanks to these efforts, though, the rate of COVID-19 infection has dropped enough that the VA is now reopening many of these shuttered services to the public. Continue reading “VA Services Resume After Being Halted During COVID-19 Crisis”
SSI: Five Things You Need to Know
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”
Appeal Your Veterans’ Disability Ruling With the VA
You served your country dutifully, and became sick or injured as a result. You were promised that if that happened, you would have access to veterans’ disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). And yet, your claim was denied, or you had much less in benefits than you believe you are entitled to. In that case, it might be time to ask for an appeal of that decision. Continue reading “Appeal Your Veterans’ Disability Ruling With the VA”
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.
