The Social Security Disability Post-Award Review Once you have won your Social Security Disability Claim and started receiving your disability benefits, one question that may come up is “will Social Security continue to check on my medical condition?”. The answer is YES! The Social Security regulations require the Social Security Administration (SSA) to conduct reviews […]
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What many people may not realize is that there are two types of people that examine a Social Security Disability claim. A DDS examiner and an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) both have the power to approve or deny a Social Security Disability claim; however, each is responsible for examination of a claim at different levels […]
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One of the most common questions we get once our clients are approved for disability benefits is if their disability checks are taxable. For most people who are receiving benefits, the answer is no. Unlike SSDI which is based on the amount of Social Security taxes you paid during the years you worked as a W2 employee, SSI […]
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As all our client know, we find ourselves telling them that the average time span from the initial application to being awarded benefits is often two to two and half years. It’s a long time! Recently we’ve learned that the backlog of hearings that need to be scheduled has reached an all time high of […]
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A common question we hear from our clients is “Why is Social Security making me fill out this form again?” When claimants fill out the initial application, it can be very extensive and time consuming to complete. The application asks about work history, medical history, what doctors you have visited, and all your prescriptions. Filling this out […]
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The country recently experienced a three day Government Shutdown which means the government has a lapse in Federal funds to disburse. Following, the announcement of the shutdown, Michelle King, the Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance and Management set forth a contingency plan of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to continue activities during the lapse in […]
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are programs designed to provide financial assistance to those who are not able to work as a result of a disabling condition. Both programs define a disabled individual as someone who is not able to engage in “substantial gainful activity.” While SSDI benefits are provided […]
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For many, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the review process can be a time-consuming endeavor. An applicant may wonder whether they need to work while they wait for a decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or if they can support themselves on their savings. It is important that anyone applying for […]
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It’s important to set goals that help us grow and move forward. As a firm, we regularly set annual goals, and this year, we want to share one of our 2020 goals that directly impacts our clients. Because past experiences are what guides us in making future goals, we thought it’d be appropriate to take […]
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides crucial financial assistance to disabled individuals or people who are unable to work due to a disability. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two of the programs that support vulnerable individuals in our country. When a medical condition prevents someone from working, SSDI or […]
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Social Security scams are among the most common types of telephone and digital fraud schemes. With more people guarding their finances because of the uncertainty presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, scams involving government-provided benefits can devastate entire bank accounts. You will never receive an unsolicited phone call from the Social Security Administration (SSA) unless you […]
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Typically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes a decision on an applicant’s eligibility for disability compensation within three to five months. The timing depends on how long it takes the SSA to receive relevant medical records and other evidence to reach a decision. Unfortunately, disability benefits are sometimes delayed or denied despite an applicant’s qualifications. […]
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) overpayment is what happens when you receive more money than what you are entitled to based on your level of impairment and available resources. If the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that you have received too much in SSI benefits, it will deduct money from future payments. For this reason, you […]
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The Office Hearings Operations also known as OHO, is a department of the Social Security Administration (SSA). OHO manages and oversees the scheduling of disability hearings for people who are appealing a denied Social Security disability claim. How Can I Appeal the SSA’s Decision on My Disability Claim? There are several ways to appeal a […]
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Income is any cash that an individual receives to meet their needs for food and shelter. There are four different types of income for the purposes of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits: Earned Income: Net earnings from self-employment, certain royalties, honoria, and sheltered workshop payments; Unearned Income: All income not earned; Social Security benefits, pensions, […]
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) decides whether you still qualify for disability by examining both past and current medical records. The law requires the SSA to review and approve all recipients of disability benefits. Social Security typically requests all medical records from doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other medical sources. A special examination or test will […]
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability income to qualifying individuals and their families. If you are receiving these benefits, the SSA might choose to conduct a Social Security Continuing Disability Review (CDR) to closely examine your situation. CDRs for Adults The SSA will periodically review a person’s medical impairment to see whether they are […]
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Any individual who has been denied Social Security disability benefits has the right to appeal that decision. On the Record (OTR) reviews are available and recommended to individuals moving forward with the appeal process. An OTR decision is made by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) prior to an appeal hearing. To secure a favorable OTR […]
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In 2021, many Americans will see an increase in their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. About 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase due to federal benefit rates increasing as the cost of living rises. This increase is one of the lowest the Social Security Administration (SSA) […]
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On November 3, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) released a new digital option to submit a Disability Update Report (also referred to as Form SSA-455). Before this change, an SSA beneficiary would be mailed the Disability Update Report to complete a physical copy. SSA beneficiaries must periodically complete a Disability Update Report to provide […]
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