Genocide and PTSD: Survivors Can Seek Disability Benefits

Genocide is one of the worst imaginable violations of human rights. Survivors have often witnessed or experienced extreme violence, including the murder of friends and family members. The after-effects of a genocide are often horrific, and can include extreme poverty, homelessness, and the requirement to care for fellow survivors. One of the most common after-effects […]

Understanding the 2021 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

Those who rely on Social Security benefits are likely aware of the annual Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). For those who are new to benefit access, this yearly adjustment is designed to ensure that inflation does not outpace your monthly benefits. While this is its purpose, the subject of whether it fully fulfills […]

COVID-19: Surprising Risk Factors for Getting It and Unexpected Lingering Symptoms

When a new illness appears, it can often take years to learn the full extent of the effects it has on people. Likewise, it takes time to discover the various pre-existing conditions that may increase someone’s likelihood of contracting the disease or increase its severity. We have been in this phase with COVID-19 for almost […]

Will Trump’s Executive Order Impact Social Security Disability Claimants?

On Saturday, August 8, President Trump signed four executive orders supposedly designed to provide financial relief to those suffering due to the coronavirus pandemic. One of those orders is a payroll tax cut, and Social Security Disability claimants might be wondering how this will impact them. How is it supposed to work? Essentially, workers who […]

Symptoms, Nothing More Than Symptoms?

Are symptoms enough to prove disability?  According to a recent ruling by the Social Security Administration, no. On March 16, 2016, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a new disability Ruling SSR 16 -3p (“Titles II and XVI: Evaluation of Symptoms in Disability Claims”).  Effective on that date, it replaced Ruling 96-7p . Ruling 96-7p also […]

Frequent Social Security Questions Answered

Everyone has unique Social Security questions, but there are several of them that tend to arise over and over, no matter who is doing the asking. This post will detail some of the most common questions about Social Security benefits and attempt to offer some clarity about these subjects. How long does the disability benefits […]

Understanding Social Security Disability Eligibility

To determine whether you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must first understand how Social Security defines disability. For SSDI purposes, you must have a medically determinable physical and/or mental impairment that prevents you from being able to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). Your impairment must have lasted or be expected to […]

How to Talk with Your Doctor about Social Security Disability

Open, honest and accurate communication between you and your doctor is not only essential to your health, but is especially important if you are applying for Social Security Disability (SSD). The Social Security Administration (SSA) will rely on your doctor’s (as well as your other healthcare practitioner’s) records, including progress notes and diagnostic testing, as […]

Your SSI Benefits Explained

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to provide support to low-income Americans who are aged, blind, and disabled. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is a payroll-funded program that requires you to have worked for a certain number of years, SSI is a tax-funded disability program that is needs-based. You may […]