The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be a long, complicated process. Even people with severe impairments may struggle to qualify for benefits, given the requirements set forth by the SSA. Under the regulations, an applicant must not only prove that they are disabled or have […]
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Can You Collect Social Security and Long-Term Disability?
If you are unable to work due to an impairment, you may have several options for receiving monthly disability benefits. Disability programs offered by the federal government and private insurers offer an important safety net for anyone who suffers a medical condition or mental health impairment that affects their ability to work. There are specific […]
Continue ReadingCan You Get SSI and SSDI Disability Benefits?
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, you will probably apply for one of two federal programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Their respective eligibility requirements are different, but they share an important purpose: helping disabled individuals access the financial resources and medical care they need. […]
Continue ReadingSocial Security Disability Decision Letter
Social Security Disability can be a lifeline for those who have disabling medical conditions and need financial support. When you submit your application for benefits, how and when can you expect to receive a decision on your claim? Once a medical determination has been made in your Social Security Disability claim, you will receive a […]
Continue ReadingSocial Security Hearings and Centralized Scheduling
As of January 20, 2020, the Office of Hearings Operations has updated the Standard Operating Procedures to Centralized Scheduling Units. This means that there are new guidelines that will standardize communications between Regional Centralized Scheduling Units (RSCU) and representatives. With this change, the RSCU will request all representatives (or firms) to provide the dates that […]
Continue ReadingCan You Get Short-Term or Temporary Disability Benefits?
A short-term disability does not qualify as a disability for either SSDI or SSI benefits. But you do have other options. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two disability programs that offer benefits to individuals with disabilities: SSDI pays benefits to individuals with disabilities and certain members of their families if they have worked long […]
Continue ReadingDo Long-Term Disability Benefits Have to Be Paid Back If I Start Receiving Social Security?
If you become disabled due to an illness or injury, you may look to two different forms of benefits to support you financially while you are unable to work: long-term disability (LTD) insurance and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). Each type of benefit has an important role to play for people with disabilities. Together, they […]
Continue ReadingDifference Between SSI and SSDI
SSDI vs. SSI – When dealing with the federal government, it isn’t uncommon to hear a lot of acronyms. It can easily become confusing, especially when you are new to the system: SSA, SSI, ALJ, CDR, SSDI. What do they all mean and what is the difference between SSDI vs. SSI? Difference Between Social Security […]
Continue ReadingWhat Is the Difference and Choosing Between Long-Term Disability and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Finding yourself partially or totally disabled has devastating effects on your body and mind. Fortunately, there are resources and benefits for people who are unable to work due to an injury or medical condition. The most commonly used benefits are long-term disability insurance and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). Both programs have their benefits and […]
Continue ReadingSocial Security Disability Hearings and Appeals Offices in NJ And PA
The Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) oversees hearings and making decisions on social security disability claims. There are currently three offices that serve residents of New Jersey and eight offices that serve residents of Pennsylvania. Each office holds hearings in front of administrative law judges (ALJs) that conduct hearings and impart decisions on social security […]
Continue ReadingNew Jersey, Pennsylvania, & National Disability Statistics
Health is something that many of us take for granted. Yet for individuals with disabilities, having a medical or mental health problem can affect daily life in dramatic ways. As our health status can change in an instant, understanding more about disability is vital to our overall safety and well-being. Disability Across the United States […]
Continue ReadingHow to File Taxes When Receiving Social Security Disability Payments
It may be a cliché, but there is some truth in it: the only things that are certain in life are death and taxes. But what happens when you are approved for Social Security disability benefits? Are you required to file taxes? Do I Have to File Taxes for My Disability Benefits? The Internal Revenue […]
Continue ReadingHow Long Does a Social Security Continuing Disability Review Take?
Learn more about social security disability: If you receive Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), you are already familiar with how complex the process can be. Applying for, and being awarded benefits can take a substantial amount of time, and generally requires significant documentation of […]
Continue ReadingStrategies for Winning Your Social Security Disability Hearing
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your application for Social Security disability benefits, you have the right to appeal this decision. There are several levels of appeal, starting with a reconsideration determination. If the SSA denies your request for reconsideration, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). […]
Continue ReadingPoor Form! Why bad form letters get in between you and the work needed to win your disability claim.
Social Security has one true love. That love is form letters. There’s nothing scandalous about this statement. The SSA is an enormous government agency responsible for administering complicated benefits to millions of Americans. That said, they’re not very good at it. Most of the calls we have with our clients are productive. We’re getting updates […]
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