Blog Topic

Social Security Disability

SSA Needs Your Previous Work History
Posted by: Sara Delashmutt
June 22, 2009

One of the questions I am asked the most when working with people to get their disability benefits from Social Security is "why does Social Security need all this information about my past work?" The Social Security Administration (SSA) actually needs information from the last 15 years that a claimant worked to make their disability determinations.

Social Security One Time Economic Recovery Payments
Posted by: Sara Delashmutt
May 15, 2009

One Time Economic Recovery Payments are on the Way.

This month the Social Security Administration began issuing one-time payments of $250 to about 50 million Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits. The payment will come separately from the beneficiary's monthly payment. If the beneficiary gets their monthly payment by check then their one-time economic recovery payment will come by check...

Continuing Social Security Disability Reviews--Don't Panic
Posted by: Sara Delashmutt
April 01, 2009

One thing that many Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries dread is getting the letter notifying them that their case is about to be reviewed. These reviews are called Continuing Disability Reviews or CDRs. Most Social Security beneficiaries will have their case reviewed at some point so let's take a look at exactly what that means. When someone is approved for any type of disability benefits, there is a diary set for that case. The diary is a time frame usually 1 year to 7 years that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will wait before they review the case to see if the beneficiary has medically improved to the point that they are no longer disabled under SSA's rules.

Social Security Fee Cap Increased
Posted by: Kristina Vasold
March 11, 2009

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets the maximum attorney fee that an attorney can charge for a Social Security disability case for services rendered through the level of the first Administrative Law Judge hearing.

New President: Changes In Social Security Disability
Posted by: Sara Delashmutt
February 11, 2009

With the election of Barack Obama as our 44th President, we can expect some changes with the Social Security Administration's disability programs.

Social Security Ticket to Work Program
Posted by: Sara Delashmutt
February 11, 2009

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a program to assist disability beneficiaries in getting assistance to get back to work. It's called the Ticket to Work Program. Beneficiaries are often unwilling to return to work for fear of losing their benefits and, more importantly, their healthcare if the job does not work out.

Social Security Disability Hearing Processing Time
Posted by: Kristina Vasold
December 16, 2008

Once a person's initial application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied after applying and they file an appeal or request for hearing, they are then waiting for a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge for a decision to be made on their case.

Social Security Compassionate Allowance Initiative
Posted by: Sara Delashmutt
November 24, 2008

The Social Security Administration has begun a process to identify claims with very severe medical conditions so that these claims can be decided in a few days rather than months or years. Identifying and quickly processing these cases will help people with severe medical conditions that clearly meet Social Security's rules get their benefits timely and keep them out of the backlog of pending cases.

Social Security Disability Benefits for Veterans
Posted by: Kristina Vasold
October 31, 2008

There is an expedited process for Social Security Disability claims for military service members who became disabled while on active military duty on or after October 1, 2001.

Substantial Gainful Activity
Posted by: Katie McClure
October 28, 2008

This month the Social Security Administration announced the changes to their programs effective January 1, 2009. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)amount is $980 per month for non- blind individuals and $1640 per month for blind individuals.

Who Can Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?
Posted by: Kristina Vasold
October 13, 2008

Typically the Social Security Administration pays benefits to people who cannot do any work due to a medical condition and is found disabled by Social Security's rules. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are paid to a disabled worker who has paid into the Social Security trust fund enough to qualify for the benefit. If a disabled person has not paid enough into the Social Security trust fund to qualify for SSDI benefits, then the person can receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if he or she meets the income and resource guidelines. A big question for many people is can my family get benefits if I am disabled? Certain family members of disabled workers can receive benefits from Social Security.

The Importance of Medical Evidence In a Social Security Claim
Posted by: Kristina Vasold
September 18, 2008

Social Security makes its decision based on medical evidence such as medical testing, lab findings and treatment records so it is very important for someone who has a pending Social Security Disability benefits case to seek and keep receiving medical treatment.

Social Security Initial Exam
Posted by: Katie McClure
September 18, 2008

Many times, once someone has applied for Social Security Disability or filed a request for hearing, the Social Security Administration will send them for a consultative examination which is paid for by the Social Security Administration.

Can I Work & Still Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?
Posted by: Sara Delashmutt
August 26, 2008

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from our social security clients is: can you work and still receive Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits? Like all answers to questions about the Social Security Administration (SSA), the answer is a bit complicated

Applying For Social Security Disability
Posted by: Kristina Vasold
August 15, 2008

A person that is disabled in Colorado should apply for Social Security Disability as soon as they feel that they will no longer be able to work at any job for at least 12 months. You can call Social Security at the national number 1-800-772-1213 and set up an appointment for an in-person interview or a phone interview, or you can complete the application online at their website, www.ssa.gov.

The Approval Waiting Period
Posted by: Sara Delashmut
July 25, 2008

One of the most confusing aspects of getting Social Security disability benefits is the 5 month waiting period.

Social Security Disability & Cancer Patients
Posted by: Katie McClure
July 14, 2008

The Social Security Administration recently held a second hearing regarding compassionate allowances for cancer cases. Discussions were based on the difficulties cancer patients have in navigating through the social security process and obtaining medical treatment.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) vs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Posted by: Kristina J. Vasold
July 14, 2008

Many people are not aware of the two different disability programs that are available through the Social Security Administration. One of those programs is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is the program people pay into when working.