SSDI

What is a compassionate allowance and how can it help me?

Social Security benefits provide much needed financial assistance to individuals with certain medical conditions that limit their ability to work.  While SSDI benefits can be life changing, applying for and receiving benefits is often a lengthy process. Applicants may be forced to wait between four and six months to find out whether their claim has been approved.  Individuals who are denied benefits will wait even longer while going through the slow appeals process.  

Am I eligible to receive SSDI if I have epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a serious condition that impacts an estimated three million people each year.  Individuals with epilepsy may suffer seizures during the day or while asleep.  Their severity and intensity vary depending on the patient.  Along with convulsive or non-convulsive seizures, an epileptic will often experience fatigue, communication issues, and other disturbing symptoms following each seizure episode.  Epilepsy can be debilitating and could make it difficult, if not impossible to maintain employment.

There are many minor mental conditions that may not interfere with one's ability to earn a living, particularly now that there are so many medications available to treat mild anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and other mental health problems. Nonetheless, severe psychiatric or developmental conditions often not only prevent patients from working, but interfere with normal everyday functioning. For those with such disabling conditions, Social Security Disability (SSD) is available. Because of the complexities of applying for SSD when you suffer from a mental impairment, you should make sure to engage the services of a

Once I have qualified for Social Security Disability do I remain qualified for the rest of my life?

The process of applying for Social Security Disability is a complicated, time-consuming one. It would be nice if once the government has determined you to be deserving of benefits as a result of your disability you could rest on your laurels. Government entitlements, however, are never that simple to hold onto. No matter how severe your disability is, the Social Security Administration will put you through your paces periodically. This is why it is so important to have a Read more . . .

What is being done to restore Social Security cost of living adjustments?

Before the 2016 election, Congressional lawmakers were said to be considering a measure, the Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Act, to assist social security beneficiaries who were denied cost of living adjustments (COLA) in 2016. The one-time emergency payment, proposed by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Charles Schumer (D-NY), would have provided $581 to recipients of retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Previously, retirement benefits were hiked a mere $5 per month from $1,355 to $1,3660. The SSI adjustment was even less, $2 per month, taking the maximum federal benefit to $735.

Who is eligible for Civil Service Retirement Disability?

If you believe you are entitled to Civil Service Retirement Disability from the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), you will have to provide your employing agency with documents supporting your claims of medical disability. Be prepared for the agency to make attempts to accommodate you so that you can continue to be productive on the job. It is best to have expert legal advice and guidance when trying to navigate any government program and CSRS is no exception. You should contact an

What do I have to do in order to receive SSD for my PTSD?

The modern world -- with its superabundance of wars, terrorist attacks, and natural catastrophes -- creates an environment in which cases of PTSD are all too common. Veterans, victims of attacks, and first responders, as well as their families, frequently suffer one or more of the severe, disabling symptoms of PTSD.

While PTSD can be the basis of a successful Social Security Disability (SSD) claim, it is essential that such a claim be medically documented for it to pass muster. If you have become disabled and the disability is not related to your workplace (in which case it would be covered by workers compensation), you may be eligible for SSD.

As with most government programs, however, rules and regulations can be complicated, and navigating the system can be challenging, especially if you are suffering psychiatric symptoms.

How will procedural changes affect individuals applying for SSDI?

For those who become disabled, making ends meet can be an ordeal. And waiting for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits to be approved is another obstacle for those already coping with serious injuries or illnesses. Currently the wait time to have a new claim resolved can be as long as 17 months.

Although nine million people receive disability benefits of approximately $1000 per month, the backlog means that 1.
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What can you do to reduce the chances of an SSDI denial?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit provided by the government to those that are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to an impairment or illness. That is, make more than a certain amount of income in a month. These cash benefits are not provided automatically, and those seeking them must undergo a rigorous application process and prove that they meet certain requirements. But, not everyone meets these requirements. In fact, most claims for SSDI are denied.

Why are the wait times so long for obtaining disability benefits?

Nothing is for certain, or so it's been said, and anyone can become disabled at any time and not be able to work. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration provides disability benefits to those who have a medical condition that is expected to last at least a year or result in death. That's the good news.

The bad news is that the system is plagued by a backlog of cases that cause significant delays for those who have applied for disability benefits. There have been cases where some individuals have died before their cases were even heard; and others who are suffering with debilitating physical and mental disabilities are often forced to wait in agony.

Can I receive Social Security and Medicare benefits simultaneously?

The Social Security Administration recently celebrated "National my Social Security Week" which was aimed at raising awareness for individuals to set up online accounts with the SSA. By so doing, they can be provided with access to their annual statements and information about their projected retirement savings, as well as their eligibility for disability benefits. By having a "my Social Security" online account, these and other questions can be readily answered.

For many retirees and disabled individuals, a common question is whether or not they can claim Social Security and Medicare at the same time. The programs combine to provide a significant amount of the financial support to retired and disabled individuals.