Social Security Disability
SSA Announces Changes to Overpayment Recovery
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Social Security Administration (SSA) shut down many of their field offices. These closures in March of 2020 made it difficult for beneficiaries to report changes in their finances that would impact their benefits. In September of 2020, the offices remained closed to the public, but the agency began processing the…
Read MoreSocial Security Makes Major Change to the Past Relevant Work Rule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to determine eligibility for SSI and SSDI. The first step is considering whether the applicant is working and if their work is considered substantial gainful activity. If the answer is no, the evaluation moves on to step two. At this step, the applicant’s “severe” impairments are…
Read MoreCommissioner O’Malley Announces a New Way of Doing Things at the SSA
Social security representatives, including social security disability attorneys, may handle several hundred claims at one time. At the Disability Law Firm, we are committed to our clients and call on each case, every month, to check the status. Unfortunately, since the pandemic, staffing levels at the Social Security Administration (SSA) are only at about 60%…
Read More2023 Social Security Disability Statistics
Applying for social security disability in Florida can be a lengthy, complicated process. The first step is the initial application. This can be filed independently online or over the phone or you can hire a social security disability representative. Once completed, your application is reviewed to determine your eligibility for benefits. If your application is denied,…
Read MoreLong COVID Symptoms Are Having a Drastic Impact on American Workers
Nearly two and half years since the beginning of the pandemic, which we now know as COVID, its significant and far reaching effects are only now being uncovered. A recent NPR article provided insight into the extent and seriousness of COVID’s impact on America’s workers. https://www.npr.org/2022/07/31/1114375163/long-covid-longhaulers-disability-labor-ada Based upon research, it is estimated that 2.4% of…
Read MoreDoes Social Security Disability Affect Retirement Benefits?
If you have become disabled, you might be concerned about how receiving Social Security Disability benefits might affect you in the future. Will it affect my right to apply for Social Security retirement benefits? Will taking SSD benefits now impact the amount of money I will receive in retirement benefits? If you are considering applying…
Read MoreWhat COVID Long-Haulers Should Know About Disability Benefits
As we approach the two-year anniversary of the COVID pandemic, we are beginning to understand the far-reaching physical impacts of this virus. While the effects on the healthcare system, the economy and society began immediately, other impacts are only now coming to light. In all of this uncertainty, one thing is certain, the symptoms and…
Read MoreHow to Collect Social Security Spousal Benefits
The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) pays spousal insurance benefits to the spouses of workers who are eligible to receive Social Security disability or retirement benefits. If you are an eligible spouse of a worker who qualifies for Social Security benefits, you can claim spousal benefits regardless of your own work history. Who Is Eligible…
Read MoreReasons to Speak With a Social Security Disability Attorney
If you have a disability that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. However, the process of claiming those benefits is often complicated and challenging. Speaking with an SSD lawyer right from the start can make your life easier in many ways. Receive a Preliminary Evaluation…
Read MoreSocial Security Administration to Implement Major Changes to Disability Insurance
The beneficiary rolls of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program are increasing rapidly, as is public and legislative scrutiny over the process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making major changes. A recent article on the Wall Street Journal’s blog outlines six changes currently underway for the SSDI. Occupations: When considering an applicant for SSDI,…
Read More