Blog

Each year, Social Security beneficiaries typically receive an increase in benefits due to Social Secuirty’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Beneficiaries will receive a 2.5 percent increase in Social Security benefits in 2025. The average Social Security monthly benefit for retirees was about $1,907 in 2024. In 2025, the 2.5 percent increase will provide an additional $48… Read more »

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two federally funded programs that provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities. These programs have strict eligibility criteria, one of which is having a medical condition that qualifies as a disability under the Social Security Administration’s definition. In this article, we will explore the… Read more »

The Social Security disability process is a long and winding road, and even after a claimant has been found disabled by the Social Security Administration and award benefits, it is important to remember that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are not permanent benefits. Social Security will review a claimant’s medical condition periodically to ensure… Read more »

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, generally you must have worked and paid into Social Security for at least five years within the past ten years. According to Social Security rules, a claimant must meet specific medical requirements to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. These can include a developmental disability, long-term disability,… Read more »

  The Social Security Administration recently announced that the agency was reducing the requirement for disability claimants to document Past Relevant Work in making disability determinations. Beginning June 22, 2024, Past Relevant Work will consist of the past five years of employment compared to the current rule that requires the agency to consider the last… Read more »

Social Security routinely sends claimants out for Consultative Exams (CEs) with an independent doctor during the early stages of the Social Security disability process, but sometimes a claimant will be requested to attend one of these exams even after they have a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Although not the standard, it is… Read more »

One of the essential requirements for obtaining Social Security disability is proof of a debilitating medical condition. One of the most common reasons for SSDI claim rejections is inadequate documentation of an injury or illness. It may sound simple enough to collect your own medical records and submit them to Social Security, but it can… Read more »

The Social Security disability process is a long and winding road, and even after a claimant has been found disabled by the Social Security Administration and award benefits, it is important to remember that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are not permanent benefits. Social Security will review a claimant’s medical condition periodically to ensure… Read more »

During a Social Security Disability claim the term “Date Last Insured” is likely to be an important factor in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Date Last Insured (DLI) refers to the last work quarter in which the disability claimant met Social Security’s insured status requirements. The DLI is established to… Read more »

There are several reasons why so many Social Security disability applications are denied. When it comes to medical eligibility the main reason is that the SSA has strict eligibility requirements, and many applicants do not meet these requirements. For example, to be eligible for SSDI, you must have a disability that is expected to last… Read more »