While individual Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) are determined based on the amount individuals have paid into the system over time, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is need based, and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in maximum amounts are determined based on a formula set by Congress. There have recently been proposals to change the way this COLA is calculated. The formula set… Read more »
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The Social Security Administration’s Social Media Efforts
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made numerous efforts to connect with people by using social media to provide information regarding the agency and the services it offers. For people looking for information on Social Security Retirement, Disability, or Survivors benefits the SSA now offers downloadable podcasts and webinars featuring different topics. The webinars offer… Read more »
Appeals Council Status Now Available Online
The Social Security Administration recently added a new service that would allow Social Security disability representatives to determine the status of an Appeals Council case. If a claimant’s Social Security disability case is denied by an Administrative Law Judge, that decision can be appealed to something known as the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council is… Read more »
The Social Security Disability Denial Letter
These days we don’t receive a lot of positive information or news from the mail. Typically we receive bills or junk mail, but no longer do we receive letters, postcards or even checks in the mail like we used to. This has all been replaced by e-mail, text messaging, Twitter, Facebook and direct deposit. It… Read more »
How Changing Financial Situations Can Impact Your SSI
There are two main types of disability programs Social Security offers for people who are disabled and unable to work. These programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security Disability Insurance pays disabled workers monthly benefits based on how much they have paid into Social Security through taxes, while… Read more »
Social Security Disability Insurance Is 60 Years Old
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program has been providing benefits to American workers who have become disabled and are no longer able to work, or maintain a certain standard of employment know as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), since 1956. Even though the program spans 60 years it could’ve been around for as long as… Read more »
My claim has been selected by the Quality Review Board?
After you’ve filed a claim for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with the Social Security Administration (SSA) your claim will be transferred to a state disability agency for a medical determination. In Minnesota and many other states that state agency is called Disability Determination Services (DDS). There is at least one… Read more »
Social Security Disability and Long-term Disability Insurance
When you are disabled and are unable to work you may be eligible for an employee-based long-term disability program, but this is different than the public Social Security disability options. Some people may think that a claim for Social Security disability has something to do with their long-term disability insurance provided by an employer. The… Read more »
Your Participation is Needed in Your Disability Claim
Some people who decide to apply for Social Security disability seek the assistance of a Social Security disability attorney because the process can be confusing and difficult to understand. If you decide to seek representation you should not believe that your work is done and your attorney will take it from here, your participation is… Read more »
The Financial Strain Related To Disability
Most Americans at some point or time face a financial hardship. This financial hardship can consist of credit card bills, medical bills, student loans or even the inability to keep up with mortgage or rent payments. These hardships occur everyday to people who are able to work fulltime, so just imagine what it might be… Read more »
