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August 8, 2013 Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security publically stated: “I am pleased to announce that Social Security is now processing some retirement spouse claims for same-sex couples and paying benefits where they are due.  The recent Supreme Court decision on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, made just over… Read more »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 This has all been replaced by e-mail, text messaging, Twitter, Facebook and direct deposit.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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 Social Security Administration (SSA) has started a program to expedite the processing of disability applications for veterans who have a Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation rating of 100% permanent and total disability. This program went into effect on March 17, 2014. The SSA typically takes three to six months to process disability applications. For veterans… Read more »