This day and age we know it is a dangerous proposition to attempt to label someone as disabled just by looking at them, although in some circumstances a disability is more visible than in other situations. Suppose a claimant for Social Security disability appears at an administrative hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge,… Read more »
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Other Benefits You May Not Be Aware Of
The chief complaint for those who have applied for Social Security disability benefits, aside from the high denial rate, is the long wait times to receive decisions from the Social Security Administration. Claimants who have gone through this process realize that financial distress is not far away when you have to wait months or even… Read more »
Will I have to pay taxes on my benefits?
If you receive Social Security Disability, Retirement, or Survivors benefits you may be liable to pay federal income tax on the benefits you receive. Your tax responsibility, if any, depends on your total income. This typically comes into effect if you have other income; such as wages, self-employment income, interest, dividends, etc. if you are… Read more »
How Impairment Related Work Expenses Impact SGA
A common term you will hear Social Security disability insiders refer to is SGA, which stands for Substantial Gainful Activity. This is a standard Social Security created to determine, regardless of someone’s impairments, whether someone can earn enough money to live on, or if they fall short of this amount, should they be considered disabled…. Read more »
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, 2014
The Social Security Administration (SSA) brings attention to eldercare abuse in a recent online newsletter as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2014 draws closer. The newsletter states that the majority of the SSA’s beneficiaries are retirees so they take a special interest in drawing awareness to this issue. The first World Elder… Read more »
Twenty years of Social Security Online
The Social Security Administration recently celebrated its 20th anniversary since it first launched www.socialsecurity.gov, its “award winning website.” Although calling it an “award winning” website might be a tad self congratulatory, the website has made accessing SSA’s services much easier. Social Security launched its website on May 17, 1994. Back then everyone didn’t have in-home… Read more »
Online Services Available for Social Security Disability Applicants
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced the agency is expanding the services available with a Social Security account. This is a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits. More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security… Read more »
Social Security Offers Access to Your Own Online Account
Anyone who has ever tried to call a Social Security office knows the frustration with how long you have to hold before you can actually reach a live person to talk to. Recent news from the Social Security Administration doesn’t promise to improve that service, but a new enhanced online service might enable you to… Read more »
Proving Pain
Proving pain is often assessed by determining the credibility of an individual’s statements. Social Security Ruling 96-7p sets forth the framework for evaluating symptoms and evaluating the credibility of an individual’s statements. Social Security Ruling 96-7p states in pertinent part: In recognition of the fact that an individual’s symptoms can sometimes suggest a greater level… Read more »
How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record
The Social Security Administration (SSA) keeps track of individual’s earnings records. Earnings are reported to the SSA when you are working and paying FICA taxes. Your earnings will determine your eligibility for disability and retirement benefits. Your earnings will also determine if your spouse or children may be eligible any benefits on your record. The… Read more »
