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 »
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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 »
The Dangers of Receiving Overpayments
The majority of people who’ve gone through the process of trying to apply for Social Security disability benefits know how difficult it is to finally start collecting benefits, so it may be somewhat of a surprise that some people actually collect more money than they are entitled to from Social Security. Occasionally Social Security will… Read more »
New Study Identifies SSDI Beneficiaries
A recent Urban Institute report on the economic status and demographics of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients indicates that a large portion have limited education, low income and few assets. According to the report, about 44 percent of SSDI recipients aged 31-49 are considered “poor” or “near poor” based on income that is between… Read more »
Notice of Decision – Partially Favorable, What’s that?
There are two types of partially favorable decisions. One is for a closed period of disability. The other is for an alternative disability onset date. A closed period of disability means the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) finds that you have been disabled for only a certain period of time. You will be paid benefits for… Read more »
When Did Social Security Disability Begin?
If history lessons have taught us anything, we should all know the impacts of the Wall Street Market crash of 1929, which led to President Theodore Roosevelt being elected and the enactment of some social and government safety nets for Americans prior to which none were available. In 1935, the Social Security Act was passed… Read more »
The Social Security Administration’s Website Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The Social Security Administration (SSA) website was created in 1994. For the past 20 years, the SSA has been providing information and services online. According to the website, it currently offers more than 20 different online services and features electronic copies of all of the SSA’s publications. The SSA website provides these online services for… Read more »
What is Private Disability Insurance?
Many times Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is confused with private disability insurance a worker receives through an employer. It is important to know that these are two programs are different entities and just because you receive payments through either a short-term or long-term private disability insurance plan, it does not guarantee you Social Security… Read more »
Social Security Administration takes steps to improve transparency
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner, Michael J. Astrue, has developed an Open Government Initiative to increase transparency, participation and collaboration in his federal agency. The program is part of broader initiative within the federal government to increase openness in the programs and operations of the various federal agencies. This effort to improve transparency started… Read more »
What Is a Technical Denial for a Social Security Disability Claim?
A technical denial is issued to a claimant who does not meet the non-medical requirements for one or more of the disability benefit programs through the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you do not meet the non-medical requirements for any of the SSA benefits programs your claim will not be evaluated for a medical determination…. Read more »
