The Social Security disability process can be confusing. Not only can the entire process be difficult to understand, but so can the different terms Social Security uses along the way. To make things a bit clearer below are some definitions for terms Social Security uses during the disability process. Alleged and Established Onset Date: The alleged… Read more »
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Name Changes and Social Security Disability
Because the Social Security disability process can drag on, much of the time well over a year, those who have applied for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) go through many different life changes. One of these life changes are name changes. No matter why your name may change it… Read more »
The Appeals Council and its Function
You’ve waited the better part of two years to go before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to get some finalization on your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim, but the result is not what you expect. The ALJ issues an “Unfavorable Decision” stating you are not entitled to disability benefits…. Read more »
Using Medicaid as a Key to Driving Down the Cost of the Affordable Care Act
As many times as Republican federal legislators have tried to repeal, the Affordable Care Act (often times characterized as Obamacare) survives. The intent of the Affordable Care Act is to provide healthcare access to people who otherwise aren’t able to afford it. During the 2012 election, an argument was consistently presented by high profile Republican… Read more »
Social Security Administration Medical Reviews (After Being Awarded)
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits will continue as long as you are disabled. However, the law requires that your case be periodically viewed to see if you are still disabled. How often your case is reviewed depends on whether your condition is expected to improve. The frequency of reviews depends on the nature and severity of… Read more »
Why do I need a Representative Payee?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) there can be several reasons why Social Security decides someone needs a payee. Generally it is because SSA has information that indicated a claimant needs help in managing money and meeting current needs. Your payee receives your payments on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your… Read more »
Social Security and Quality Assurance Reviews
One lightly discussed topic in the area of Social Security disability law is something known as Quality Assurance Reviews. When an applicant applies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that claim is processed and sent to a state agency for a medical determination. A person at the disability determination agency… Read more »
What is the Social Security Administration “Red Book?”
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has published a reference material called the Red Book. It is a guide book for beneficiaries of Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits who are working or want to return to work. The introduction of the publication states that one of the SSA’s highest priorities is… Read more »
I receive Social Security Disability Benefits, What am I required to Report to the Social Security Administration?
If you are awarded Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) you are required to report certain information to the agency or your benefits may be affected. If you start or stop working you must contact the SSA immediately. Any work activity above the SSA’s substantial gainful activity (SGA) level could… Read more »
A Federal Program with State Impact
Most people know that Social Security is a federal program for retirement and disability benefits, but few people probably know that Social Security does not make medical decisions on disability claims at the lower levels of the Social Security disability process. These are made by specified state agencies know as either Disability Determination Services or… Read more »
