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 »
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Spousal Benefits
Under Federal law a spouse cannot claim a spousal benefit unless the main beneficiary claims benefits first. However, once full retirement age (FRA) is reached (age 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954), a beneficiary can file for benefits, but then immediately suspend receipt of those benefits until some future date. By doing this,… Read more »
News: Puerto Rico Doctors' Offices Raided in Disability Fraud Probe
According to the Wall Street Journal, Federal investigators recently searched six facilities in Puerto Rico as part of a broadening probe into potential widespread disability fraud. Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social Security Inspector General’s Office, among others, searched five doctors’ offices and one other location as part of their sweep,… 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 »
Who collects past due benefits if a claimant dies before a favorable decision has been issued?
Due to the long processing times for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, unfortunately some claimants pass away before a decision has been issued. If a favorable decision is issued for a deceased claimant their spouse or other family members may be eligible to receive any past benefits the claimant is… Read more »
Social Security for Mental Disabilities
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) programs offer benefits to claimants who are unable to work at a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level for not only physical impairments, but also mental health impairments. Many people may believe that the SSDI and SSI programs are for people with only physical impairments… Read more »
I'm about to move out of state, and I have a claim pending… Now what?
Without a doubt, claims take a while. People have changing financial situations, a significant other who needs to change states for jobs, or a need to move closer to family at a different state. A common misconception for people who have a claim pending for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income at the time… Read more »
The Social Security Administration Celebrates its 78th Anniversary
This week, on August 14, 2013, was the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) 78th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone the SSA has created a special logo and a fifty minute documentary regarding the origins of the agency. To view the video please click here. The SSA was originally called the Social Security Board. The act creating… Read more »
Bright IDEA: How an IEP Can Strengthen Your Child’s Disability Claim Part I
Many parents filing disability claims on behalf of their child ask our office what they can do to strengthen their child’s case. Often these parents have been struggling on their own to manage the child’s behavioral problems, mental health diagnoses, learning disabilities, and/or physical limitations. One of the first things my office asks such parents… Read more »
Who is Eligible for “Black Lung” Benefits
Pneumoconiosis, also known as Black Lung disease, is a respiratory illness that results from the inhalation of coal dust over many years. Symptoms of Black Lung are characterized by impaired lung function, difficulties breathing or shortness of breath, fatigue, a chronic cough or cold or ongoing chest pains. The Black Lung benefit program established by… Read more »
