The rules for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are clearly related to an applicant’s ability to work. An adult applicant must prove they are unable to work at a substantial gainful level, but what about SSI for children? Obviously the ability to work cannot be considered in determining the disability… Read more »
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Video Teleconference Hearings (VTC)
A few days ago we talked about the effects of having your claim transferred to the National Hearing Center (link). In that post, we mentioned video teleconference (VTC) hearings, but it’s worth discussing them in a bit more depth because they can occur in places other than the National Hearing Center. A typical Social Security disability hearing… 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… 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… 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 »
Do I qualify for an Expedited Reinstatement of SSDI/SSI benefits?
If you have previously received either Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits, your benefits ended due to work activity and are now unable to continue to work, you may eligible for an Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). If you apply for an EXR you can request that your benefits start again without having to… Read more »
What is the Ticket to Work Program?
The Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program from Social Security that is available in all 50 states to assist disabled individuals find, enter, and maintain employment. An individual becomes eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work program when he or she starts receiving SSDI or SSI benefits based on disability. There… 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 »
