Ataxia is the scientific term for a lack of coordination or clumsiness. The part of the brain most commonly associated with coordination is the cerebellum. According to Social Security, Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) refers to a group of genetic disorders characterized by slowly progressive difficulties with gait, hand movements, speech and abnormal eye movement. Spinocerebellar ataxia… Read more »
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Demystifying Entitlement Programs through Technology
It’s an election year, and the two political tickets, Obama/Biden and Romney/Paul, have very different visions for the future of your Social Security disability benefits. Mitt Romney has unleashed significant misinformation campaigns to keep voters from casting an educated vote in November, and these misinformation campaigns involve lies about programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. If… Read more »
SSA Announces New Mobile Site for Smartphone Users
To increase service options amid budget cuts, Social Security has turned to technology to better assist Social Security recipients and applicants. Those who visit www.socialsecurity.gov by Smartphone (Android, Blackberry, iPhone, and Windows devices) will be redirected to the agency’s mobile-friendly site. At this site users can access a mobile version of Social Security’s Frequently Asked Questions,… Read more »
Do I Qualify as a Disabled Adult Child?
In order to qualify for a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) claim, you must have a parent who is collecting Disability Insurance Benefits, retirement benefits, or is deceased. If you meet the requirements for a DAC claim, you will be eligible for benefits based on your parent’s earnings record. To be entitled to receive these benefits… Read more »
Expediting Claims Due to Financial Distress
Knowing that the majority of Social Security disability claims can take the better part of two years before they are ultimately resolved can create a financial crisis for those applying. Those who apply for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are claiming that they can’t work on a full-time… Read more »
Will my benefit amount ever be increased or decreased?
If you are receiving Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits you will likely receive an annual increase based on inflation rates. This increase is called a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Consumer Price Index to calculate the value of the COLA. The SSA determines if there… Read more »
Why are my Social Security Disability Checks being Garnished?
Social Security operates several different programs for people with disabilities. The programs have identical standards for medical eligibility, but different standards for financial eligibility. Retired Survivors and Disability Insurance (DIB) is based upon workers’ earnings history and FICA taxes. On the other hand, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program (which covers children, those with low-incomes,… Read more »
Are my doctors and Social Security at odds?
My doctor tells me I am disabled, and still the Social Security Administration says I am not….what gives? Disability by its very nature is a measure of degree. How much pain? How many limitations? How many breaks are required? How much rest? And so on. The fact that your doctor says you are disabled is… Read more »
Obliterative Bronchiolitis added to compassionate allowances
The conditioned called obliterative bronchiolitis or constructive bronchiolitis was included in the new compassionate allowances made effective on August 11, 2012. Obliterative bronchiolitis is an irreversible lung disease where the portions of the lung have been narrowed, greatly restricting one’s ability to breathe effectively. Some veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with obliterative bronchiolitis after inhaling toxic… Read more »
The Social Security Administration vows to Communicate Clearly with the Public
In accordance with the “Plain Writing Act of 2010,” the Social Security Administration (SSA) is dedicated to ensuring their agency is accessible to the American public. Under this Act federal agencies must communicate clearly with the public to improve their effectiveness and accountability. The SSA’s website states that even though many parts of their programs… Read more »
