In recent years, Social Security Administration has taken large steps towards recognizing the fact some types of medical conditions should qualify sufferers for disability benefits automatically, on account of the conditions being serious enough that those who have them fit the Social Security Administration definition of being disabled. Since 2008, the Compassionate Allowances program has… Read more »
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Acting SSA Commissioner has a Tough Task Ahead
The departure of Michael Astrue Feb. 14 resulted in Carolyn W. Colvin becoming the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Astrue’s stint as commissioner ended last month after a six-year term. Colvin, the previous deputy commissioner since being confirmed by the U.S. Senate Dec. 22, 2010, is said to blend compassion with toughness in… Read more »
I’ve been awarded SSI benefits, how will I receive my back pay?
If you have been approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may be owed some back pay from the Social Security Administration (SSA). For a claimant who has been approved for SSI benefits, they will be eligible for payment from the date of their application or the date they are found disabled, whichever is… Read more »
Proposed Reforms to Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Based on Disability
Earlier last week the Education Department proposed new rules to revamp its program for forgiving federal student loans of borrowers who become disabled. While the proposed reforms would not use Social Security disability findings as a basis for discharging loans – as many student borrowers’ advocates had hoped – they would streamline the application process… Read more »
What to expect at your Social Security hearing
The day you’ve been waiting two years for is finally here. It’s time for your Social Security hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You are happy the day has finally arrived, but also nervous because you don’t know what to expect. At Greeman Toomey we ask that our clients arrive at our office 90… Read more »
The Reconsideration Level
In a previous post on this blog entitled “The Initial Level” we discussed the first of the four main levels of an application for Social Security disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income. This entry discusses the second level which is commonly referred to as the “Reconsideration Level.” If an individual’s application was denied at the… Read more »
What is an RFC? (SSR 96-9p Part I)
An RFC is important at several stages of the 5 step sequential evaluation process, but let’s start with a definition. RFC stands for residual functional capacity, and is an individual’s maximum remaining ability to perform sustained work on a regular and continuing basis. In other words, what can the person do 8 hours a day,… Read more »
Huntington’s Disease Added to Compassionate Allowance List
At present there are 113 medical conditions that qualify for ‘compassionate allowance’ status; an additional 52 conditions will be added in August 2013. Compassionate Allowances (CAL) include medication conditions that Social Security purportedly identifies and targets early in the process for expedited processing. The full list of conditions can be found here, and it includes Early… Read more »
Can I work and apply for Social Security disability at the same time?
Try going the better part of two years without the ability to earn a living and having no income to speak of. Many times this is exactly what someone who is going through the Social Security process is faced with. Because it can take a long time before an applicant is approved for Social Security… Read more »
How will the possible government sequester affect the Social Security Administration?
According to a report issued by the Senate Appropriations Committee the possible sequester cuts would have significant impact on the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the processing of disability claims. The sequestration is set to occur in seven days if Congress does not act. Across the federal government, $85 million in automatic spending cuts will… Read more »
