According to a recent press release issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the hours each field office is open to the public will be reduced. Offices will close to the public a half hour earlier starting on November 19, 2012. And start January 2, 2013, the offices will close at noon on Wednesdays. In… Read more »
Blog
Transgender Identities and the Social Security Administration: Part 1
On November 6, 2012, the United States of America re-elected Barack Obama to his second term as President. But more than that happened on Tuesday. For the first time ever, Minnesota became the first state to turn down a constitutional amendment defining marriage between one man and one woman at the ballot. While the laws… 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 »
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 »
Social Security Disability and Early Retirement Benefits
If you are over the age of 62 and have earned enough work credits for Social Security Retirement benefits you may be interested in filing for early retirement. An eligible person is able to file for these early benefits any time after they have reached the age of 62 and up until full retirement age…. Read more »
Social Security Changes the Way Payments and Statements Are Distributed
You may be one of the many people who are currently collecting either Social Security retirement or disability payments the old fashion way – by check. If that is the case soon you will not see that Social Security check in the mailbox any longer. The Social Security Administration has mandated that anyone receiving Social… Read more »
GAF Scores
For applicants who pursue Social Security disability claims based on mental health impairments, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores can play an important role. GAF scores are made by treating providers who perform Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) assessments. Courts have held that Social Security must consider GAF scores when evaluating a… Read more »
