Blog

Medical Records And Documentation

One of the essential requirements for obtaining Social Security disability is proof of a debilitating medical condition. One of the most common reasons for SSDI claim rejections is inadequate documentation of an injury or illness. It may sound simple enough to collect your own medical records and submit them to Social Security, but it can… Read more »

Continuing Disability Reviews

The Social Security disability process is a long and winding road, and even after a claimant has been found disabled by the Social Security Administration and award benefits, it is important to remember that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are not permanent benefits. Social Security will review a claimant’s medical condition periodically to ensure… Read more »

Understanding Your Date Last Insured

During a Social Security Disability claim the term “Date Last Insured” is likely to be an important factor in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Date Last Insured (DLI) refers to the last work quarter in which the disability claimant met Social Security’s insured status requirements. The DLI is established to… Read more »

The Different Appeal Stages

There are several reasons why so many Social Security disability applications are denied. When it comes to medical eligibility the main reason is that the SSA has strict eligibility requirements, and many applicants do not meet these requirements. For example, to be eligible for SSDI, you must have a disability that is expected to last… Read more »

Common Reasons A Disability Claim is Denied

Most Social Security disability claims are denied at the initial application phase and even a higher percentage are denied at the first appeal stage of the process. Most of these claims are denied for a variety of common reasons that claimants should be aware of before applying for benefits to give claimants the best opportunity… Read more »

Ticket To Work Program Explained

The Ticket to Work program is a voluntary employment program offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States. It is designed to assist individuals who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in transitioning to employment or increasing their earnings through part-time work. Here are some… Read more »

When You Receive An Overpayment Notice From Social Security

Receiving a notice in the mail that you owe money is not something anyone looks forward to and this includes when Social Security informs a Social Security disability beneficiary that they received too much money and now are required to pay back an overpayment. Many times, a claimant receives an overpayment notice because of no… Read more »

The Role Of The Vocational Expert At Your Hearing

Most Social Security disability claimants will need a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to decide whether they medically qualify for benefits. The hearing will include the ALJ, the claimant and the claimant’s attorney or representative, but will also include a Vocational Expert (VE). A VE is an individual whose education and training is… Read more »

DDS During The Pandemic

During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 businesses and government agencies had to figure out different ways to provide service to the public. Naturally delays in customer service were inevitable, but a recent report from Social Security’s Inspector General’s office identifies the areas where Disability Determination Services (DDS) struggled in continuing… Read more »

Medical Evidence Requirements for a Disability Claim

Medical evidence is crucial to a disability determination for a Social Security disability claim for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each claimant who files a disability claim is responsible for providing medical evidence showing the claimant has at least one impairment that limits the ability to work and the… Read more »