Categorized: SSDI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based disability program for which there are both “medical” and “non-medical” eligibility requirements you must meet in order to receive benefits.  One non-medical requirement for SSI has to do with income.  The link below shows how Social Security defines income as well as income that is not counted against… Read more »

The People's Pension

Eric Laursen, Author of The People’s Pension, answers questions about the future of Social Security. An interesting takeaway — he suggests that increased costs currently projected can be offset with modest increases in the payroll tax. Read the full article here.

Proposed Cuts to Social Security Budget Would Result in More Costs

A recent piece in the Huffington Posts demonstrates the absurdity of a proposal to cut $752 million dollars from the “program integrity” department of the Social Security Administration. The department is responsible for periodic reviews of recipients’ continued income eligibility and medical status. According to the article, Social Security Chief Actuary Stephen Gross estimates that… Read more »

Non-Medical Requirements for SSA Disability

In order to receive either Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income, you must meet both medical and non-medical requirements. If you receive a decision stating you’ve met the medical requirements but the Social Security Administration is still determining if you’ve met the non-medical requirements, they are reviewing the following: If you’ve filed a… Read more »

What is a Function Report?

Once you have applied for Social Security disability and the Social Security Administration (SSA) has determined you meet requirements for one of its disability programs, either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a medical decision must be made to determine if you are disabled. There are many different pieces of information… Read more »

Social Security Disability Point and Counterpoint in the Opinion Pages

Frank Bruni of the New York Times published an op-ed arguing that the tripling of persons receiving Social Security disability benefits is being caused, in part, by those who are “gaming the system.” David Vogner of the Huffington Post published his own opinion on the HuffPost’s blog rebutting Mr. Bruni’s opinion, asserting that the increase… Read more »

Treating Physician Rule

Pierce asserts that the treating physician rule should be rescinded because, in part, too many people are being awarded disability as a result of this rule.  Basically, the rule states that great weight should be afforded the opinion of a treating source opinion regarding his patient’s ability to work.  The reasoning behind the rule is… Read more »

Seriously….Do I really need an attorney for this?

Claimants often wrestle with the question of whether or not to engage an attorney in trying to secure benefits. As an attorney who has spent six years representing claimants, and over twelve years representing the Social Security Administration at the Federal Court and Circuit Court of Appeals levels, I can say from both perspectives the… Read more »

National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives Launches Campaign to Defend Social Security Disability Insurance from Misleading Attacks

Attorneys at Greeman Toomey, PLLC are proud members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR).  Today, on the 56th Anniversary of the Social Security Act Disability Amendment, NOSSCR is launching a campaign to combat the distorted and negative rhetoric about Social Security Disability programs and those who receive benefits.  Part of that… Read more »