Blog posts

What Forms Do You Need To Apply For SSD Benefits?

Submitted by Deanna on

When disability affects any member of a family, the financial impact can be great. Social Security disability programs can provide monthly support, ensuring the entire family has what it needs to get by.

The documentation you need when applying for benefits depends on your personal situation and your family dynamic. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of documents and information you’ll want to pull together before starting your disability application:

 

Medical Records and Doctors’ Statements

 

Differences Between Social Security Disability and VA Disability (Updated 2023)

Submitted by Shane on

There is some confusion about the similarities and differences between a Social Security Disability claim and the VA Disability program, which is designed to assist veterans injured on duty.

Those who lack sufficient information often assume that these programs are similar because an individual eligible for assistance under the VA Disability program may also be able to get disability. Read on to discover the myriad of differences between the two programs.

What Questions Will the ALJ Ask During your Disability Hearing?

Submitted by Daniel on

Many look forward to their Social Security Disability hearing with a mixture of anticipation and dread. After all, you have waited months, or possibly even years, for this date to arrive.

You are finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and may begin receiving Social Security Disability benefits within a matter of months. The question is, what should you expect at your disability hearing? How can you prepare yourself?

Most importantly, what questions will the administrative law judge who is overseeing your hearing ask you during the hearing process?

What is the Maximum Age to Apply for Disability in 2024?

Submitted by Deanna on

If you have been working full-time but a medical condition has left you unable to work, you might be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. If you are an older individual, you might be wondering if you can still apply for disability benefits or if you might as well go ahead and apply for your Social Security retirement benefits.

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month

Submitted by Deanna on

Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity, affecting approximately 3% of the US population. Although it is typically diagnosed in the pre-adolescent and adolescent years, scoliosis can also occur as an infant or an older adult.

The severity of scoliosis varies from person to person. While the majority of individuals with scoliosis experience only minor effects on their health, some people have such significant cases that their spinal deformity affects their breathing and causes great pain.

Do Multiple Disabilities Improve the Odds of Receiving Benefits?

Submitted by bem on

Individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits often have several health conditions, or co-morbidities, that may factor into their overall health. For example, an individual who requires an amputation due to peripheral vascular disease, might also have uncontrolled diabetes.

What is the Timeline for my Social Security Disability Claim?

Submitted by rsg on

For individuals who have become disabled and are unable to work as a result of their health condition, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be a financial lifesaver.

Unfortunately, for many people, the application and approval process can be excruciatingly long. Facing an uncertain amount of time without income can create additional anxiety for individuals already trying to get well.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Completing a Disability Application

Submitted by rsg on

Each year, millions of people apply for financial assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA) due to a significant health condition that limits their ability to work. While many of these individuals are rightfully disabled and in need of help, only a third of claimants are approved at the initial level of the disability claim process.

What Role Does a Vocational Expert Play in My Disability Claim?

Submitted by rsg on

Individuals who have been twice denied disability benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA) during the initial phases of the application process may request an appeals hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

During an appeals hearing, claimants are asked to answer questions about their health condition, as well as about their past employment history, acquired skills, and experience. In a majority of disability cases, the ALJ requests the presence of a vocational expert at the hearing.

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!