A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of hearings-level award rates for disability claims revealed that “claimants who had representation at their hearings, were allowed benefits at a rate nearly 3 times higher than those without … [Read more...]
It’s getting harder to get Disability.
In 2016, for the first time in nearly 30 years, the number of Americans receiving Social Security disability payments declined. The 8.89 million people receiving SSD in January 2016 marked the first time that the number of people receiving … [Read more...]
2016 SSA Changes:
Right now it takes a year or more to get your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. (National time is 505 days, Ft. Worth is currently at 411 and Dallas is at 467). SSA is planning on hiring senior attorneys to review the cases that are … [Read more...]
SSA Disability for Migraines
In order to be awarded disability benefits, you must show a “medically determinable impairment.” This means medical tests must support your claims. Occasionally, evidence of migraine headaches can be seen on MRI, but this is the exception rather … [Read more...]
Social Security Facts for Women
If you have worked at least 10 years and/or earned 40 work credits, you are vested in the SS program. That means once you turn 62, you are eligible for your own SS Retirement benefits regardless of your income or marital status. If you are married … [Read more...]
SSI Eligibility and Trusts
SSI is an income based disability program. This is for people who have not worked and/or had reported earnings which would qualify them for SSDI benefits. Because the beneficiaries are drawing out money that they didn’t pay in, SSA has the additional … [Read more...]
How important is it that I see a doctor while applying for disability?
Extremely important! I often find myself repeating to my clients one of two phrases: “God helps those who help themselves” SSA feels the same way. You cannot refuse to try and get better and expect the government to pay you. The second phrase I catch … [Read more...]
When will my benefits begin once I establish that I am disabled?
Just like most areas of law, the answer is that it depends…. For SSI benefits, (need based) you are eligible to receive payments the first full month following the month you applied.* That means if you apply in January 2015, it does not matter if … [Read more...]
