Skip to main content

Posts

  It's hard to get SSDI because the Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules, requiring strong medical proof you can't work, not just a diagnosis, with low initial approval rates (around 30%) due to insufficient evidence, incomplete applications, failing to follow treatment, or not meeting technical work credit rules, compounded by an under-resourced SSA system causing delays and potential errors .   Key reasons for difficulty: Strict Definition of Disability : It's not just about having a condition; you must prove it prevents you from doing any substantial work for at least a year or leads to death, requiring extensive documentation on how it limits you.   Disability claims are hard to prove.   Social Security disability (SSDI) claims are often denied due to: Insufficient Medical Evidence : Many claims fail because the medical file is too thin, lacks detailed records, or doesn't link the condition to work (functional) ...
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASE

What are the top 3 most important factors in a Social Security disability case? 1.  Medical Evidence. 2.  Medical Evidence 3.  Medical Evidence 4-10     Medical Evidence Federal regulations set the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits.  A claimant must meet these strict legal requirements More than anything else, the claimant's medical evidence will determine the outcome of the claim or appeal.  Without strong objective medical evidence Social Security cannot legally pay you a benefit. Objective Medical Evidence means the result of medical examinations, laboratory tests or imaging studies (X-rays, PT scans, MRI or CT scans). This type of evidence can only be obtained by going to your doctor. There's an old adage that says truthfully:  "The path to Social Security disability benefits runs straight through your doctor's office."  Being approved for an SSDI benefit requires objective medical proof. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

TERMS YOU WILL SEE USED AFTER A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY HEAIRNG

You just had your Social Security disability hearing before a federal Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  As you check the status of your case while waiting on a decision you will encounter these terms:   Post Hearing Review:  The ALJ is still reviewing your case before making a decision.  He/She is reviewing the testimony given at your hearing and/or reviewing the medical evidence to see whether you meet the rules for a disability benefit.  No decision has been reached. AOD - Alleged Onset Date:   This is the date on which you allege your qualifying disability began.  This is also the date at which you want your disability benefits to begin.  The ALJ may accept this date if supported by the evidence OR he/she may assign a new date that he/she feels is more in line with the medical evidence.   EOD - Established Onset Date:  This is the official date of your disability onset as established by the judge (ALJ).  It may be the same as you...
Post a Comment
Read more

IN WHAT YEAR WILL SOCIAL SECURITY RUN OUT OF MONEY?

There's not one Social Security trust fund, there are two:  the disability trust fund and the retirement trust fund. The 2025 Trustees' report projected that the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund can pay 100% of benefits through 2098 with no reductions or changes. This fund can pay benefits to an individual who become disabled (as defined by Social Security rules) prior to full retirement age. However, the retirement (pension) trust fund will have to reduce benefits in 2034 if changes are not made. This is the part of Social Security that pays a retirement benefit starting between the ages of 62 and 67. Both Social Security trust funds are self financing.  Workers pay 7.65 percent of their wages in FICA* tax, up to a maximum of $176,000 wages per year.  Their employers pay a matching 7.65 percent of wages into the trust funds.  Thus for every $100 paid in wages, $15.30 is paid to the trust fund as FICA contributions. (Self employed individuals pay the full 15.3 p...
Post a Comment
Read more

THINGS NOT TO SAY DURING A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INTERVIEW OR HEARING

First,  keep in mind what you are asking Social Security to do:  TO PAY YOU A DISABILITY BENEFIT.  To them, "disability" means that you have been (or will be) unable to work for at least 12 straight months because of a severe physical and/or mental condition.  Therefore, you should not make any statement that has nothing to do with being unable to work. The following are some statements that have nothing to do with being disabled (under Social Security rules).  You should avoid making these statements. 1)  Nobody will hire me. (Employment problem, not a disability problem). 2) There are no jobs in my town or area.  (Again, not a disability) 3) I can't find any work that I want to do.  (Not a disability) 4) The jobs I could get don't pay enough to live on.  (Same) 5)  I can't work because (any of the following):  I have to care for a sick child or relative; I don't have transportation; the place I used to work closed down; I have be...
Post a Comment
Read more

'DIRE NEED" PETITION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

  Unfortunately a Social Security disability claim can take up to 2 years or more to be processed.  That's a long time to wait if you are disabled and need money to pay life's necessities.  There is a way to speed up Social Security if you meet the strict requirements:  ask that your  claim be processed as a 'DIRE NEED.' A "dire need" letter for Social Security disability explains why your case needs to be processed faster due to an immediate threat to your health or safety, such as facing homelessness, eviction, or inability to afford food, medicine, or utilities .     You should write the letter, include supporting documents like eviction notices, and send it to your local Social Security Administration (SSA). It is best to call the SSA office within about 2 weeks to confirm they received the letter and are processing it as a dire need case.   Be sure your full Social Security number (SSN) appears on all letters and documents. Sign your fu...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIITY INSURANCE FOR WORKERS

  There are 2 ways a worker can suddenly loose his/her income and the ability to support the family: One is by premature death.  Life insurance is the best way to protect against the loss of income due to premature death. The second is by disability.  One in 4 Americans will become disabled before reaching full retirement age.   The US Government provides insurance to protect against lost wages due to disability.  It's called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is a valuable benefit bu t has the following challenges: 1.  It takes a long time to get approved for SSDI benefits.  The initial application can take 12 months or more for review and over 75 percent will be denied after the first review.  The resulting appeals can take up to 2 years with no benefits being paid during appeals. You may need a lawyer to get approved. 2.  Not everyone has Social Security disability coverage.  SSDI only covers only  individuals wh...
Post a Comment
Read more