Social Security Disability Blog

Medical evidence is the foundation of every Social Security Disability claim. Many people assume that a diagnosis alone is enough to qualify for benefits, but that is not how the Social Security Administration evaluates disability claims. The issue is not simply whether you have a medical condition – it is whether that condition prevents you from performing substantial work activities on a sustained basis. To make that determination, Social Security relies heavily on medical evidence. The stronger and more detailed your medical records are, the better Social Security can understand the nature of your condition and the limitations it causes. Important medical evidence may include:… Continue Reading What Medical Evidence Do You Need for a Disability Claim? More...

One of the most common questions we hear from prospective clients is: “My disability claim was denied. Can I apply again?” The answer is yes. There is no limit on the number of times you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits. However, whether you should file a new application or appeal your denial depends on the specific facts of your case. In some situations, a new application may make sense. For example, your claim may have been denied due to missing medical records, incomplete information about your work history, or a lack of evidence documenting the severity of your condition. If those issues can… Continue Reading Can You Apply for Social Security Disability More Than Once? More...

Is your child eligible for SSI? SSI is an abbreviation for Supplemental Security Income. This benefit is available for children (like adults) who suffer from a severe medical impairment. The impairment, or medical condition, must significantly impact the child’s ability to grow, function, or learn. The first step in evaluating if your child is eligible for SSI is to address financial eligibility. SSI is a needs-based program and financial eligibility guidelines depend upon the household income (if any), the type of household income it is, and how many individuals reside within the home. Once this parameter is met, and financial eligibility is established, the severity… Continue Reading How Do Children Qualify for Benefits? More...

Typically, we think of disabled individuals as those who are unable to work due to medical conditions. This is also how the Social Security Administration’s regulations define disability at the basic, fundamental, level. CFR §404.1505. Social Security has a series of established guidelines that are commonly referred to as the “grid rules.” These rules allow select individuals to obtain disability benefits without having to prove that they are unable to engage in full-time work activity. These grid rules take into consideration a person’s age, work history, and educational background. Generally speaking, these guidelines favor individuals who are approaching retirement age, and whose work history consists… Continue Reading Showing Social Security Disability Under Age Based Considerations (“The GRIDS”) More...

A new proposed rule published in this month’s Federal Register could affect the monthly benefits of Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) recipients. Currently, SSI recipients receive a reduced payment if they are regularly provided meals or housing by a third-party. Continue Reading New Proposed Rule That Could Affect SSI Recipients More...

A recent Forbes article highlighted the complicated choices facing individuals who receive disability benefit, but who wish to attempt to return to work. In an effort to encourage individuals to attempt to return to the work force, the Social Security Administration instituted the Ticket to Work Program (“TTW”) in 1999. The TTW allows for individuals to work for a limited time period without automatically losing their disability benefits. Continue Reading Navigating the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work (TTW) Program More...

Update: The Social Security Administration has been taking small steps towards normalization. At present, only telephone and video hearings are available and many employees are still working from home. The Administration has indicated that it is moving towards more in-person hearings, but no timetable has been provided. The Courts in Ohio and elsewhere are on a similar track, although many have incorporated, and are now reliant on, video services such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams to allow for remote hearings. This has proven to be more efficient with less waiting and travel time for the litigants and counsel. Depositions and mediations are more frequently being… Continue Reading News and Information Relevant to Your Legal Issues More...

The effect of a disability on one’s normal activities is an element of damages in most litigation cases. It has vital importance in disability cases. At Social Security hearings, you will typically be asked about your typical at-home activities. This inquiry is a constant in Social Security law, and is needed by a Judge to determine the client’s baseline level of activity at home, to see how that translates to potential work activities. The inquiry often is intrusive, with questions directed to whether the claimant goes grocery shopping, does yardwork or household cleaning, travels or exercises. A portion of a judge’s decision is usually directed… Continue Reading FOCUS: Activities of Daily Living Analysis More...