Social Security Disability Blog

Many people living with mental health conditions hesitate to apply for disability benefits because they worry no one will take them seriously. There’s a lingering myth that unless you have a visible physical injury, your struggle somehow “doesn’t count.” The reality is very different. The Social Security Administration fully recognizes mental health disorders as legitimate medical conditions. If your symptoms prevent you from maintaining full-time work, you may qualify for benefits. How Mental Health Can Affect Your Ability to Work Conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and severe anxiety can deeply affect a person’s ability to function in a work setting. This… Continue Reading Social Security Disability and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma More...

Many people who receive Social Security Disability benefits eventually try returning to work. Unfortunately, sometimes this return to work is short-lived because the person’s health worsens again, forcing them to stop their work attempt. If that happens, you  have options that should be carefully considered. . One option is called Expedited Reinstatement, often shortened to EXR. What Is Expedited Reinstatement? Expedited Reinstatement allows some people to restart their Social Security Disability benefits without having to go through the entire disability application process again. Generally, you may qualify if: 1.You previously received Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income disability benefits (SSI). 2.Your… Continue Reading Going Back on Disability After Working? Only Filing for Expedited Reinstatement May Not Be Enough More...

One of the most important factors in a successful Social Security Disability claim is strong medical evidence. While medical records are critical, a supportive doctor who thoroughly documents your limitations can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Why Many People Hesitate to Talk to Their Doctor Many people feel uncomfortable discussing disability with their doctor. They worry that bringing up a disability claim may seem inappropriate or that their doctor will be unwilling to help. In reality, most physicians want an accurate understanding of how a patient’s condition affects their daily life and functioning. Focus on Functional Limitations, Not Just a… Continue Reading Should You Tell Your Doctor You’re Applying for Social Security Disability? More...

What Are Children’s Auxiliary Benefits? When a parent qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), certain family members may also qualify for benefits based on that parent’s earnings record. These are called children’s auxiliary benefits. In many cases, unmarried children under age 18—or up to age 19 if still attending high school full-time—may receive monthly benefits, even if they have never worked. These benefits can provide valuable financial support and may include significant past-due payments if a disability claim has been pending for an extended period. A Recent Change Could Affect Your Child’s Benefits If you have minor children and are applying for Social Security… Continue Reading New Social Security Policy Change Could Affect Children’s Auxiliary Benefits More...

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...