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Your First Consultation with a Disability Lawyer: What to Expect
Navigating the Social Security Disability (SSD) process can feel overwhelming. That’s why scheduling a consultation with a disability lawyer is a critical step. At Green and Greenberg, we want you to feel prepared and confident for your first meeting. Here’s
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SSDI 101: Breaking Down the Terminology
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with technical language and legal jargon. At Green and Greenberg, we’re dedicated to making the process clear and accessible for all of
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5 Ways a Disability Lawyer Can Help Lower Your Stress
Navigating a disability claim can be challenging, especially when balancing your health with complex paperwork and deadlines. Hiring a disability lawyer can ease much of this burden. Green and Greenberg is committed to taking on the tough work of your
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The Role of Technology in the Future of Disability Law: What’s Next?
In an age where technology is advancing rapidly, the field of disability law is undergoing a transformation. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, and online hearings are not only reshaping how disability claims are handled but also offering new
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What Happens at a Disability Hearing? Know What to Expect
When you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it’s common to face initial denials before moving on to the hearing stage. In fact, most applicants experience two denials before their case advances to a
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Disability Benefits for Invisible Illnesses: What You Need to Know
Invisible illnesses—conditions that do not have obvious physical symptoms but still significantly affect daily life—can present unique challenges when applying for disability benefits. These illnesses include chronic pain, mental health disorders, and autoimmune diseases. While those affected may look healthy,
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The Hidden Benefits of Hiring a Disability Lawyer: Beyond the Paperwork
Navigating the Social Security Disability process can be overwhelming, from the initial application to managing approval challenges. Many applicants assume the most important role a disability lawyer plays is filing paperwork, but there’s so much more. Hiring a disability lawyer,
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How to Stay Motivated During a Long Disability Claim Process
The disability claim process, whether for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), can be a long and often stressful journey. Applicants face months, sometimes even years, of waiting for decisions. During this time, it's easy to
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The History of Social Security Disability: From Past to Present
The Social Security Disability program is a lifeline for millions of Americans. However, it hasn't always existed in its current form. The program evolved over decades, shaped by policy changes, legal decisions, and growing public awareness of the need to
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How to Support a Loved One During the Disability Claims Process
When a loved one begins the Social Security disability claims process, it can be overwhelming for everyone involved. The applicant is navigating complex paperwork, legal requirements, and often, health challenges. As a friend or family member, you may feel unsure
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10 Surprising Things That Can Impact Your Disability Claim
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex and frustrating process. Most applicants focus on meeting the medical and legal requirements, but there are lesser-known factors that can unexpectedly affect your claim. By being aware of these potential
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Navigating the Myths: Common Misconceptions About Disability Benefits
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be overwhelming. Many people believe misleading information, which makes the process even more challenging. To help clear up the confusion, this post will debunk common myths about
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The Key to Success: How Green and Greenberg Submit Complete Disability Claims Packages
Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sent a video to claimant representatives, emphasizing the critical importance of submitting complete application packets. This video highlights the fact that many delays in the disability application process arise from missing or incomplete documentation.
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The Evolution of Disability Law: What Every Applicant Should Know in 2024
In 2024, significant changes to disability law are reshaping the landscape for applicants seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Navigating these legal updates is essential for ensuring the best chance of success. This blog post
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Setting the Manner of Appearance at Hearings: What You Need to Know About the New SSA Rules
Navigating Social Security disability hearings can be daunting. The process, rules, and paperwork may feel overwhelming for many claimants. Beginning on November 23, 2024, new Social Security rules will affect how parties and witnesses can appear at hearings. This blog
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Get Your Payments Electronically: Why Direct Deposit is the Best Option for Social Security Benefits
When receiving Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) mandates that payments must be received electronically. This change aims to streamline payment distribution, ensuring that beneficiaries get their funds quickly, securely, and without the
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The Impact of Obsolete Jobs on SSDI Benefits: What You Need to Know
Navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application processes can be challenging, especially when outdated job classifications are used to assess claims. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently made significant changes by eliminating more
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How to Prepare for Your Disability Hearing: Tips and Tricks
Understanding the Social Security disability process can be challenging. One of the most critical steps is the disability hearing. This post will provide practical advice on how to prepare for your disability hearing, including what to expect, how to present
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Common Medical Conditions That Qualify for SSDI/SSI Benefits
When navigating the complex landscape of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), understanding which medical conditions qualify for benefits is crucial. This guide explores the most common medical conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA)
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The Disability Benefits Application Process Just Got Easier: SSA Adjustments Explained
Navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process has always been challenging. However, recent adjustments by the Social Security Administration (SSA) have made the application process a bit easier. This post will guide you
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OHO Updates: Understanding the New Dating Procedures for Centrally Printed Documents
Navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability claims can be challenging. Staying informed about procedural updates from the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) is an essential way to stay up to date. In this blog post, we will delve into
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Piemonte’s Perspective: Enhancing Access to Social Security Disability Benefits
Navigating the intricacies of Social Security Disability benefits can be daunting for many applicants. This complexity is further compounded by various systemic issues and barriers that applicants often face. In his article, we will be discussing the Piemonte's perspective in
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SSDI/SSI Benefits for Cancer Patients: What You Need to Know
Navigating life with cancer is challenging, and the added burden of financial instability can make it even harder. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can provide crucial support for cancer patients. In this post, we'll
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SSDI/SSI for Veterans: Understanding Disability Benefits for Service Members
Are you a veteran grappling with the challenges of a disability acquired during or after your service? You may qualify for critical financial assistance through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This overview touches on the
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Disability Benefits for Mental Health Conditions: Understanding Your Options
Are you facing the daily challenges of living with a mental health condition while also grappling with the financial strain of being unable to work? You're not alone. Fortunately, there are disability benefits programs designed to offer financial support to
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SSDI Explained: How Returning to Work Affects Benefits
Are you receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and considering returning to work? Understanding how returning to work can affect your benefits is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore SSDI work incentives, support programs, and resources available to
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Understanding SSDI Denials: Common Reasons and How to Appeal
Have you received a denial for your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim? Understanding the reasons behind SSDI denials and knowing how to effectively appeal can significantly increase your chances of approval. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the common
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Do I Qualify for SSDI/SSI Benefits?
Are you unsure if you meet the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits? Understanding the requirements to become eligible is crucial for successfully navigating the application process. In this comprehensive guide, we'll
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SSDI Eligibility Explained: Understanding the Impact of Work History
Are you considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and wondering about the role of work history in determining eligibility? Understanding the impact of your work history is crucial for navigating the SSDI application process successfully. In this
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The Role of Medical Evidence in SSDI Claims: What You Need to Know
Are you navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims process and wondering about the significance of medical evidence? Understanding the pivotal role of medical documentation is crucial for a successful SSDI claim. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the
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SSI Eligibility Explained: Income, Resources, and Financial Need
Are you wondering if you meet the requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility? Understanding the key criteria is crucial for successfully navigating the application process. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the details of SSI eligibility, focusing on
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Understanding the Differences Between SSDI and SSI: Which Benefits Are Right for You?
Navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability benefits can be daunting, especially when trying to differentiate between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Understanding the differences between these two programs is crucial for determining which benefits
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Are you considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits but worried about making mistakes that could jeopardize your claim? You're not alone. Many applicants unknowingly make errors that can delay or even result in denial of their benefits. In this
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Social Security Disability Appeals Process: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the Social Security Disability appeals process can be daunting for claimants seeking the benefits they deserve. From initial denials to administrative hearings and beyond, understanding each stage is crucial for a successful outcome. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break
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10 Essential Questions to Ask When Hiring a Social Security Benefits Lawyer
Are you navigating the intricate process of applying for Social Security benefits? The journey can be overwhelming, laden with complex paperwork and legal procedures. To ensure your success, finding the right Social Security benefits lawyer is paramount. But how do
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Why choosing a lawyer for SSDI/SSI claim is a game-changer
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a daunting journey, filled with complex forms, legal jargon, and stringent requirements. While you have the option to navigate this process alone, hiring a law firm
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A Guide to SSDI and SSI Applications for Multiple Sclerosis
Navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications for Multiple Sclerosis can be particularly challenging. At our law firm, we assist MS patients in securing the disability benefits they rightfully deserve. This post
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Improving the Social Security Disability Adjudication Process: Insights and Recommendations
In a recent correspondence aimed at improving the Social Security Disability adjudication process, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) addressed Commissioner Martin O’Malley of the Social Security Administration (SSA). This dialogue focuses on enhancing the efficiency and
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Senate Committee holds hearing on Long COVID
Green & Grenberg recognizes the unique challenges that those suffering from Long COVID face when attempting to navigate the Social Security disability process. Social Security has always been slow to recognize the severity of "invisible illnesses," and Long COVID is
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Congressional Attention to Overpayments
Congressional Attention to Overpayments Senators Co-Author Bipartisan Letter to SSA: Limit Harms Caused by Overpayments and Protect the Most Vulnerable On November 28, Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) of the Senate Finance Committee penned a letter urging the Social
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A major step forward in our work, testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee on behalf of our clients.
On Thursday, October 26, NOSSCR took a major step forward in our work, testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee on behalf of our members and your clients. We brought forth simple, actionable, commonsense changes to SSA’s application procedures that would reduce processing time
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The Washington Post: Lawmakers Grill Social Security Leader over Disability System’s Failures
October 27, 2023 | By Lisa Rein Lawmakers from both parties Thursday pressed a top Social Security Administration official to defend what they described as widespread failures in the disability benefits system, from chronic claims backlogs to growing customer service phone
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Under fire, Social Security chief vows “top-to-bottom” review of payment clawbacks
The head of the Social Security Administration said Wednesday the agency has been sending about 1 million people a year notices that they were paid benefits to which they were not entitled and that she has ordered a "top-to-bottom, comprehensive
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Social Security Announces 3.2 Percent Benefit Increase for 2024
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2 percent in 2024, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by more than $50 per month
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2 Major Social Security Changes Coming in 2024 May Surprise Most Americans
By Trevor Jennewine – Sep 17, 2023 at 5:02AM A recent survey from Nationwide Retirement Institute suggests that most Americans will be caught off guard by these big changes to the Social Security program next year. In October, the Social Security Administration will issue
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Media Monitoring: June 8, 2023
June 8, 2023 NOSSCR’s Media Monitoring aims to keep its readers informed about the latest updates, trends, and discussions happening in social security in adjacent spaces. Stories, columns, or other pieces included in media monitoring do not reflect the views or
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Long COVID isn’t over, but there’s a way to help
FLEMING: Long COVID isn’t over, but there’s a way to help With the nation officially moving on from COVID-19 emergency mode, we are in grave danger of leaving behind friends and family who still need help. And if the federal government
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STATEMENT: Federal Courts Find Social Security’s Adjudication Process Flawed
https://nosscr.org/statement-federal-courts-find-social-securitys-adjudication-process-flawed/
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Social Security Benefits for Children: How They Work
A child may be eligible for benefits based on a parent's work record By BARBARA A. FRIEDBERG Social Security is usually associated with monthly payments to retirees. However, there is another important facet of Social Security benefits—providing financial assistance to children. Children may qualify
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Congress Approves Boost To Special Ed, Disability Programs
A newly approved $1.7 trillion federal spending bill will bring more funding for special education while expanding access to ABLE accounts and addressing the use of electric shock on people with disabilities. The legislation, which funds the government through September, was
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This is from a recent Washington Post Article by Lisa Rein
He had made it through four years of denials and appeals, and Robert Heard was finally before a Social Security judge who would decide whether he qualified for disability benefits. Two debilitating strokes had left the 47-year-old electrician with halting
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What you need to know about having a savings account while on SSDI or SSI
There aren't any savings account limits if you're applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. To receive Supplemental Security Income, you can only have up to $2,000 in your name. You may keep up to $100,000 in an ABLE account
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DI 23007.001 Failure to Cooperate and Insufficient Evidence Definitions
This subchapter, Failure to Cooperate and Insufficient Evidence (FTC), describes what adjudicators must do when a claimant does not comply with an initial request for evidence or action, or an initial notice of a consultative examination (CE) appointment. The instructions
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Social Security Administration: Remote Service Delivery Increased during COVID-19, but More Could Be Done to Assist Vulnerable Populations
What GAO Found COVID-19 prompted the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make dramatic changes in the way it delivers services and administers its programs. On March 17, 2020, SSA closed its offices to the public—providing limited in-person visits for individuals with
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Lawsuits lay out accusations of fraud within Social Security disability program
NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When additional medical evidence is needed to approve a disability benefits application with the Social Security Administration, the agency requires applicants to get a consultative exam with a doctor. In the Kansas City region, Midwest CES
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Pandemic struggles still afflict Social Security, a last lifeline for many
Six months after reopening its field offices to the public, the Social Security Administration is struggling to restore basic customer services and is assisting millions fewer of the poor, elderly and disabled people who sought its help before the coronavirus
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COVID raises risk of long-term brain injury, large U.S. study finds
CHICAGO (Reuters) - People who had COVID-19 are at higher risk for a host of brain injuries a year later compared with people who were never infected by the coronavirus, a finding that could affect millions of Americans, U.S. researchers
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Long COVID Experts and Advocates Say the Government Is Ignoring ‘the Greatest Mass-Disabling Event in Human History’
Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel is used to feeling like the only person in the country who still cares about COVID-19. He ignores the side-eye he gets for wearing an N95 mask at parties—a self-imposed policy that makes him “look odd” but kept
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A Disability Program Promised to Lift People From Poverty. Instead, It Left Many Homeless.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After two months of sleeping in the Salvation Army Center of Hope homeless shelter, Margaret Davis has had no luck finding an apartment she can afford. The 55-year-old grandmother receives about $750 a month from the federal government.
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Social Security Celebrates Its 87th Birthday
On August 14, 1935 at 3:30 p.m., President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law one of the most consequential bills in the nation’s history, putting in place a set of programs to lift millions of Americans out of poverty. Eighty-seven years
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12 New Conditions Added to Compassionate Allowances List
In a Press Release issued on August 15, 2022, Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi announced the addition of 12 new Compassionate Allowances (CAL) conditions: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma, Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease, Microvillus Inclusion Disease – Child, Mowat-Wilson Syndrome, Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Excess Blasts, NUT Carcinoma, Pfeiffer
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Emergency Message – Evaluating Cases with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Revision Statement: This EM replaces the prior version issued on April 16, 2021. Summary of Changes:· In Section B., we provided information regarding long-term health effects following the acute phase of COVID-19, known as Long COVID. · In Section C.5., we
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Lawmakers call for safety upgrades as people face long lines ‘outside in the heat for hours’ at Social Security offices
People who face long waits for service at the Social Security Administration’s field offices have had to contend with one more complication this summer — intense heat. That prompted leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee to send a letter to the
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House Democrats call for action on Social Security reform. What that could mean for your benefits
Social Security crossed a new milestone when it reached its 87th anniversary on Sunday. The program was signed into law by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on Aug. 14, 1935. Today it provides monthly checks to more than 65 million beneficiaries. But it now
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SSA agreed with GAO recommendations for improving process following report commissioned by Rep. Larson and Sen. Sanders
Washington, D.C. – A study released today by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shows significant inconsistencies in the expedited appeals process for Social Security disability benefits, raising concerns that individuals facing homelessness or other emergencies may have faced dangerously long delays in
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U.S. Senators Urge the Social Security Administration to Improve Access to SSI Benefits for Children with Disabilities
July 26, 2022 Three U.S. Senators have written a letter to Kilolo Kiijakazi, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, urging the department to improve its outreach to parents of children with disabilities who might be eligible for Supplemental Security
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Social Security: Estimate for 2023 COLA Pushes Into Double Digits After Latest Inflation Report
Social Security beneficiaries could see their 2023 cost-of-living adjustment hit double digits for the first time in more than four decades as inflation in the United States continues to spiral ever higher despite government efforts to rein it in. Based on Wednesday’s
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Social Security cost-of-living adjustment could be 10.5% in 2023, according to new estimate
Social Security beneficiaries will be in line to receive a record high cost-of-living adjustment in 2023 due to inflation. The question is exactly how high it may be. Based on new consumer price index data for June released Wednesday, The Senior Citizens League,
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‘Full investigation’ pledged of vast fines imposed by Social Security
The acting Social Security commissioner will launch a "full investigation" on Monday of Inspector General Gail Ennis's oversight of an anti-fraud program that imposed extensive penalties on disabled and elderly people, a senior agency official said Saturday. The action follows a
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Social Security Forum® Volume 44, No. 4 – April 2022
Phone Problems Persistently Plague Public SSA’s outdated and overwhelmed telephone systems, and SSA’s attempts to unify and modernize them, continue to cause challenges for people attempting to contact the agency. One way that SSA has tried to avoid the server crashes that were occurring in February and
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What You Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Read more at HealthMatch
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Will a Child Tax Credit (CTC) payment affect my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility or payment amount?
Will a Child Tax Credit (CTC) payment affect my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility or payment amount? While the CTC is not considered disaster assistance under our rules, we do not consider the CTC as income and resources for 12 months for SSI purposes. Receiving
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Long Covid? Soon there could be a test to show if you have it
To read this article click here
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Social Security may send more mailed annual statements under new bill.
To read this update please click here
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Could You Qualify for Social Security’s $3,895 Maximum Benefit?
Click Here to read the article
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Social Security offices remain closed, woman having issues with proving her disability
Click Here to Read the Article
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A Profile of Supplemental Security Income Recipients: 2017
Click here to read the US Census Data
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A third of Covid-19 survivors suffer ‘brain disease,’ study shows
A third of Covid-19 survivors suffer 'brain disease,' study shows - CNN
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SSDI/SSI BENEFITS BASED ON BORDERLINE INTELLECTUAL FUNCTIONING
Disability claimants with borderline intellectual functioning (IQs between 71 and 84) can qualify for disability benefits and SSI. This is especially so if they have other impairments. Borderline intellectual functioning is a cognitive impairment resulting in lower than average intelligence, but
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SSI, SSDI and 3rd Stimulus Checks Update
The article below answers some of the biggest questions around the third stimulus and how it relates to SSI & SSDI. https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/ssi-ssdi-and-third-stimulus-checks-qualifications-when-and-how-youll-get-your-payment/ SSA.gov Coronavirus
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POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) AS A BASIS FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS AND SSI
PTSD is a mental health disorder* that affects individuals who either experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as war combat, sexual assault, child abuse, car accident, or natural disaster. The condition can severely impact the sufferer causing, for example,
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SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY FEDERAL COURT ACTIONS
WHY? Your claim for SSI and/or SSDI has been denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA) at Initial Review, upon Reconsideration, before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and by the highest administrative tribunal, the Appeals Council (AC). You have exhausted all
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Update March 3rd 2021
Green & Greenberg is pleased and proud to announce our most recent hire, Jaqueline G. Barsamian, Esq., who will head up the Appeals Council and Federal Court Division at the firm. Jaqueline’s unique talents at the final administrative stage and
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Update February 23, 2021
Check out all the latest Disability Benefits and SSI news related to the pandemic at Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | SSA . One of the latest entries there lists as grounds for good cause for late filing of appeals the fact that Social
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DISABILITY AND SSI BASED ON MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Within the CNS, the immune system
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COVID-19 AND DISABILITY
A number of clients have asked about Covid-19 as a basis for disability benefits or SSI. While most people recover from the virus after several weeks, some suffer more serious effects and ongoing impairments. Those with autoimmune diseases such as MS,
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New Guidance on Statutory Benefit Continuation
SSA updated its coronavirus website on November 6 to include new guidance for people whose disability benefits were terminated because of a Continuing Disability Review determination or age-18 redetermination. Those who submitted requests for reconsideration of the termination but did not elect statutory
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COVID 19 – IN PERSON HEARINGS UNAVAILABLE
In person hearings on claims for SSI and disability insurance benefits are currently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That means that many claimants require alternative ways for their claims to be heard as soon as possible. Until very recently,
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Faces of Rhode Island – Social Security Disability Edition – RI MONTHLY
In 1991, Rhode Island lawyers David Green and Moe Greenberg joined forces to represent claimants for Social Security Disability Benefits and SSI. Over more than twenty-five years, Green & Greenberg has won thousands of Rhode Island disability cases entitling its
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Can a Cancer Diagnosis be the Basis for Awarding Disability Benefits?
Many individuals suffering from cancer wonder if they can receive Social Security Disability benefits. Fortunately, this is one of the most straightforward sections of the Listing of Impairments, or “Listings.” Listings are a kind of shortcut to disability. They allow
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Upcoming Changes to Continuing Disability Review Could Have Disastrous Results
On November 18, 2019 the Social Security Administration published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking reducing the time between many Continuing Disability Reviews from three years to two years. According to a New York Times opinion piece from Jonathan M. Stein,
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How Will Your Social Security Attorney Help You Determine the Onset Date of Your Disability?
Your “onset date” is the date when you became disabled. In order to help you determine what onset date to allege, a Social Security Disability Attorney may ask you a series of questions to decide when you stopped being able to work on
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Appeals Council Remand Rate Rises in 2019, Still Well Below Past Levels
The remand rate, the rate at which the Appeals Council returns cases to Administrative Law Judges based on claimant appeals, climbed in fiscal year 2019 to 14.56%, with exactly 21,000 cases remanded. This left more than 123,000 cases where the
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Social Security Administration Underpaid SSI Claimants
After an investigation by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (SSA/OIG), it was found that since May 2011 SSA had underpaid SSI claimants approximately $95 million. In 28% of the cases where there was an underpayment, there
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New Commissioner Appointed for Social Security Administration (SSA)
A new Commissioner of SSA, Andrew Saul, was sworn in on June 17, 2019. He is SSA’s first confirmed Commissioner since Michael Astrue stepped down more than six years ago. Unlike Nancy Berryhill, the Acting Commissioner he replaces, Commissioner Saul has no experience
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SSA’s Fraud Re-determination Process Violates Due Process Rights
According to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) fraud re-determination process violated the due process rights of many Social Security beneficiaries. In a well-publicized case, many medical opinions were thrown out by SSA because of
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G&G Weekly Update
Is Social Security Going to Ask Me To Go To a Consultative Examination? A Consultative Examination (CE) is an exam ordered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to assess physical or psychiatric conditions. Reviewing recent statistics it is
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G&G Weekly Update
Social Security Trustees Note Solvency through 2052 The Board of Trustees of the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently released its annual report on the state of the Social Security Trust Fund. According to this year’s report, the system can now pay
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Supreme Court Rules in a Case Involving Testimony by a Vocational Expert
The US Supreme Court recently ruled on a case involving a longstanding rule out of the Seventh Circuit that required a vocational expert (VE) to
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G&G Weekly Update
National Adjudication Team Begins On-The-Record Decisions After making zero attorney advisor decisions during Fiscal Year 2018, the National Adjudication Team began its work in November 2018 for Fiscal Year 2019. These Attorney Advisors are empowered to issue fully-favorable decisions on the
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G&G Weekly Update
Social Security Congressional and Public Affairs Staff Shrinks At the end of 2018, the Appeals Council’s Congressional and Public Affairs Branch lost another ombudsman to retirement. This leaves a single ombudsman in this office. A Social Security claims representative group has
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G&G Weekly Update
SSA Starts Prehearing Review In an attempt to reduce hearing times, Social Security’s offices are starting to send some cases back to state agencies for additional reviews. These cases under the “Compassionate and Responsive Services” (“CARES”) initiative will receive an additional
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G&G Weekly Update
A new Commissioner of Social Security was re-nominated for a six-year term in January 2019. Andrew Saul, who was previously nominated during the 115th Congress that ended in January, was re-nominated for the post during the 116th Congress. The term of
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THE THIRD STEP – The Listing Of Impairments
The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a five step process in determining whether or not you are disabled. We have discussed step one and step two previously. In this blog, we will discuss step three - Listed Impairments. SSA maintains a
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Unsuccessful Work Attempts
In some circumstances, a claimant may seek disability benefits for a period of time during which he or she was working. While, generally, a person will be entitled to benefits if they are not engaging in substantial gainful activity, there