In 2017, Two Million people in the United States applied for disability benefits, but only 762,141 were approved. This means that 4 in 10 applicants who claimed they were too disabled to work, met the Social Security Administrations guidelines for approval.1 To be approved for benefits, you must meet certain criteria. You will be denied if you do not meet the basic non-medical requirements, your medical condition will not last long enough or isn't severe enough, you won't cooperate with the SSA, the SSA cannot get in contact with you, your disability is primarily due to drug or alcohol abuse, there's not enough medical evidence, you've been convicted of a crime, or you have committed fraud. All of these things will get your application denied immediately.
Social Security Benefits: Tips, Tricks, and What to Look out for
He Ran!!
Remember my first blog regarding the Case of Eric Conn? If not, click the link to read it now!
The Social Security Benefits Application Process
To apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) or SSI benefits based on disability, a person must first make a claim (fill out an application). This is done by contacting the Social Security office, either by phone or by visiting a local office. Those who are making SSD claims can file online.
Social Security Income and Beyond
Saving isn't an easy thing for most people, and I am here to tell you that you are not alone. Tons of people live paycheck to paycheck and/or just have really bad saving habits... like, not saving at all or beginning the unforgivable cycle of telling yourself "I'll just replace it". Unless you envision yourself working your entire life, this cycle must stop!
What you should know about the Social Security increase of 2017.
If you are receiving Social Security benefits then you will receive an increase this year. The cost of living (COLA) will increase a whopping $0.3 percent. The worst in history yet but hey, from no increase in 2016, this average $4 a month for recipients shows progress!
Disability cut would be 'death sentence,' says Social Security Chief
A failure by Congress to shore up the Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund would be a "death sentence" for its beneficiaries, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration said Wednesday.
Obama Juggles the Numbers to Save Social Security Disability Benefits
President Obama's $4 trillion budget blue print for fiscal 2016 has garnered a lot of attention for its proposals for raising caps to bolster spending for defense and domestic programs largely geared to the middle class.
However, tucked away in the massive budget document is a series of proposals for salvaging a program critically important to the middle class - the Social Security Disability Insurance trust fund that experts warn is fast running out of money.
House rule could set up explosive battle over Social Security
WASHINGTON - Buried in new rules that will govern the House for the next two years is a provision that could force an explosive battle over Social Security's finances on the eve of the 2016 presidential election.
Social Security Serving Veterans
In November, the Nation celebrated Veterans Day, honoring all those who served in the military. Social Security doesn't just honor these dedicated men and women on one day of the year-we have made it our daily mission to help service members who have defended our country.
Should I Agree to a Video Hearing for Social Security?
SSA allows for judges in other regions to handle claims and conduct hearings via video teleconference (VTC). The benefit of the VTC hearings are that the SSA can try to eliminate its backlog of claims. Thus, some claims may be scheduled for a hearing sooner than if the claimant states they want the in-person hearing. Also, a VTC hearing could save Claimants some travel time as their local office may be equipped to handle VTC hearings when they would otherwise have to travel to a regional hearing office for an in-person hearing. However, Claimants have the right to have an in-person hearing; they can't be forced into having one. The benefits of having an in-person hearing are that they may allow the judge to better observe a claimant and their disabilities. In addition, in-person hearings are more personal. This personal contact could be the difference between approval and denial of benefits. Contact the Bainbridge Firm for assistance with your Social Security claim.