Tag Archives: Social Security Disability
What Are Non-Exertional Limitations?
More often than not, it is my client’s non-exertional limitations that win their case. In prior posts I have described SSA’s analysis of disability cases using exertional limitations. (See What Are “Exertional Levels” and Why are They Important in a Social Security Disability Case?). Exertional limitations are limitations on the ability to sit, stand,… Read More »
What Are “Exertional Levels” And Why Are They Important In A Social Security Disability Case?
The amount of exertion (or effort) required in a particular job is a key component in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) analysis of every disability claim. The SSA classifies each job by how much exertion is required. For example, work that requires very little effort or exertion is considered to be “sedentary.” While, at… Read More »
Eliminate The Early Retirement Penalty With Social Security Disability Benefits
While it’s possible as early as age 62, choosing to receive Social Security retirement benefits before your normal retirement age is penalized. The “early retirement penalty” can amount to a 30 percent reduction in your monthly benefit. And what’s worse is that the penalty is permanent. Thus, although your monthly benefit will change with… Read More »
Social Security Benefits For Stay-At-Home Parents
Stay-at-home parents face a serious problem obtaining social security benefits. To qualify for benefits, they had to have paid into the social security system. For disability benefits, the disabled person must have worked 20 of the last 40 quarters (5 of the last 10 years) before their disability began. (See Have I Worked Enough… Read More »
Think Twice About Designating A Disabled Person As A Beneficiary
Despite your good intentions, naming your disabled niece as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy may not do her any good whatsoever. In this final installment in this series, I explain why disabled beneficiaries should be handled with extreme caution. This advice actually applies to all manner of property given to a disabled… Read More »
Have I Worked Enough To Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) implements two separate programs that provide cash benefits to disabled individuals. The primary focus of this blog is on Disability Benefits (aka “Disability Insurance,” “DI,” “RSDI,” and “Title II benefits”). The other type of benefit is called Supplemental Security Income, “SSI” or “Title XVI benefits.” Both programs use the… Read More »
Age: A Crucial Factor In Your Social Security Disability Case
While the severity of the impairment is the most significant factor in Social Security Disability cases, age follows right on its heels as the second most important factor. The reason is simple – the law is different for people of different ages. The younger a person is, the more difficult it is to prove… Read More »
Can I Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits?
Unfortunately, many of my clients find the monthly check they receive from the United States Treasury is too small to live on. I am always receiving calls from former clients asking if they can return to work part time and still receive their Social Security Disability benefits? The answer is not simple. And, in… Read More »
Crohn’s Disease And Ulcerative Colitis As Basis For Social Security Disability
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both included in a larger set of conditions known collectively as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Over the years I have assisted many clients obtain social security disability benefits on the basis of their IBD alone. In this post, I discuss these conditions as well as how the conditions… Read More »
Can You File For Unemployment And Social Security Disability Benefits?
The application process for Social Security disability benefits can take years. During that time period the claimant is – by definition – not working. (See 3 Reasons Your Claim Was Denied). How does the claimant pay for food and shelter during that long wait? Some claimants are fortunate enough to have spouses or family… Read More »