When a person who is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI” or “disability benefits”) can’t handle their financial affairs or basic needs because of their disability, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) allows that person to appoint someone to do it for them. This trusted person, is called a “representative payee.” A Little Bit About Representative Payees. Representative payees can … Read More
When disability prevents a person from being able to handle their financial affairs, there is help. If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI” or “disability benefits”) and need help with handling your finances, you might be interested in the Social Security Administration’s (“SSA”) Representative Payee Program. Representative Payee. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are available for both physical … Read More
Nobody likes the 2 things you can absolutely rely on: death and taxes. But while death may not have anything to recommend it, sometimes taxes can actually be a good thing. Taxes paid under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act tax (“FICA”), which was passed in 1935 as part of the Social Security, help fund two critical federal programs: Social Security … Read More
Having a baby is one of life’s greatest joys and a reminder that miracles do happen. So it may seem strange to wonder whether being pregnant qualifies as a disability. However, given that so many people struggle to pay their health care bills, it makes sense to consider all possible options. Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits. When it comes to … Read More
Have you ever wondered what happens to your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI” or “disability benefits”) if you move out of the country? It’s not a situation that comes up often, but if a move out of the United States is in your future, there are a few things you should know. The Benefits You Are Receiving. To … Read More
Disabled children under the age of 18 can generally obtain disability benefits under the federal Supplemental Security Income program (“SSI”). The federal program for disabled adults and children over 18 is the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI” or “disability benefits”). Supplemental Security Income. Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) is a financial “needs-based” program available to qualified disabled children and individuals … Read More
We often get asked whether certain conditions, like anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc. can qualify as a “disability” for purposes of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI” or “disability benefits”). But what about something a bit more difficult than a specific condition? What about side effects from prescribed medications? Can they qualify as a disability? Let’s see. The … Read More
How can you tell if you should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI” or “disability benefits”)? What if you just had a heart attack? Should you apply for disability benefits? Here are a few things to think about Some Considerations. First, you should be aware that the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) has strict requirements that must be met … Read More
It is no secret that if you are denied Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI” or “disability benefits”) it can take months or even a year or more to get a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). Because disability benefits are very often so desperately needed by the people who are applying for them, everyone is generally looking for … Read More
If you are denied Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (“SSDI” or “disability benefits”) probably the best thing you can do is to appeal the denial to get to an administrative hearing. In some states, you will need to appeal twice before you can get a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”). Administrative Hearings. The hearing is where you will … Read More
