Surveys show that claimants who hire Social Security disability lawyers are more likely to win their claim than if they file alone or with a disability advocate. Before making the decision, it’s a good idea to understand how much it costs to hire a disability lawyer. Important Definitions Social Security disability lawyers work on a ‘contingency’ basis. […]
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How to Survive Financially While Waiting for Disability
We won’t sugarcoat it. Applying for disability benefits through SSDI and SSI can be a process that takes anywhere from 3 months to over 2 years. The disability application and appeal processes are time-consuming and complicated. It’s important to set your expectations accordingly and to have a plan for the wait. It’s no surprise that […]
Can I Get Disability for Covid-19 in 2021?
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all of us in significant ways. Some have lost loved ones and others are still fighting to recover from the long-term damage caused by the disease. If you were hospitalized with Covid-19 and suffered severe and long-term symptoms, Social Security could consider you disabled in 2021. To know for sure, […]
What Happens if Social Security Suspends My SSDI Benefits?
Most people approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) receive their benefits for years. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) suspends benefits occasionally when certain circumstances apply. If you’re applying for SSDI benefits or receiving them, it is important to know what could make SSA stop benefits. Let’s start with the most common reason SSA […]
When You Should Apply for Both SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Programs provide financial support to individuals who cannot work due to severe medical impairments. SSI is a need-based program for people with disabilities and little or no income or assets. If you’re considering whether to file for SSI or SSDI concurrently (at the same […]
Does Social Security Deny Everyone the First Time They Make a Social Security Disability Claim?
Most of the clients we work with call us after their Social Security disability claim has been denied. That’s no surprise. While Social Security doesn’t deny everyone the first time they apply; they do deny approximately 65% of initial claims. Applying Too Early There are several reasons initial applications are denied. The first is that oftentimes, […]
What Happens During a Social Security Disability Hearing?
Most Social Security disability claims are denied at the initial application stage. These claims can eventually proceed to a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). It’s important to prepare for your hearing. First, let’s revisit the Social Security Disability appeals process for a quick refresher. Different Types of Appeals Once you have made the […]
Why Are Resources Important in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal means-tested program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States of America. SSI provides financial assistance for people who are unable to work. This includes seniors and people with disabilities or a medical condition. SSI provides cash assistance to people who are at least 65 […]
What Are FICA Taxes and How Do They Relate to Social Security?
One reason people avoid using or claiming their disability benefits when they can no longer work is because they don’t understand how the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is funded. SSDI is not a “free ride” for individuals who use it. SSDI is a federal insurance program that you pay into over time along […]
How Does Social Security Determine Disability?
The topic of this blog post is by far one of the most frequent questions we get at Collins Price. The Social Security Administration uses a wide array of criteria and a multi-stage appeals process to determine if an individual qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The […]