Blog posts

Each year, a quarter of a million women worldwide are diagnosed with ovarian cancer — and each year, 140,000 women die from the disease. All women, regardless of race, economic status, location or health, are at risk for developing ovarian cancer.

However, with regular check-ups and knowledge of warning signs, ovarian cancer can be caught and stopped early on. This September, inform your-self and your loved ones about ovarian cancer and spread to word to help find a cure.

Many people wonder what happens to their Social Security Disability benefits when they reach retirement age. Do they stop receiving disability benefits? Do disability benefits continue? Are they converted to Social Security Retirement benefits?

How severe does my hearing loss have to be to get disability benefits?

For millions of Americans, Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) provides relief to those suffering from debilitating impairments. However intimidating the process may be, those with disabilities should always see if their impairments qualify them to receive benefits.

Social Security has benefitted millions of disabled Americans to date. For those suffering from debilitating illnesses such as cancer, Social Security can be an irreplaceable asset. But how can you tell if your cancer qualifies you for disability insurance?

Social Security’s Blue Book

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates all illnesses based on their “Blue Book”. This book is a collection of every disability the SSA recognizes as severe enough to qualify for benefits.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) can affect anyone. It is the leading genetic cause of death in children under 2 years old and affects up to 1 in every 6,000 people. And yet, many have never even heard of this disease.

August is SMA Awareness Month. To do your part, continue below to learn about SMA and how you can make a difference for those affected.

What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

SMA is a genetic disease that affects the nervous system, specifically the parts of the body that control voluntary movement.

Social Security has benefitted hundreds of millions of Americans since its start in 1935. From retirees to those suffering from debilitating disabilities, Social Security provides monthly funds to ensure as many people as possible have sufficient means to live. For many Americans, however, there is great worry about the future of the Social Security program.

Will there be any changes in the SSDI/SSI benefits program in the future?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a safety net for disabled workers and their families. These benefits offer financial support to help cover everyday living expenses and other costs when you’re unable to work due to severe physical and/or mental limitations.

Although SSDI can be a significant sum, it may or may not provide you the same amount of income each month to which you’ve been accustomed. It really depends on how much you earned when you were able to work prior to becoming disabled.

When you’re out of work with a serious medical condition, it can be difficult to know just how to proceed. Disability benefits are one option and provide qualified workers and their families a level of financial security, even when income from employment is limited or nonexistent. Another option, dependent upon your specific circumstances, is to apply for unemployment benefits instead and decide later whether your disability is so severe that it will stop you from finding a new job.

SSA Benefits and Length of Disability

Disability benefits provide essential support for disabled individuals and often their immediate family members or dependents. These benefits can actually come in two forms: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

For SSI, a personal interview with an Social Security Administration (SSA) representative is a standard part of the process, but applying in person for SSDI can potentially increase your chances of approval, or at least decrease the chances of unnecessary delays with your claim.

Disability benefits offer monthly support to qualified individuals and often to their dependents as well. These benefits may not equal previous employment income, but they can certainly alleviate many financial concerns, like how you’ll make the rent, pay for utilities, or cover other bills.

Although many disabled workers meet the requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your age and work history may prevent you from qualifying. If this is case, you’ll need to understand why you were denied and what you may be able to do about finding the support you need.