Blog posts

Financial Resources You Might Not Be Aware of if You Qualify for SSD

Submitted by rsg on

If you qualify for SSD benefits you may be eligible for the discounted Amazon Prime membership. If you are receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are given the option to use the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system which allows CalFresh, CalWORKs, and other program recipients to use a card, which works like a debit card, to buy food and get cash benefits. 

What Does a Fully Favorable Decision Mean in a Disability Benefits Claim?

Submitted by Elizabeth on

For people suffering from a disability which prevents them from participating in gainful employment, any sort of waiting period to hear about a decision from the SSA regarding a disability benefits application can be stressful and frustrating from a financial standpoint. Once the application has been reviewed, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may make a ‘fully favorable decision’ on your benefits application. A ‘fully favorable decision’ is the most reassuring and encouraging outcome possible.

How Does the SSA Decide if You’re Still Eligible for Disability?

Submitted by Elizabeth on

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will do a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). This process determines if an individual's impairment(s) has improved since the most recent favorable determination. It will determine if the person can perform any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). 

What Does SSDI Stand For?

Submitted by pec on

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program in the United States offering financial support to those whose disabilities prevent them from working and earning incomes. This overview will explain in greater detail what SSDI is, how to determine if you may be eligible for SSDI, and what the application process involves.

What Is SSDI?

SSDI is available to someone who can’t earn a living because of their disability. 

Do I Need a Doctor’s Note to Apply For Disability Benefits?

Submitted by pec on

Although you do not need a note from a doctor, you will need to have been accessing medical help such as medical treatment from a doctor to prove you qualify for disability benefits. Most claims are denied due to a lack of medical evidence that proves your medical condition prevents you from working in any capacity for the next 12 months. This includes the results of medical tests which are conducted and analyzed by a medical professional.

What Happens After You Get Your Award Letter from Social Security?

Submitted by Elizabeth on

After you receive an award letter for disability benefits, your online account will tell you the decision as well. Usually, the letter will tell you the condition(s) you were approved for, as well as the frequency with which you can expect medical reviews of your disability to take place. The letter should also inform you of your established onset date. This is the date that the Social Security Administration (SSA) determined you became disabled. This date might or might not be the same as you thought you became disabled.  

What Can I Spend My SSDI Payments On?

Submitted by Elizabeth on

Disability benefits should be used for daily necessities rather than luxury items. This means you should use it for food, clothes, essential transportation, and necessary recreational activities. However, they should not be used for gambling on the horses or excessive amounts of alcohol or expensive meals in a restaurant. You should put some thought into how to best use your disability benefits before you find yourself in a situation where your pockets are empty because you haven’t used the money wisely. 

How Much SSDI Can a Veteran Receive?

Submitted by Elizabeth on

Veterans who are eligible for both VA benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can receive both types of payments independently of each other. Whatever the VA benefits a veteran receives does not have any impact on the amount of SSDI benefits possible for them. The SSA calculates the amount of benefits it pays to SSDI recipients on a complex formula that takes into account work history, the severity of the disability, regional cost of living and other factors.

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!