Elizabeth's blog

Can I Get Access to Government Programs on Social Security Disability?

Submitted by Elizabeth on

Are you struggling to make ends meet even though you’re getting Social Security disability benefits? If you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits you may be eligible for other government assistance programs as well. Oftentimes, people who are awarded Social Security disability benefits can use their application for disability benefits as an application for other government programs as well.

What is an ‘Acceptable Medical Source’?

Submitted by Elizabeth on

Medical evidence plays a critical role in an application for disability benefits. When evaluating whether an applicant is eligible for benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will account for whether the evidence an applicant has provided comes from their list of Acceptable Medical Sources (AMS). This guide explains what an AMS is, whether the SSA will accept evidence that comes from a source other than an AMS, and why including medical evidence with your disability claim is vital. 

How Veterans Can Qualify For SSD at the Same Time As Receiving VA Disability

Submitted by Elizabeth on

It’s a myth that veterans who are receiving VA disability pay can’t receive Social Security disability benefits, or that a veteran must choose between VA disability and Social Security disability benefits. Veterans can receive both VA and Social Security disability benefits, and there are nearly one million veterans that do.  

Can I Represent Myself At A Disability Hearing?

Submitted by Elizabeth on

When seeking Social Security disability benefits, you may need to participate in a disability hearing. You technically have the right to represent yourself when doing so. 

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean this is the best option. As this overview will explain, although it’s possible to represent yourself in these circumstances, you may benefit from hiring a disability lawyer who offers disability representation services. 

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 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.

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