Daniel's blog

Understanding Long-Term Disability Insurance vs. Social Security Disability

Submitted by Daniel on Fri, 02/21/2020 - 10:39

If you become unable to work because of an accident or because of medical conditions, there is help available. You probably know that there are different programs that offer benefits, but you may not be aware of the differences or how they work. In short, there are long term disability benefits as well as Social Security disability benefits. You may be able to collect long term disability and Social Security disability at the same time.

Which Medical Records are Best for Winning My Claim?

Submitted by Daniel on Wed, 08/15/2018 - 16:28

Anyone who has applied for Social Security Disability benefits understands that medical records play a crucial role in the decision that is made by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Without the right medical evidence you have no way of proving the extent of your disability, and therefore have no way to support your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.

The Role Your Doctor Plays in Your Application for Social Security Disability Benefits Daniel Fri, 08/03/2018 - 04:47

Most people understand that medical records play an important role in someone's ability to obtain Social Security Disability benefits. However, the role a doctor plays in a patient's ability to obtain disability benefits from the Social Security Administration is often overlooked.

Exactly what role does your doctor play in your ability to receive disability benefits and how can you ensure that your treating physicians provide the Social Security Administration with the documentation and statements needed to support your disability claim?

What is a Medical Report? Daniel Fri, 08/03/2018 - 04:28

A medical report is a comprehensive report that covers a person’s clinical history. A medical report is a vital piece of evidence that can validate and support your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.

Ideally, your medical report should be completed by a doctor or medical professional who is familiar with your condition and who has treated you for a significant period of time.

Medical Records Needed When Applying For SSD Benefits Daniel Sat, 07/28/2018 - 03:27

An important aspect of applying for disability benefits is collecting and submitting medical documentation to support your claim. This medical documentation validates your application and proves to the Social Security Administration that you are, in fact, disabled.

Because this is such an important part of the application process, you should work with your medical professional (i.e. physician, psychiatrist, therapist, etc.) to prepare these supporting documents before you even begin the initial application.

What Questions Will the ALJ Ask During your Disability Hearing? Daniel Fri, 07/27/2018 - 02:02

Many look forward to their Social Security Disability hearing with a mixture of anticipation and dread. After all, you have waited months, or possibly even years, for this date to arrive.

You are finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and may begin receiving Social Security Disability benefits within a matter of months. The question is, what should you expect at your disability hearing? How can you prepare yourself?

Most importantly, what questions will the administrative law judge who is overseeing your hearing ask you during the hearing process?

Increased Unemployment Rate Jeopardizes Longevity of Disability Program

Submitted by Daniel on Mon, 10/19/2015 - 12:47

Beginning in December 2007, the United States suffered an economic downturn considered to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. During this time period, layoffs increased at an alarming rate. In the fourth quarter of 2007 there were 5.7 million layoffs. By the first quarter of 2009, that number had quickly grown to 7.6 million—a 34% increase. The unemployment rate grew from 5.0% in December, 2007 to 9.5% by the end of the recession in June 2009.

Will inheritance affect my Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments?

Submitted by Daniel on Fri, 12/20/2013 - 12:52

Continued eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits is dependent on many different factors. These include your ability to work, your living situation, and any income and resources you have earned. However, the two disability benefit programs—SSI and SSDI—vary. What may disqualify an SSI recipient may not disqualify and SSDI recipient.

Short Term Disability Vs. Social Security Disability Benefits

Submitted by Daniel on Tue, 12/17/2013 - 14:23

Read more about Short Term Disability Vs. Social Security Disability BenefitsDaniel's Blog8 commentsAdd new comment

As you may have noticed, we have been using our most recent blog posts to address questions that we receive about disability benefits. The question that we will be answering today involves short-term disability benefits—something that we get asked about all the time.

As always, if you have a question that you’d like us to answer, leave it in the comment section below. Today’s blog question is:

I have private, long-term disability insurance. Will this help me get approved for Social Security Disability benefits?

Submitted by Daniel on Mon, 12/09/2013 - 16:34

Read more about I have private, long-term disability insurance. Will this help me get approved for Social Security Disability benefits?Daniel's Blog18 commentsAdd new comment

In addition to the federal disability benefit programs—SSDI and SSI—there are many smaller programs that offer financial assistance to individuals who have disabilities. These can come in the form of state-wide programs, charities, and insurance programs. But how do these impact your eligibility for federal disability benefits? A recent visitor to our interactive disability forum, asked the following question

Subscribe to Daniel's blog