By Marc Whitehead | Board Certified Social Security Disability Attorney | May 2026 May is National Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on the millions of Americans living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions that profoundly affect their ability to work and live normal lives. What many …
Category: Social Security Disability
How Long Does It Take to Get SSD Benefits?
If a serious medical condition has forced you to stop working, you’re likely to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. One pressing question you have is, how long does it take to get SSD benefits? It’s a good question to ask. Every day counts when your income has stopped, and your bills haven’t. The …
Disability Do’s and Don’ts: What You Need to Know Before Filing for Social Security Disability
By Marc Whitehead, Board Certified Social Security Disability Attorney Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits — and the majority of them are turned away. According to the Social Security Administration’s own data, approximately 62 percent of all initial SSDI applications were denied in fiscal year 2024. More …
Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable? What Disability and Retirement Recipients Need to Know Before April 15th
Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable? What Disability and Retirement Recipients Need to Know Before April 15th By Marc Whitehead, Federal Disability Attorney With the April 15th tax filing deadline approaching, one of the most common questions I hear from Social Security recipients is a simple one: Do I owe federal income tax on my …
What Is the Wait Time for SSD Decisions?
If you’ve filed a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim, you’ve probably wondered, “How long will it take to get a decision?” While there’s no exact timeline for every case, understanding typical wait times can help set realistic expectations. Initial Applications For first-time SSD claims in Texas, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that the average …
Social Security Disability (SSD) Eligibility Guidelines
When a serious health condition prevents you from working, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can provide crucial financial support. Qualifying for these benefits requires meeting specific criteria established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This comprehensive guide will help you understand the eligibility guidelines for Social Security Disability programs and determine whether you might qualify …
Lady Bird Deed: Protect Your Home and Benefits.
For many people who receive Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability, or retirement benefits, the family home is their most valuable asset, and often the most emotionally important one. As clients get older, questions naturally arise about what happens to the home if long-term care is needed, or how to pass it on to children without …
The Role of Age in Social Security Disability Decisions: Grid Rules Explained Simply
When you apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, your age can play a major role in whether your claim is approved. This surprises many people — but for older workers, it can actually work in their favor. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that as we age, it becomes more difficult to adapt to …
Social Security and Mental Health: What Types of Evidence Help Most?
When you’re living with a mental health condition that makes it difficult, or impossible, to work, applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming. Unlike many physical disabilities, mental health conditions aren’t always visible. That’s why the Social Security Administration (SSA) relies heavily on solid medical and non-medical evidence to understand how your symptoms …
SSA Sets the 2026 COLA Increase at 2.8% for Benefit Payments
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for Social Security benefit recipients will be 2.8%. This yearly adjustment helps beneficiaries keep pace with inflation and rising living costs. The announcement, delayed 10 days due to the government shutdown, is based on third-quarter data from the Consumer Price Index, …