Are you a disabled widow(er) or surviving divorced spouse? You may qualify as early as age 50 for SSDI benefits based on the earning records of your deceased spouse. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has special programs for widows and widowers, and surviving divorced spouses, who are disabled and who wish to qualify for SSDI […]
How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Back Pay?
For a lot of people who become too injured or ill to continue working, their Social Security Disability benefits can’t be paid out too soon. However, before they can receive benefits, their claim must be investigated and approved. The Social Security Administration has a huge backlog of cases to consider. Three to six months is […]
Brain Injury Awareness Month: Disability Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injuries
You might not know it, but March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of America, Brain Injury Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about the causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), how to prevent them and the challenges facing those who live with a brain injury. TBIs are head injuries […]
Do I Need to Worry About “Trick Questions” from the Social Security Disability Judge?
When a claim for Social Security disability benefits is denied, the applicant has a right to appeal that decision. The final stage of the appeals process is an administrative hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The judge’s final decision will be based on the medical evidence the applicant has submitted. It’s important […]
Social Security Disability-Step 1 Substantial Gainful Activity
Social Security Disability claims are evaluated using a Five-Step Sequential Evaluation process defined in the Code of Federal Regulations. In part 1 of our six-part blog series, we gave an overview of the Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process used by the Social Security Administration in determining eligibility for benefits under the Social Security Act. Today we review step 1 of the process – Substantial Gainful Activity.