On July 10, 2018, the White House signed an Executive Order that gives agency heads greater discretion over the selection of administrative law judges. The United States federal government employs 2,000 judges, with the largest number serving in the Social Security Administration as the judiciary for benefit claims. This, in effect, overturns the Administrative Procedure Act (1946), which set up…
In Georgia, there are various programs that help people living in poverty. These programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Head Start, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). SNAP is a program that provides low-income households with food stamps to help pay for the cost of food. In order to be eligible for SNAP in Georgia, you must be a…
A common question I get each while talking to prospective clients is whether a person can keep working while applying for disability. Frequently, callers are baffled when I advise that “no, you cannot work and simultaneously apply for disability.” Also, I do not accept prospective clients that are still working. First, let’s define “work.” Social Security defines work as “substantial…
Stroke treatments in the future could be significantly better than they are now, thanks to research that has found a new way to safely remove clots in patients. Doctors currently treat stroke by using an infusion which removes the blood clots by dissolving them. However, patients who are given this treatment stand a risk of swelling in the brain and…
You don’t have to be a US citizen to be eligible for and receive Social Security disability benefits. Even non-US citizens may qualify for benefits. If you are a permanent resident, but a non-citizen, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, because you have paid taxes into the Social Security system for the minimum number of years required…
The Social Security hearing is one of the most critical stages in the processing of a claim for beneifts. In many cases, the disability hearing is conducted in person. In some cases however, individuals may choose a video hearing. A video disability hearing differs from an in-person one in that these hearings are conducted via video conference. That means that…
The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes it possible for persons with hearing loss to qualify for benefits. However, the level of hearing loss must be severe or profound. Mild or moderate hearing loss typically does not qualify for benefits. If your hearing loss has not resulted in you getting a cochlear implant, you must undergo either an audiometry test or…
Medicare is a federally funded program that provides medical care to senior citizens 65+ years old. Medicare is also available to disability beneficiaries who receive Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) through Social Security. Senior citizens are always guaranteed to be covered, but Medicare isn’t entirely free–patients are often required to pay part of their medical costs. Since Medicare is run by…
A person may be eligible for more than one federal benefit program. Under the Social Security disability program however, your benefits may be impacted if you receive other types of government payments. For instance, if you are currently eligible for and receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you may find a reduction in Social Security disability benefits that are provided to you.…
Simply stated, you should file a claim for disability benefits as quickly as possible. It is important to keep in mind that the actual process of approving your claim may take many months because of either backlog at the Social Security Administration or other factors beyond your control. Also remember that if your claim is denied – and many claims…