Everyday People Matter
On June 17, 2019, the Social Security Administration (SSA) swore in Andrew Saul as Commissioner of Social Security, beginning a six-year term. He is the first Commissioner since Michael Astrue resigned in February 2013. The Senate confirmed his appointment in a vote on June 4 by a 77-16 vote, with 7 Senators not voting. All the votes against his appointment…
The percentage of women receiving disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program has increased significantly over the past few decades. While the gap between the genders in terms of eligibility for Social Security disability benefits has narrowed, the gap in the amount of benefits received has remained consistently wide. First of all, it is important to remember…
Thanks to a recently passed law, the U.S. government will have to address the issues facing those with disabilities when hurricanes, fires, and disaster strike. President Trump signed the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act on June 24. As part of this law, an Advisory Council will be created, which will include members with disabilities, as well as…
Women are likely to be at risk for a variety of health conditions, especially as they get older. Fortunately, many conditions that are often faced by women are now covered by benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. For instance, cervical and ovarian cancer often require patients to seek disability benefits as the disease progresses and makes it impossible…
The number of women who are protected by and qualify for Social Security disability benefits has increased significantly over the past few years. However, a recent and strong work record is very important for women who wish to qualify for disability benefits. The increase in female Social Security disability beneficiaries is linked to the increase in the number of women joining…
The best gift you can give your child after your love and care is financial security and a safety net that will help him in the case of an unforeseen situation later in life. When you are applying for your child’s birth certificate, remember to apply for a Social Security card at the same time. You can also apply at…
Many students with intellectual disabilities never make it to college. However, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency is trying to change this issue. This year, Georgia Tech introduced its EXCEL (Expanding Career, Education and Leadership Opportunities) four-year program. In its first year, this program had seven students with intellectual disabilities, who have birth defects or traumatic brain injuries. These students received…
According to a new study, arthritis-related disabilities may begin before the person even receives a diagnosis of arthritis. This finding makes it even more imperative that you get joint pain and other symptoms checked out by a doctor as soon as they appear. According to the results of a new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, functional disabilities or disabling…
For close to 7 decades, mental health organizations across the United States have commemorated the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to decreasing the stigma associated with mental conditions and spreading awareness about the need for treatment for persons suffering from these disorders. It is important for family members and caregivers of persons with…
Lupus patients who suffered from bad childhoods marked by abuse or neglect are likely to suffer higher disease activity, compared to patients who had normal childhoods. According to a new study, persons who suffered abuse, neglect and other challenging situations in their childhood were more likely to suffer worse symptoms of lupus. In fact, patients who reported as many as…