A Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) hearing is your one chance to make your case for benefits directly before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who has the power to approve your claim – so you need to walk into that hearing prepared. While ALJs are free to...
Social Security Disability
Can you get SSD with an invisible disability?
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are a lifeline for people who develop some kind of disability that keeps them from working – but are all disabilities treated equally? An invisible disability is one where the sufferer has a physical, mental or cognitive...
What’s a treatment gap in an SSD claim?
You can’t claim Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits unless you can demonstrate that your disability is severe and pervasive – and not abated by treatment. That makes sense. After all, if people were permitted to obtain SSD benefits for conditions they could...
What is the Compassionate Allowances Program?
The Compassionate Allowances program is a crucial component of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) efforts. It's designed to expedite the process for individuals with specific severe medical conditions who are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance...
SSD claims: What is the definition of a disability?
It’s essential to understand how the law defines a disability before applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Not every condition qualifies as a disability, and your SSD application could be unsuccessful for not meeting this threshold. Your condition...
3 things to remember about SSDI consultative exams
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will use your medical records to make a decision on your claim. Unfortunately, not all medical records have enough information in them to make the...
Can migraines be disabling?
If you’ve ever had a true migraine, you already know that it’s more than just a severe headache. Many migraineurs find their conditions to be profoundly disabling. But do migraines qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? Intensity, frequency...
Could mesothelioma be defined as a disability?
Individuals who are considering filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits are often curious about whether or not their condition actually “counts” as a disability. They may be able to see very clearly the way that it impacts their daily life. But they may...
When could broken bones qualify for SSDI?
Generally speaking, you can’t get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for a broken bone – or even several broken bones. This fact comes as an unpleasant surprise to a lot of people who find themselves temporarily unable to work (or even take care of...
Can you refuse treatment and still get SSDI?
To obtain Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits, you generally have to show not only that you have a condition that qualifies as disabling under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) rules, but that you’ve done your best to get better. That makes...