Social Security Disability Articles
Learn more about your rights and your options
by chwrintern4 | Jun 19, 2017
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness month, and it’s something we’re very aware of here at Summit Law Disability Group. We’ve had the opportunity to help many who experience PTSD, and we want to do our part to raise awareness about this debilitating disease and provide some ideas about we all can do to help those who are struggling. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are 3 things we can do this June to help raise PTSD awareness. #1 Learn about How PTSD Works Though we all probably have a vague knowledge of what PTSD is, most of us can not imagine what it feels like and how difficult it can make life. The least we can do is try to understand how PTSD works. Start by learning about some of the basics of PTSD, or even go to a free class sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. There is also a great website called AboutFace where veterans and psychologists talk about the trauma of PTSD and how they have received treatment. #2 Connect and Reach Out About PTSD Awareness If you have a loved one who experiences PTSD, the best thing you can do is become as educated as possible about the disease so that you can help. Outlined here are several resources that offer advice. Don’t try to do everything by yourself- there are places to turn for help. If you are worried that you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, take action. Learn where you can get help or what to...
by Jake Lee | May 23, 2017
Physical Activity After a Disability Suffering an injury can make physical activity difficult, especially if it’s a disabling injury that forces you to completely alter your lifestyle. While all circumstances are certainly not the same, some individuals who have suffered disabling injuries have sought fulfillment through sports, and have a achieved a great deal despite their disabilities. Here at Summit Law Disability Group, we strongly believe that life does not have to end after a disabling illness or injury. Through hard work, determination, and making the necessary adjustments, a great deal can still be accomplished. Below are a few stories about sports stars with disabilities who are excelling in their fields. Notable Sports Stars with Disabilities Wheelchair Tennis Player with Spina Bifida – Casey Ratzlaff The organization Disabled Sports USA profiled Casey on their website. He is a wheelchair tennis champion who lives with spina bifida. This disease causes a person’s vertebrae to not form properly around the spinal cord. The disease left Casey on crutches, but it did not stop him from athletic achievement. “I wasn’t very good. I could barely hit the ball with a racket,” Casey says in his profile on the website. “But once I hit the ball over, it started something for me. I wanted more.” Casey competed in Tokyo, Japan as part of the U.S. World Cup Team, who won the gold medal in a match against Chile. Mountain climber with Multiple Sclerosis – Lori Schneider Lori Schneider is an adventurous soul who discovered mountain climbing and never looked back. Everyday Health described her achievements along with other sports stars with disabilities in a recent article. Lori had been passionate about climbing...
by Jake Lee | May 18, 2017
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps people who are living with many different disabilities. Many of these are physical disabilities, but intellectual disabilities also often qualify. The disability claims process can be frustrating and complex, and one of the best things you can do for your case is hire a disability lawyer. If you need disability benefits, Summit Disability Law Group can help you win your claim. We will help you gather the right evidence and medical documents to build your strongest claim. We know that these benefits are extremely important, and will work our hardest to ensure that you get what you need. This post explains the details of intellectual disabilities and SSDI. Intellectual Disabilities and SSDI: Eligibility Requirements The Social Security Administration defines intellectual functioning as the general ability to learn, reason, solve problems, and plan. An intellectual disability affects a person’s ability to do these things. The SSA gives guidelines for how these conditions qualify for benefits. There are two sets of requirements that can be met in order to qualify. First set of qualifications Below-average intellectual functioning. A person must be unable to take standard tests of intellectual ability. Dependence on others for personal needs like eating, dressing, or bathing. Medical evidence that the condition began before age 22. Second set of qualifications The following scores on a standardized intelligence test: A full-scale IQ score of 70 or below. A full-scale IQ score of 71-75 with a verbal or performance IQ score of 70 or below. Extreme difficulties in one of the following areas. Or, significant difficulties in two of the areas. Understanding, remembering, or information Interacting with others Concentration...
by Jake Lee | May 12, 2017
If you are living with a disability, you may have heard about Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. SSDI helps disabled people who can no longer work and earn an income. These disability benefits can help you get by while living with a serious medical condition. In general, SSDI comes in the form of a monthly benefits check. However, it is important to know the different types of disability benefits that the Social Security Administration provides. The two major categories of assistance associated with SSDI are financial and medical benefits. The financial benefits provide much needed help with lost income and living expenses. The medical benefits can be extremely helpful in seeking proper treatment for your disability. Together, these benefits can relieve some of the stresses of coping with a disability. This post explores the disability benefits that you can get from the Social Security Administration. At Summit Disability Law Group, our disability lawyers are committed to helping disabled Utahns get the benefits they deserve. The SSDI application process can be complex and frustrating, but we know how to win your claim! If you need help at any point in the disability claims process, please contact us for a free consultation! Types of Disability Benefits: Financial and Medical The two major types of disability benefits are financial and medical. Financial benefits come mainly through monthly checks. Medical benefits come in the form of Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Cash Benefits The amount of cash benefits you can receive depends on your past income. As you work and earn money, you receive Social Security credits. The SSA uses these credits to decide if...
by Jake Lee | May 9, 2017
Cancer is a devastating disease that can affect many different areas of life. If you are living with cancer, you may be wondering what resources are available to you — especially if you can no longer work. If this is the case, Social Security disability benefits can help replace a portion of your lost income. At Summit Disability Law Group, we know how to help you win a Social Security disability case. We regularly help clients file successful claims for cancer disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates all types of cancer to determine if they qualify for disability benefits. Many people with cancer do end up receiving these benefits. If cancer is affecting your ability to work and earn money, we can help you build a successful case for Social Security disability benefits. This post breaks down the basics of disability benefits for cancer. Cancer Disability Benefits: What Will the SSA Consider? Disability cases are detailed, and the SSA will consider many aspects of your situation. An experienced disability lawyer can help you make sure that all of these details are covered in your application. The major aspects of your case, which carry the most weigh in the SSA’s decision, include the following. The form of cancer, and which parts of your body it affects. The severity of your cancer. How long and how often you have been receiving treatment. They will also consider how your body responds to this treatment. Any post-treatment residual effects. These are just the major general areas that the SSA will consider when reviewing your case. It is important to make sure your application...
by Jake Lee | Apr 28, 2017
Don’t be discouraged if the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied your disability claim. Most disability claims are initially denied. In order to win, you can hire an experienced Utah Social Security disability attorney to help you appeal the claim. Most applicants have to appeal their claim several times, but you have the right to ask SSA to take another look at your application. Look at the notice the SSA sent you. This notice should explain how and when to appeal their decision. Usually, you only have a limited amount of time to appeal your case after a denial. If you disagree with SSA’s decision and would like to appeal your claim, glance over this post. This blog post lays out some tips that can increase your chances of winning disability appeals and be awarded Social Security Disability Insurance and benefits. Disability Appeals Tips to Overcome a Denial Hire a Social Security disability attorney! At Summit Disability Law Group, we are here to help you understand and navigate the process every step of the way. We can help you with all the forms and paperwork, so that you feel confident and prepared for your appeal. Ask your physician if they will support your disability case. If they agree, your doctor must complete a Residual Functional Capacity form that explains your symptoms in detail. They must show how your condition impacts your ability to function. Submit the most recent updates of your medical records each time you apply and appeal. Work with the disability claims examiner in charge of your case. Respond quickly to their letters, instructions, or questions. Cooperating with your...
by Jake Lee | Apr 18, 2017
If you are starting a Social Security disability case, you may be nervous or uneasy about your chances for success. You may have heard some horror stories about the disability claims process. While it is true that the process can be frustrating, don’t be scared off by the rumors. At Summit Disability Law Group, we work hard to help disability claimants understand and win their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cases. This post identifies 5 common SSDI myths, and the truth behind them. 5 Common SSDI Myths — and the Facts Behind Them Below are some of the most common SSDI myths, and what you should really expect when filing a claim. Myth: Almost all claims get denied, so it’s not worth it to apply. Truth: While many claims are initially denied, that is no reason not to apply! A large number of cases are successful after appeals. We will work closely with you to make sure your case is as strong as possible at every step in the process. The Social Security Administration itself provides some helpful tips on filing a successful claim. There are many things you can do to improve your chances of success. Hiring an experienced disability lawyer is one of the best ways to help your case. We know the process inside and out and can help you get the benefits you deserve! Myth: My doctor’s medical opinion will be enough to win my case. Truth: Unfortunately, your personal doctor’s diagnosis is often not enough to convince the SSA that you are disabled. It is still important to provide the most accurate, up-to-date medical information, but the SSA may conduct its own...
by Jake Lee | Apr 13, 2017
If you are thinking about starting a claim for Social Security disability benefits, you may not know where to begin. The disability claims process can be complex and frustrating. The best thing you can do to help your case is hire an experienced disability lawyer. At Summit Disability Law Group, our lawyers regularly help disabled individuals win Social Security benefits. You can schedule a free disability case consultation with us so that we can discuss your situation and your chances for benefits. This post explains how our firm can help you win your case with minimal financial stress. Disability Case Resources We Offer To help you file a successful disability claim, we offer a number of disability case resources. You may be worried about the costs of hiring a lawyer, but these resources are designed to make it as affordable as possible for you. Free Disability Case Consultation A free consultation with one of our disability lawyers is the best first step towards a successful claim. During this consultation, we will discuss your situation and the potential of your case. We will plan with you how we can go forward with building you a successful disability claim. No Fee Guarantee To help reduce your financial stress during your case, we offer a “No Fee Guarantee.” This means that you will not pay us any legal fees unless we win your case. If your case is successful, you will owe us 25% of your past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $6,000. The Social Security Administration will send this amount directly to us, so you do not need to worry about paying us yourself....
by Jake Lee | Apr 10, 2017
If you are starting a Social Security disability case, or simply learning more about them, you may be wondering, “what are Social Security credits?” Social Security credits are used to determine if you have worked long enough to be eligible for benefits. If you do not have enough credits, you may not be eligible for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. However, you may still be eligible for other Social Security benefits. At Summit Disability Law Group, we know that the disability claims process can be confusing. So, this post outlines the basics of Social Security credits. How Do I Earn Social Security Credits? You earn credits based on your work and wages. You can earn up to 4 credits each year depending on your income. In 2017, you earn one credit for each $1,300 you earn by working. So, to get the maximum 4 credits, you need to earn at least $5,200 over the course of the year. How Many Social Security Credits Do I Need? The number of credits you need to qualify for benefits depends on your age. The general rule is 40 credits. However, this requirement can change depending on your age and how long you’ve worked. Are you under the age of 24? If you become disabled while under the age of 24, you can still qualify for disability benefits. You can qualify if you earned at least 6 Social Security credits in the three years before you became disabled. Are you between 24 and 31 years old? If you become disabled between the ages of 24 and 31, you can qualify for benefits, as...
by Jake Lee | Apr 6, 2017
In some situations, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may suspend your disability benefits. This suspension of disability benefits can seriously affect you and any dependents you may have. It will happen if the SSA believes that you are no longer disabled, or if they do not think you are communicating clearly. Your benefits can be reinstated, but it is often a frustrating process. At Summit Disability Law Group, our experienced lawyers are committed to helping disability claimants in Utah. If you are stuck in any part of the claims process, we can help you! This post explains the reasons why disability benefits can be suspended. What Causes Suspension of Disability Benefits? There are several reasons why the SSA may suspend your benefits. It often happens when they no longer believe you are disabled and need time to evaluate your case before paying you more benefits. However, lack of communication can also be a reason for a suspension of disability benefits. The following things can all cause you to temporarily (or permanently) lose benefits: The SSA receives new medical information showing that you are able to work. If they decide that payments should have stopped over 2 months ago, they will suspend your benefits. You are still working after completing a 9-month work trial. This trial must have ended at least two months ago. You initially received benefits for a condition that was expected to improve. Since then, you returned to work with no limitations. Again, you must have returned to work at least 2 months ago. These are some of the most common causes for a suspension of disability benefits. However, it can also...
