Category Archives: Definitions

Definitions of common terms in Social Security cases.

How long do I have to appeal my Social Security disability denial?

If your Social Security disability case has been denied. You need to know how long you have to file your appeal. You only have so much time before your deadline. If you miss that window of opportunity, you may be … Continue reading

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What exactly are Social Security disability benefits?

If you are like most people, you probably have never had to think about what you would do if you became disabled. What would you do if you suddenly could not work? How would you pay your rent or mortgage? … Continue reading

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What’s new in Social Security in 2010?

The Social Security Red Book page has a nice summary of the the changes in the Social Security system in 2010: We increased the Substantial Gainful Activity SGA amount for individuals with disabilities, other than blindness, from $980 to $1000 … Continue reading

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Can a 18 year old full time student still get Social Security child’s benefits?

I was recently asked if Social Security child’s benefits continue for a full time student who is 18 or over. At first blush, the regulations seem to suggest it might be possible. 20 CFR 404.350 “Who is entitled to child’s … Continue reading

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Can adopted children receive Social Security benefits because of parent’s disability?

Children can get Social Security benefits if they have a parent who is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI). 20 CFR 404.350 is the regulation dealing with who is entitled to Social Security child’s benefits. Generally, the child has to … Continue reading

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What are Social Security auxiliary benefits

When a disabled individual receives Social Security disability insurance benefits (also known as DIB, SSDI or Title 2 benefits), their spouse or minor children may also be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. These benefits paid to the spouse or … Continue reading

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Special Social Security disability rules for “the worn out worker”

Did you know that Social Security has a special disability benefit rule just for individuals who did not complete high school and who have done hard physical work for most of their lives? Maine and New Hampshire Social Security Attorney … Continue reading

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What does Social Security mean by sedentary, light, medium, and heavy work?

Social Security classifies work into different exertional levels. You might have heard that somebody was denied  because he was still able to do “light work.” Does  light work in the Social Security case mean the same thing as light work an … Continue reading

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What is a “closed period of disability” in a Social Security case

What happens to your Social Security case if your condition improves and you can go back to work? If your disability meets the “durational requirement,” you may still qualify for a closed period of disability and still be entitled to Social Security … Continue reading

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I earn too much for Social Security disability benefits, what can I do?

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits you have to show that your disability prevents you from being able to work. In Social Security’s words, you have to show that you are unable to engage in a substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA translates … Continue reading

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Fleeing felon definition changed due to class action suit

I previously wrote about how Social Security stops benefits for fleeing felons. However, there has been considerable litigation across the country regarding what constitutes a “fleeing felon.” Social Security changed its definition of “fleeing” due to a settlement in the … Continue reading

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Is sheltered work or subsidized work a substantial gainful activity (SGA)?

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits you have to show that your disabilities prevent you from being able to work. In general, you have to show that you are unable to perform a substantial gainful activity (SGA). However, there are exceptions to this general rule, … Continue reading

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Is SGA too complicated?

Even if you know the definition of a substantial gainful activity (SGA), could you apply it? Can you be sure that the last job you tried before you applied for Social Security disability benefits was SGA? Charles Hall proposes that substantial gainful activity … Continue reading

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Will I get Medicare or Medicaid with Social Security?

If you are wondering whether you will get Medicare or Medicaid with Social Security, it all depends on the type of Social Security you receive. Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) comes with Medicare. Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) comes … Continue reading

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24 month waiting period for Medicare

If you win your claim for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), you are also eligible to receive Medicare benefits. But, you don’t get Medicaid right away, with some exceptions, you have to be “in pay status” for 24 months before … Continue reading

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