Category Archives: Basics

Basic information about Social Security claims

How much will the expenses be in a Social Security disability case?

Since attorneys fees are set (and have to be approved by) Social Security, the bigger question in a Social Security disability case is the amount of the expenses. Since expenses are different in each case, clients often wonder how much … Continue reading

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How to describe pain in a Social Security disability case?

Even though you live with your pain every day, the Social Security technician or the disability examiner doesn’t know what you are going through, and they won’t know, unless you can tell them. You may feel like yelling, You don’t know … Continue reading

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Social Security parent’s benefits

If your spouse dies leaving you to take care of his or her children under the age of 16, you may be entitled to Mother’s and Father’s benefits (commonly called parent’s benefits) under Social Security. These are separate from the … Continue reading

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Should I talk to my doctor before applying for Social Security disability benefits?

If you have a long-standing history with your doctor, it is often a good idea to speak with your doctor early on during the Social Security disability application process. Here are some things you should discuss: Let your doctor know … Continue reading

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Premature and low birth weight babies may qualify for Social Security disability benefits

Under Social Security regulations low birth weight babies may qualify for Social Security disability (Supplemental Security Income – SSI) benefits. It is important to note that Social Security does not specifically consider whether the child is premature or not. Social … Continue reading

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Can Social Security immediately pay disability benefits to children?

Yes. Under some circumstances, Social Security can immediately start Social Security disability benefits, and continue to pay benefits for up to six months, while the state agency component of Social Security makes a formal decision of whether the child is … Continue reading

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Are Social Security disability benefits taxable?

People often ask, “Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits?” Here is the answer directly from Social Security: Some people who get Social Security will have to pay taxes on their benefits. Less than one-third of our … Continue reading

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Getting your prior Social Security files

If you are looking at your Social Security exhibit file and you notice that all the exhibits are numbered with a letter in front, such as “B1A, B2A, B1B, B2B,” etc, this means that you are looking at the “B” … 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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Obama calls for $250 payments to seniors – Yahoo! News

Remember the earlier post about the 2 year freeze (2010 & 2011) on cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security beneficiaries and how it would result in a net decrease in benefits because while benefits may stay the same, Medicare premiums are … Continue reading

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You can now report your wages to Social Security by telephone

Terry Petterson of DisablogND recently posted about changes in the Social Security rules which now let you report earnings to SSA by telephone: Beneficiaries, deemors and representative payees reporting a change in wages can report their monthly wages to SSA … Continue reading

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Social Security disability benefits and borderline age cases

My previous article discussed how Social Security makes it easier for people over 50 years old to receive disability benefits, even if they can still perform some kind of work. I am 49 years old! I am about to turn … Continue reading

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Guest post on Bob Kraft’s P.I.S.S.D. website

As part of my series on how to prove you are disabled and eligible for Social Security disability benefits, my latest article, “Winning Social Security Disability Benefits After Age 50” is now on Dallas Texas Social Security disability attorney Bob … Continue reading

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More information about Impairment Related Work Expenses IRWEs!

As discussed previously, impairment related work expenses (IRWEs for short — pronounced “Eer-whee’s”) are a way of reducing an individual’s earnings below the substantial gainful activity threshold, and thereby preserve eligibility for disability benefits. Social Security has a great chart … Continue reading

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Getting Social Security disability benefits before you turn 50

If you are between 18 years old and 50 years old, you are in the most difficult age range to get Social Security benefits. Before you turn 18, Social Security uses the “child” standard for disability evaluations. After you turn … Continue reading

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