Social Security is trying to reduce the barriers and ensure fair treatment of the LGBTQ+ community by updating some of their procedures. One major change is that people will soon be able to “self-select their sex” as noted in their Social Security records. People who choose to update their sex Read more…
Social Security has just announced a “new – and faster” way for you to request your Social Security card. You’ll start by filling out an application online. Then, either complete that application online or bring it with you to complete at your local SSA office. Visit this Social Security page Read more…
Question: After my disability application was denied, I filed my Request for Reconsideration appeal online. What should I expect next? Answer: Nice job appealing online! Next, you will get a letter from Social Security that confirms they received your Request for Reconsideration appeal. If you do not hear anything from Read more…
Social Security recognizes same-sex couples’ marriages in all states, and some non-marital legal relationships (such as some civil unions and domestic partnerships). This is important in determining if you are entitled to certain Social Security and Medicare benefits, and to calculate payment amounts for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They also Read more…
Question: My application for SSDI or SSI disability benefits was denied. What do I do now? Answer: Your choices now are to 1) appeal, 2) re-apply, or 3) give up. (HINT: we advise most claimants to APPEAL.) When these reasons are given for denying a claim, consider appealing: Based on Read more…
If there is a CDI report in your Social Security Disability file, then I have some bad news. You were reported to the Social Security Administration for possible fraudulent statements in connection with your disability claim or some other fraudulent activities. Social Security ordered an investigation from the Cooperative Disability Read more…
Some important changes are coming to Social Security and the way they deal with fraud allegations. I am not an alarmist, but these changes could prove to be devastating to a lot of folks. The good news is SSA will probably stop some acts of fraud. The bad news is Read more…
No one actually WANTS to talk to a lawyer. I promise, your lawyer and their staff are not just bugging you because they have nothing better to do. If you’ve hired an attorney to help, let them do their job. If you feel like your disability lawyer or their staff Read more…
Question: Is there any way to speed up this process? Is my case an “exception?” Answer: Maybe. Nearly everyone who applies for disability is in a very difficult financial and/or medical situation. Therefore, Social Security only expedites the process for those who are in truly dire situations. If one of Read more…
Question: How long does it take to get an answer about my disability claim? Answer: Well, it depends on where your case is. Each stage of the process has a different expected time frame. Here is what we expect to see in our area of the country: Application: When you Read more…