Advocacy-Insights
What are Non-Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability Benefits?
One of our claimants—let’s call her Kathleen – was confused and concerned when she got a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that stated she had met the medical requirements for disability benefits, but the non-medical requirements of her claim still needed to be reviewed before a decision could be made. SSA asked her [...]
Read moreInjured Carpenter Qualifies for Disability Benefits – A Lesson on Vocational Grids
Pete was a carpenter by trade but one day he fell on his back. He didn’t recover well…his doctor told him he could never go back to carpentry work and advised Pete to apply for …
Read moreCan I Apply for and Win Social Security Disability Benefits While Collecting Unemployment?
My answer to this question is yes, you can. However, it is complicated. You’re implying you’re ready, able and willing to work…but you’re disabled and can’t work…
Read moreSocial Security Disability Fraud and the Next Door Neighbor Syndrome
“My neighbor got disability benefits really fast and there’s nothing really wrong with him. How come he got approved and I didn’t?” I hear this complaint from people often…
Read moreDisability Advocates Save Time for Their Claimants by Accessing SSA Files Online
There is no doubt that we all feel frustrated with how long it takes the Social Security Administration to make decisions on disability cases. But, I do have something positive to report…
Read moreOur Customers Deserve Our Attention – Hiring More to Give More
At Freedom Disability, we want our Advocates to give our customers a lot of personal attention. They deserve it. And so, we are hiring more Advocates to…
Read moreSocial Security Proposes Legislation to Stop the Furloughing of State Disability Employees
Back in April I wrote a post about my opinions concerning the practice of furloughing disability state employees. I am pleased to learn that SSA is proposing legislation to end this practice…
Read moreLesson Learned – We Must Clearly Communicate with Our Claimants at All Times
We strive to be responsive to the needs of our customers. But, sometimes, things fall through the cracks, as it did for one of our claimants…
Read moreWhen Should I Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits?
Whenever I’m asked this question I say, if you have a medical condition that is severe enough to prevent you from working, then you should apply right away…
Read moreYour Disability Cash Benefit is Tied to Your Annual Social Security Earnings Statement. Is it Correct?
Do you keep your Social Security earnings statements? As someone who used to work for the Social Security Administration (SSA) for many years, I know how important it is to review my statement…
Read moreNADR Helps Train Social Security Disability Advocates
As an accredited non-attorney disability advocate since 2007, I’m required to earn continuing education credits to maintain my professional status. I earn some of those credits at NADR…
Read moreThe Wait for Disability Benefits
Applying for Social Security disability benefits is a complex process and it’s long. Unfortunately there is no magic potion to make SSA move any faster…
Read moreYour Medical History is Critical to Your Disability Claim – Tell Your Doctor
I cannot stress enough how important it is to put aside that natural tendency to minimize your medical problems when you visit your doctor…
Read moreState Furloughs of Disability State Employees is Just Wrong
To me it doesn’t make sense to include employees of a state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) in this furloughing practice. That’s because…
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