Can I Receive Benefits While Waiting for a Disability Determination?
It usually takes five to seven months for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to decide whether to approve or deny an application for disability benefits. This can be a particularly long time for those who are struggling financially because they cannot work because of their disability. That is why the SSA offers temporary benefits for […]
Read MoreAssessing Social Security Disability Claims in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Disability Determination Bureau, which operates through the Department of Health Services, is the state agency responsible for making the initial decisions on disability claims. Those with enough work credits may qualify for SDDI while residents with little to no previous earnings may qualify for SSI if they have limited income and few assets. […]
Read MoreHow the SSA Blue Book is Used to Evaluate Impairments
Many people applying for Social Security Disability benefits are unaware of the criteria the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine whether a claimant has a disability. The SSA Blue Book has a listing of impairments that helps evaluators determine if an applicant’s condition qualifies for benefits. The Blue Book covers many of the most […]
Read MoreSubstance Abuse and Social Security Disability
Suffering from a medical condition can be physically, mentally and financially demanding, causing some individuals to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms and limitations. However, substance abuse may stand as a barrier between applicants being able to receive Social Security Disability benefits. Below, our attorneys at Sigman Janssen discuss how drug […]
Read MoreWill a Personal Injury Settlement Affect My Social Security Disability Benefits?
The short answer is it depends. If you are receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), these benefits generally will not be impacted by a personal injury settlement award, but there may be other things to consider. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your settlement may cause your benefits to decrease or stop altogether. […]
Read MoreCan I Test My Ability to Work While Receiving SSDI Benefits?
Some Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) recipients may be hesitant to return to work because they are not sure how it will affect their disability payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a trial work period, which is a period to test your ability to work and still be considered disabled. Below, the Green Bay […]
Read MoreWhat Should I Expect at a Disability Hearing to Appeal My Case?
If you were denied disability benefits and unable to get a claims examiner to reconsider your application, the second step of the appeals process is a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ will independently consider any new and existing evidence submitted and the testimony you provide at the hearing to make a […]
Read MoreWork Credits and Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Aside from meeting the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of a disability, you need to have worked long enough to have earned enough work credits to qualify for disability benefits. The number of work credits required varies by age. You must also have a certain amount of credits earned in the years before you became […]
Read MoreCan Your Income Affect Obtaining SSI Benefits?
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays monthly benefits to anyone who is disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. However, to be eligible for SSI, you must have limited income and few assets. This means that any additional income earned can affect the amount of benefits you may receive. Understanding what counts and does […]
Read MoreWhat Changes Are Coming to the Social Security Program in 2021?
Every year in the fall, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces its annual changes to the Social Security program, providing updates on income limits, benefit amounts and more for recipients. It is important to stay fully informed with Social Security’s changes in 2021 so you know what is expected to be paid and what it […]
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