Executive Summary: The SSA requires "objective evidence" to approve disability claims—things like MRIs, X-rays, clinical findings, and consistent doctor notes. Just telling them about your pain or mental health symptoms usually isn’t enough. This blog explains what counts as objective evidence, how to gather it, and why it’s a critical part of your case. You’ve probably heard that the Social Security Administration Read More

Executive Summary: Winning a disability case doesn’t mean immediate payment. Delays of 90 to 180 days are common, and sometimes longer. This blog explains the typical post-approval process, clears up common myths, and shares steps you can take if your payment is delayed. Winning your Social Security Disability case should feel like crossing the finish line. But many people are surprised to learn that even after Read More

Executive Summary: While stories of fraud in government programs make headlines, Social Security Disability fraud is rare and highly prosecuted. The SSDI system has strong safeguards in place. Most people applying for benefits have serious health conditions and have paid into the system for years. The real challenge isn’t fraud. It’s getting deserving people the benefits they’ve earned. You’ve probably seen the Read More

Executive Summary: ALJ hearings are private meetings where you, the judge, and other professionals discuss your SSDI case. Expect questions about daily activities, limits, and your ability to work. A vocational expert may weigh in on job options. Most hearings are now done by phone, and decisions typically come within 1–3 months. Honest answers and preparation are key to success. If your Social Security Disability Read More

Executive Summary: SSDI cases often get closed due to missed deadlines, unreturned forms, or unanswered calls. SSA will usually allow some flexibility on deadlines, but ignoring requests entirely can result in the termination of your case. Stay organized, return forms quickly, keep your phone open for calls, and update your contact info. Timing matters as much as medical records in getting approved for disability Read More

  Executive Summary: Having a 100% VA disability rating does not automatically qualify you for SSDI. Social Security looks at how your condition affects your ability to work, not just your diagnosis. While SSA must consider your VA rating (per the Bird case), it still makes its own decision. A 100% P&T rating may speed up your claim, but strong, functional medical evidence, especially from non-VA doctors, is key Read More

We recently heard rumors about changes to Social Security rules that you should be aware of.  According to several sources, the Social Security Agency has been discussing plans to revise the grid rules that many people over the age of 50 have relied on since 1980. Keep in mind that these rule changes have not gone into effect yet. These grid rules help people who are over 50 get disability benefits.   If you are 50 Read More

We have recently heard that Social Security plans to modernize the occupational data they've relied on for decades. In my opinion, that's great news!    Over my career, I've heard vocational experts cite obsolete jobs such as Addresser, Document Preparer, Surveillance System Monitor, and Telephone Quotation Clerk. For example, an addresser is described as a person that "addresses by hand or typewriter, envelopes, Read More

One of the first questions people ask when they apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is, “How long is this going to take?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, you can get a fairly accurate idea based on current averages, your state, and the current stage of your application process. The SSDI Process: Step by Step There are several stages to an SSDI case: Initial Read More

Starting your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application is a big step. It can feel like a lot, especially when you’re already dealing with health issues. But getting your application right from the beginning can save you time, stress, and trouble later on. One of the biggest problems we see is when people start their application, then stop partway through or rush to fill in the blanks without providing Read More