Articles Posted in Social Security Disability Insurance

Disabled individuals in the United States face many challenges including unemployment rates higher than the average as well as a medical care system that can be difficult to navigate. Unfortunately, another problem that the disabled face is that there are only limited benefits programs available to provide income. Those who are disabled and who cannot work can qualify for assistance only if they have a long-term disabling condition that will last a year and that meets specific requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration.

The SSA administers two programs that cater to the disabled: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Both are very difficult to qualify for and you will likely need the assistance of a Boston Social Security Disability attorney if you wish to make a benefits claim. The SSD system not only denies more than 50 percent of applicants, but it is also underfunded and faced with myriad additional problems as well. Recently, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) published an in-depth article pointing out some of the many problems that plague the Social Security system.
Continue reading

A growing number of those diagnosed with severe debilitating conditions can now seek an expedited approval process for benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance program.

Among the new listed conditions granted approval for the bureaucratic fast-track:

• Angiosarcoma
• Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor
• Chronic Idiopathic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction
• Coffin-Lowry Syndrome
• Ethesioneuroblastoma
• Gian Axonal Neuropathy
• Hoyeaal-Hreidarsson Syndrome
• Joubert Syndrome
• Lipsarcoma (those with recurrent or metastatic)
• Malignant Ectomesenchymoma
• Prostate Cancer (Hormone Refractory Disease or with visceral metastases).

The announcement of this expansion is great news for those with these conditions. It means they and their families will be able to secure benefits within a matter of days or weeks, rather than months or years.

However, most would be best served by the aid of an experienced Boston SSDI attorney to help guide them through the process. (Even those with the listed conditions can benefit from having legal representation, as there are still a significant number of claims that are turned down and require additional work.)
Continue reading

Individuals who suffer from disability may have difficulty accessing proper nutrition and medical care. In addition to the inherent complications of having a disability, this could make individuals with disability more susceptible to disease and other healthcare problems. According to a recent report, Massachusetts residents with disabilities suffer more health conditions than those without disabilities. The report found both physical and mental health conditions are worse for those in the disabled community because they don’t have access to medical care to suit their needs.

The disabled community has a more difficult time because of physical or mental impairments and in seeking necessary care and benefits. Transportation, employment, healthcare, and other necessities that we take for granted maybe out of reach or simply more complicated to access for those with illness or disability. Our Boston SSDI attorneys understand the hardships faced by individuals in the disability community as well as their loved ones. We are committed to helping the disabled recover necessary benefits. We are also abreast of disability research and are committed to raising awareness to improve health and living conditions for the disabled community.
Continue reading

The Compassionate Allowances List streamlines the application process for individuals who suffer from debilitating or life-threatening diseases. The Social Security Administration has recently announced that prostate cancer, a common cancer among males, has been added to the Compassionate Allowances List. Prostate cancer patients and their loved ones should know that applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be completed through an easier and faster process.

A cancer diagnosis can leave any family feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the future. How will you pay for treatment? How will your family be able to cope without an income? Our Boston Social Security Disability benefits attorneys understand the stresses faced by cancer patients and their families. Our priority is to help you get the benefits you need so that you and your family can focus on recovery. Prostate cancer is a condition that the government recognizes as life-altering and potentially
life-threatening, affording victims the right to streamline the application process.
Continue reading

The Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 raised worldwide awareness for individuals who have suffered from an amputation as a result of trauma or a disease. This has led to increased research and development in the area of prosthetics. In addition to specific attention paid to cases of amputation, the Boston Marathon, in general, has historically been an event that has raised awareness for disabled athletes in Boston, nationally, and in the international community.

According to an ESPN report, it has been 40 years since the first wheelchair competitor crossed the finish line. Since then, the race has been a meeting point of accomplishment for thousands of athletes who suffer from amputation, spinal cord injuries, hearing loss, or visual impairments. Our SSDI attorneys in Boston are advocates for individuals who live with disability. While we applaud the efforts of all athletes, we also acknowledge the hardships, financial and otherwise that can impact the disabled and their families. Our priority is to help individuals with disabilities recover the financial support and compensation they need through the Social Security Disability Insurance program.
Continue reading

Disability services vary by community, city and state. While national attention is paid to the overall effectiveness and support of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, there are other operations at a local and state level that may be beneficial to individuals with physical, intellectual developmental disabilities. According to a recent analysis of disability services throughout the 50 states, Massachusetts ranks in the top 10.

Services for the disabled may include access to support networks, promoting independence and productivity, ensuring quality and safe lifestyles for individuals with disabilities, and protecting the well-being of individuals and families. Our Boston SSDI attorneys are dedicated to helping individuals collect their rightful disability coverage in the event of illness, disease, an accident, or other form of disability. We understand the struggles faced by disabled persons and their families and will pursue every available option to ensure the collection of timely benefits.
Continue reading

In addition to having to reintegrate after deployment, many veterans will return with catastrophic injuries, including amputation, paralysis, burns, and other disabilities. For some, the damage will be psychological, resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Social Security Administration (SSA) has created an expedited process to help veterans recover benefits quickly and effectively. In addition to proving benefits to veterans who have suffered a physical injury, the SSA has also begun providing compensation to victims PTSD sufferers. The benefits may be necessary for individuals who have recently served in Iraq or Afghanistan as well as for those who served in Desert Storm or Vietnam.

Any physical or psychological disability that renders a patient unable to work may result in benefits eligibility. Our Boston SSDI attorneys know that these cases are complicated and every beneficiary faces unique challenges. We make it our priority to help recover benefits for our clients in a timely and effective manner. When you or someone you love is in need of financial compensation after a disability, illness, or accident, it is important to consult with an experienced advocate as soon as possible to ensure your access to benefits.
Continue reading

In February of 2013, Congress introduced the ABLE act. ABLE stands for The Achieve a Better Life Experience Act. The Act had more than 400 co-sponsors in the House and the Senate, and disability advocates spoke out in favor of it. Unfortunately, the Congressional session ended last year before the bill could be considered.

Disability advocates are now urging Congress to act this year and move forward with the legislation. According to CNN, more than 230,000 people have signed a petition urging Congress to take action. The bill was also discussed at an annual event at Capitol Hill hosted by the National Down Syndrome Society. If passed, the bill would make it possible for people receiving disability benefits to save money and attain more financial security without putting their disability benefits at risk.
Continue reading