Articles Posted in Social Security Disability Insurance

The application process for Social Security Disability can be long and frustrating. While the majority of applicants are denied on their first attempt, many will also go through months or even years of hearings and appeals just to get the benefits to which they are entitled. According to recent reports, the Social Security Administration (SSA), approved nearly $400 billion in benefits. Many critics allege that these federal judges “rubber-stamped” the claims without review. In a process that is riddled with delays and complications, many individuals who were previously denied finally found relief.

In a report that analyzed how administrative law judges approve disability claims, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform accused some of the judges of approving benefits too quickly. In these cases, the judges approved benefits claims more than 75% of the time. While some critics argue that the practice was wasteful, many of these individuals were in genuine need of disability funds. Our Boston SSDI attorneys are experienced in representing individuals suffering from disability or illness and in need of benefits. We are abreast of developments that impact the rights and interests of these applicants.
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It is widely known that Social Security Disability benefits are often denied upon first application. This can be a frustrating reality for individuals who are unable to work and who need benefits to make ends meet. According to data provided by the Social Security Administration, the approval rate for those seeking benefits has dropped to a five-year low. Records indicate that only 48% of individuals who applied for SSDI benefits were approved at the hearing level. Only 33% of applicants were approved with their initial application.

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a critical benefits program available to individuals who suffer from disabilities or illness that render them unable to work. In some cases, claimants can have their applications fast-tracked, especially if they meet certain requirements and if their condition is on the “compassionate allowances” list. Our Boston SSDI attorneys understand the complexity of filing claims. We are highly experienced in providing appropriate documentation, seeking medical support, and ensuring that applications are complete and processed in a timely manner. Those who need financial support should consult with an experienced advocate to help navigate the SSDI benefits process.
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Many people do not purchase disability insurance. Disability insurance is a type of insurance policy that would provide you with income if you become sick or injured and you cannot work either temporarily or permanently. If you do not have disability insurance and you become unable to work, your only option may be to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) income.

Unfortunately, SSD benefits can be hard to qualify for, and it is often necessary to seek assistance with your application from a Boston disability lawyer. The SSA has a strict definition of disabled and those with short-term conditions are out-of-luck when it comes to getting disability income. For all of these reasons, it is important that you have your own private disability insurance policy so you will be taken care of in the event that a tragedy occurs and you are no longer able to work.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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