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In Gutierrez v. Colvin, a Social Security Disability Insurance case from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, there was no question claimant could lift no more than five pounds.  She could also not lift her right arm above her shoulder, but her left arm was perfectly fine.

gavel211When she first applied for SSDI benefits, her application was denied. This is nothing out of the ordinary, as the vast majority of all applications are denied.  Once the U.S. Social Security Administration denied her application, she took her first step in the appeals process. Continue reading

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According to a recent article from GoUpstate.com, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are a lifeline to those who are too young to retire, but can no longer able to work due to an injury or illness. The article takes a look at what happens when you work for a living for many years and that hard work takes a real toll on your body and you can no longer work and earn an income.

948188_learning_with_pencilThere are some that suffer a muscle and skeletal breakdown for many years of working.  Others will become sick with an acute illness, such as cancer or organ failure, have a stroke, or be in a car accident.  While there are possibly lawsuits that can be filed and workers’ compensation, you may eventually be out of options and need help to make ends meet. Continue reading

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Most people do not think warmly of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  However, according to a recent news article from The Los Angeles Times, the IRS could take action that will instantly help approximately 387,000 disabled Americans who owe a great deal in student loan debt. These financial burdens are greatly exacerbated by the fact they are unable to work full-time.

pencil tipSen. Elizabeth Warren, (D-Mass.), has been urging the IRS to act by writing a strongly worded open letter to the tax-collecting agency. However, she argues that time to act may be up soon, since the GOP will control the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Oval Office, and they are less likely to help these people out.  Political views aside, the action she is asking the agency to take would affect anyone who has been determined to be completely and permanently disabled and has an income lower than the federal poverty guideline for an individual, if unmarried, or a family of two if married. Continue reading

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Since the surprise election of president-elect Donald Trump, many are not sure what it will mean for millions of Americans and how the U.S. will interact with the rest of the world moving forward.  Another uncertainty stems from the fact the president-elect has not said much about what he intends to do with the Social Security Old Age and Retirement program and the Social Security disability programs.

taxesAll programs are administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), and there are actually two disability programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.  The SSDI program is for people who worked and paid federal taxes and are said to have paid into the system, so they can apply for benefits when they become disabled.  The SSI program is for disabled children in low-income households and disabled and blind adults and the elderly who were never able to work due to their respective disabilities. Continue reading

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There are millions of Americans who rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits each month to make ends meet, since their respective disabilities prevent them for working, according to an adjudication from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA).  There are an estimated 11 million Americans currently receiving these benefits from SSA.

pencilWhile there is no question that these two Social Security disability programs are very important, and millions of people would be impoverished without them, there are those who believe that the disability programs are nothing more than entitlements for people to sit at home and collect a benefits check because they don’t want to work. Continue reading

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for running the Old Age and Retirement benefits program, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.  The Old Age and Retirement program is the benefits program that every working American will qualify for when they reach a certain age, so as long as they have worked enough years and paid enough taxes to have become eligible for benefits.  However, it should be noted that in an effort to stretch the budget and save money, Congress routinely increases the age at which someone will become eligible to receive these benefits.

cashThe Social Security Disability Insurance benefits program is for working Americans who have become disabled and can no longer work.  If they have worked enough years and have earned enough quarterly credits, they are said to have paid to into the system and can qualify for SSDI benefits. Continue reading

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Over the past few months, the Wisconsin Watchdog has been publishing a series on the many alleged problems at the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).  These problems came to light as a result of several whistleblower employees at SSA. The allegations mostly focus on the alleged misconduct of administrative law judges (ALJs) and the process by which SSA handles applications.

annual reportsThere have been allegations that one ALJ was acting in a discriminatory manner towards disabled claimants who were applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, and also harassing co-workers.  This particular judge has been relieved of all of his case responsibilities, but he is still at the agency and is getting paid his normal salary, according to reports.  However, at least one of the whistleblowers who reported this alleged misconduct has been disciplined. Continue reading

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There are two types of benefits for which one may be eligible to apply for from the Untied States Social Security Administration (SSA).  The most common program for which people apply is known as the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits program.  This program is for workers who become disabled and can no longer work.  If the workers were disabled as result of an on-the-job injury or illness, workers’ compensation might be the first place to turn, but this is something you can discuss with your disability benefits attorney.

taxesThe SSDI program requires claimants to have worked for a certain amount of time and in that time paid taxes.  When you pay federal taxes, some of that money is considered income tax and some of that money goes to the SSA.  The SSA runs the SSDI program, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, and the Old Age and Retirement Program.  While we often hear about budgetary shortages involving the disability programs, the retirement program is a far larger program than the disability program. Continue reading

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According to a recent press release from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have just launched a new program that is designed to get Veterans the VA and Social Security disability benefits they desperately need in a faster and more efficient manner than ever before.  This is likely an effort in response to the great deal of backlog and criticism facing both agencies that it is taking way too long for people to get approved for much needed disability benefits.

armyAs part of the joint initiative, both agencies will put medical records in a database that can be accessed by either agency.  The reason for this is because most disabled Veterans will first go to VA for benefits, and then once they have a determination, will go to the SSA for additional disability benefits.  However, when they apply for benefits at the SSA, they generally have to start from scratch and compile and submit their medical records again. Continue reading

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After a series of public missteps, the U.S. Social Security Administration is seeking to promote a more positive culture within – and undoubtedly a better public image. These offices, which are formally part of the agency’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), are located throughout the county to handle appeals of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits claims that are denied.

papersWhen you first file a claim for Social Security disability benefits, whether we are talking about SSI or SSDI benefits, you will file that application with you local SSA claims office.  Once your application has been received, a claims handler who will most likely reject the application will evaluate it. Continue reading

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Boston Office
1 International Pl Unit 1810
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 777-7777Fax: (617) 722-9999
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60 Court St
Taunton, MA 02780
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Quincy, MA 02171
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Worcester, MA 01609
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Disclaimer – The settlements above are only a sample of cases represented by our office. Each case is different and the amount of a potential resolution of your case will vary considerably depending on a substantial amount of factors. Some case results were worked in conjunction with partnering law firms.

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