We’ll just get to the point: Yes, when applying for Social Security disability benefits, the judge matters. An administrative law judge (known as an “ALJ”) is empowered to rule on whether or not an individual qualifies for disability, in the event that individual is initially denied benefits and decides to...
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Social Security Disability
What Is a Social Security Disability Doctor? Qualifying for SSDI
If you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), there are two basic types of medical evidence SSA uses to help decide whether a person is “disabled.” The two types of medical evidence considered in Social Security Disability Insurance cases are: Treating Source Evidence Non-Treating Source Evidence Treating Source Evidence...
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Disability and Child Support: What You Need to Know
“How does disability affect child support payments?” This is a common question often asked of family and divorce lawyers and disability lawyers. The easiest answer is, it depends. If you are paying child support and you become disabled, you will still have to pay child support mandated by the courts....
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Will the Partial Government Shutdown Affect My Disability or Medicare Benefits?
The current “partial government shutdown” has many of our clients worried what this could mean for their Social Security Disability, SSI, Social Security Retirement, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits. The answer, fortunately, is “not that much.” A survey of recent media reporting on the topic leads us to believe that: First, benefits...
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Why You Shouldn’t Feel Ashamed About Needing Social Security Disability
Recently, The Washington Post published an article written by a man regarding the shame he felt from needing Social Security disability following a stroke. In the piece, the man discusses how he worked his whole life, including 20 years as a process operator for Exxon, before suffering an ischemic stroke....
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Can I Lose My Disability Benefits If I Have a Drug or Alcohol Abuse Problem?
Does having a drug or alcohol abuse problem impact a person’s ability to qualify for Social Security disability benefits? In most cases, yes. However, there are exceptions. Around 20 years ago, Congress put in place provisions that enable Disability and Determination Services to deny Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and...
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