I’m Returning to School: Will It Hurt My Disability Benefit Claim?
Read Time: 4 Minutes School looks like work in many respects. The ability to sit in class, sustain attention, concentrate, focus, and persist on-task are all aptitudes required of most occupations. From the Social Security Administration’s perspective: if you can pay attention in class and receive a passing grade, then why can’t you do something […]
Will Assistive Devices (Like Canes & Wheelchairs) Help My Disability Case?
From wheelchairs to hearing aids, assistive devices can be an invaluable asset in the fight for disability benefits. But what can you do if your application is denied? Let’s explore how assistive devices can help you prove your case and get the help you need. Was The Assistive Device Prescribed? The SSA has very clear […]
TOP 4 REASONS the SSA Will Deny Your Disability Claim
Read Time: 5 Minutes As a disability representative, I’ve seen a lot of shocking and unpredictable reasons why a claim might be denied. But I’ve also seen THOUSANDS of preventable mistakes. In particular, there are four major problems that come up time and time again. Let’s dig in so we can get YOUR application off […]
Handicap Permits – Do They Improve Your Chances for Disability Benefits?
Read Time: 4 Minutes As Social Security investigates your potential disability, they will be looking for any clues that hint of inconsistency in your incapacity level. Even small details, like whether or not you own a handicap permit, can have an effect on the outcome of your claim. Furthermore, they’ll also be inquiring into how […]
What is “Long COVID” and Could You Earn Disability Benefits?
The COVID-19 pandemic has reached nearly every corner of the world, and its effects on our daily lives have been far-reaching. While it may feel like the journey is coming to an end for most of us, many individuals are still dealing with the long-term impacts of this virus. Of the American adults who have […]
How to Document PTSD Symptoms to Earn Disability Benefits
Did you know that PTSD was originally referred to as “shell shock” during World War I, and “combat fatigue” during World War II? Over the years, we’ve come to understand that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder isn’t exclusive to war or combat, but is rather a health condition triggered by a traumatic event – either experiencing or […]
Getting Approved: It’s Not the Luck of the Irish, & It’s No Pot of Gold
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, I’m reminded of the many disability applicants who are convinced that good fortune alone will get their claim approved. It’s simply not the case. Years ago, I met a doctor who joked that disability determinations were made by tossing a coin down a set of stairs and seeing which way […]
What to Do if Your Disability Status is Being Audited
Tax season strikes fear in many of us. We can be as organized and ready as ever, but the lurking fear of filing incorrectly always lingers in the back of our minds. The same concept applies when we consider filing for disability. Think of it like a health examination from the IRS; Social Security will […]
How to Get an Emotional Support Animal & Their Affects on Your Disability Claim
Time to Read: 3 Minutes It’s important to note that an emotional support animal is not the same as a service animal and is not protected by the ADA. A service animal is a pet that is specially trained to perform a task to assist someone with a disability. Often, these tasks are physical in […]
5 FREE Resources for People with Disabilities
Time to Read: 4 minutes There are many assistance programs for people struggling with a disability–especially if your health has made an impact on your income or ability to work. Examples of resources include food pantries, public housing, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and even businesses in your local area. Additionally, here are five […]