If you have applied for disability benefits and are experiencing delays in a decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you’re not alone. Social Security wait times have increased over the past several years and have doubled since 2016. The total average processing time for 2024 so far is 225 days, compared to 110 days in 2016. This sharp increase in wait time affects everyone who applies for benefits, devastating families across the country, with 10,000 claimants dying as their applications are still processing. What is causing these significant delays, and what can you do as an ..read more

When you reach retirement age, your Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits will typically convert to Social Security retirement benefits without any additional application required. The amount you receive may stay the same, although it could be recalculated based on your work history and earnings leading up to retirement age. Additionally, while there are set limits to how much income you can earn on disability benefits, those limits are lifted once you retire. You may be able to increase your monthly income by working a part-time job without jeopardizing your benefits. The age at which you ..read more

Aging is an inevitable part of life, and as loved ones grow older, providing them with the proper support becomes essential. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers a comprehensive approach to healthcare and support services for seniors who wish to stay at home while having the option to receive the specialized care and assistance they need. What is PACE?  PACE is an initiative designed to address the complex healthcare needs of seniors who require assistance with daily activities. It is paid through Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds. The program emphasizes a h ..read more

An interview is a crucial step in your disability benefits application.  This interview is typically conducted by a Social Security Administration (SSA) representative to gather information about your medical condition, work history, and other relevant details. The Social Security Disability interview should be approached carefully, with the guidance of an experienced disability lawyer to present the strongest case to the SSA. Here are some general guidelines on what you should and shouldn’t do during a disability interview for your best chance at approval. What You Should Do: Prepare fo ..read more

As inflation continues to hike up the prices of consumer goods and living expenses in the U.S., the SSA makes sure its 71 million beneficiaries can still support themselves and their families with the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This is when the SSA increases checks by a certain percentage to ensure the purchasing power of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Recently, the SSA announced a COLA of 3.2% for 2024. This comes after a 5.9% COLA for 2022 and a record-high increase of 8.7% for 2023. If you are applying for or already receivi ..read more

When you’ve become disabled and need help, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers numerous programs to provide assistance for yourself and your household. Unfortunately, many myths and false claims could steer an applicant in the wrong direction. Before you file your claim, here’s what you need to know: The Truth About Social Security Disability Myths: You must be disabled for at least one year before you apply for disability benefits. False. If you’ve been disabled for a few months, but your doctor expects it to last for at least a year, you can be eligible for benefits and should a ..read more

Turning 50 is a tremendous milestone for anyone. However, people collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) may wonder what this means for their benefits. While the rules for SSD technically do not change when the beneficiary turns 50, here are five ways the SSA considers age and could work in your favor. 1. Age Categories: The SSA considers different age categories when evaluating disability claims, such as work history, transferable skills, and the ability to adjust to new types of work. These rules may be more lenient for people over 50. 2. Medical-Vocational Guidelines (Grid Rul ..read more

The Social Security Disability claims process can often be a lengthy process of trial and error. Fortunately, once approved for benefits, you could be eligible for retroactive benefits, also known as backpay.   Could I Get SSD Backpay? Once approved, backpay covers the period between the disability onset date and the application date – when you would be eligible for benefits. Your disability backpay is calculated by determining the monthly benefit during this retroactive period and subtracting any other income received. Usually, backpay is paid in a lump sum. However, larger amounts may b ..read more

Losing a spouse is a difficult and emotional time in anyone’s life. Along with the grieving process, there are also financial considerations to consider. One of these considerations may be Social Security disability benefits. Can a widower collect their spouse’s Social Security disability benefits?   Widows May Be Eligible for Spouse’s Benefits Under Certain Conditions According to the SSA, a widower may be eligible for their deceased spouse’s benefits based on their work record if they are at least 50 years old and meet specific other criteria. The widower also must have been married to ..read more

Suppose you were approved by the SSA for disability benefits and begin collecting your monthly payments. In that case, you must expect routine Continuing Disability Reviews, or CDRs, for the SSA to ensure you’re still eligible.  Receiving notice that the SSA will conduct a CDR for the first time could be nerve-wracking, and it could feel like your benefits may be ending. Fortunately, you can rest assured that your benefits are likely not going anywhere. In fact, 90% of beneficiaries who receive a CDR are approved for continued benefits. However, knowing what to expect from a CDR and the i ..read more