Struggling with your Social Security Disability application? Discover the pros and cons of the four main application methods to find the best fit for you. From in-person appointments to online forms, understand the pitfalls and advantages of each. Learn why choosing the right method can make all the difference in your application’s success. Watch our detailed guide now and turn your application process from daunting to doable!   Navigating the application process for Social Security Disability benefits can be daunting. There are four main methods to apply, each with its pros and cons. 1 ..read more

Are you gearing up for a Social Security disability hearing and feeling unsure about what to expect? Don’t fret! We’ve compiled a concise guide packed with expert strategies to help you navigate the process with confidence and secure the outcome you deserve. Check out this short video to learn more.   If you’re preparing for a Social Security hearing, it’s crucial to understand the proper etiquette and strategies to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. Here are some key tips to keep in mind: Respect the proceedings. Social Security hearings are formal proceedings presided over ..read more

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, applicants must have worked long enough to reach insured status with the Social Security Administration (SSA). To reach this status, you must have worked long enough during your career to contribute a certain amount to the Social Security system through taxes deducted from your paychecks. The SSA uses a system of work credits” to determine whether you have obtained this minimum level of contribution and whether you qualify for SSD. What are work credits? The SSA decides whether you have worked long enough to qualify for SS ..read more

Are you or someone you know navigating the challenges of diabetes and curious about Social Security Disability benefits? Today, we’ll go over the intricacies of securing disability benefits for diabetes. Discover the essential details, including how diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy play a pivotal role in the evaluation process. Gain insights into the functional limitations that matter most. For a comprehensive guide on unlocking the SSD benefits you deserve, watch this short video.   Diabetes is now considered under listing 9.0 for endocrine disorders. What’s important t ..read more

The decision to move an aging or disabled loved one into one of Illinois’ 1,200 nursing homes is a difficult one that raises many questions. Can we afford it? Will they be happy? And most importantly, will they be well cared for? The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act was enacted to protect Illinois’ more than 100,000 nursing home residents from negligence and abuse. Despite the law, the Illinois Department of Aging’s Adult Protective Services Division received 20,567 reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of people aged 60 and older during fiscal year 2021. And those are o ..read more

Social Security Disability (SSD) considers degenerative disc disease, or DDD, to be a disabling condition eligible for benefits. Though it is included under section 1.04 of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) list of disabling conditions as a spinal disorder, it is not actually a disease. Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which a damaged disc causes pain, numbness or tingling in arms and legs, or muscle weakness. The pain can vary depending on the patient’s position (i.e., sitting versus standing versus lying down); activity type and level (i.e., som ..read more

Does Social Security deny disability benefits to save government money? Some people have this belief that the Social Security Administration may, at times, prioritize cost-saving over ensuring that those in need receive the benefits they deserve. What’s the truth about this, and how does the government actually decide disability benefit claims? To learn the answer to these questions, watch this short video.   On the surface, the Social Security Administration isn’t supposed to deny benefits solely to cut government costs. They should base their decisions on whether an individual meets th ..read more

Are you feeling anxious about your upcoming consultative evaluation? Let us guide you through expert tips to ease your worries and maximize your chances of success. From listing your medical history to navigating assistive devices and handling unforeseen challenges, our advice is your key to confidence. Discover why immediate medical attention is critical and how proper documentation can make or break your case. To learn how to prepare for your consultative exam, watch this short video. How to prepare for Social Security Disability doctor examination Here is how to prepare for a SSDI doctor e ..read more

If you or a loved one has been injured by someone else’s negligence, you may have considered filing a lawsuit to be compensated for those injuries. You may have also wondered if you need an attorney to file a personal injury claim. The short answer is no. Illinois allows plaintiffs (the person filing the lawsuit) to represent themselves pro se, which means you act as the attorney. But just because you can file a personal injury claim without an attorney doesn’t mean that you should. Personal injury lawsuits are often lengthy, time-consuming, and involve complex medical evidence. And though the ..read more

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans under age 44, according to the CDC. Motor vehicle accidents are the second highest cause of those injuries, just behind unintentional poisoning (e.g., drug overdose), which overtook it in the past decade. People injured in motor vehicle crashes can suffer debilitating, lifelong injuries or worse, death. These injuries affect both the victim and their families.   Illinois Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics The Illinois Department of Transportation (DOT) collects and analyzes data on motor vehicle crashes statewide. The data is ..read more