If you suffer from a debilitating medical condition that renders it impossible for you to work, then you’re probably struggling to get by. That can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed about the future. The Social Security Disability system might give you hope, though. If you can secure disability benefits, then you can receive the consistent financial support that you need as you focus on treating your condition and perhaps someday getting back to work. But building your Social Security Disability case isn’t going to be easy. In fact, a lot of initial claims are denied for various reaso ..read more

For those that have not heard of private long-term disability insurance, it serves as a vital safeguard for individuals in New Jersey facing incapacitation due to severe illness or injury. This insurance provides financial support by replacing a portion of the individual’s income during their recovery period. Purpose of LTD insurance The primary aim of private LTD insurance is to ensure financial stability for individuals unable to work due to disability or injury that occurs at work or otherwise. It covers living expenses, medical bills and helps maintain the injured or disabled person’s stan ..read more

When Congress passed the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974, better known as ERISA, lawmakers intended to set certain minimum standards for private employer-provided health and retirement benefits programs. Today, half a century later, ERISA covers more than 60% of workers who have private health care coverage. In keeping with that goal, the text of the law makes clear that the federal ERISA preempts any conflicting state laws covering the same subject matter. In other words, if courts find ERISA conflicts with a state law, ERISA takes priority. When ERISA doesn’t preempt state law Gener ..read more

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition often characterized by sudden and sometimes severe shifts in an individual’s mood, energy, and activity. Sufferers of this condition often find themselves having to deal with extreme depressive states that leave them feeling hopeless and joyless, even when participating in activities that they usually love, and they can also experience heightened irritability. These swings can make it nearly impossible to live a normal life, including holding a job. This, in turn, can create extensive financial hardship. Fortunately, if you suffer from bipolar diso ..read more

No one ever expects to become disabled. But it can happen without any notice, and if you’re not prepared, you can face significant financial struggles. That’s why many New Jersey residents turn to private long-term disability and ERISA plans for coverage. These policies can pay out disability benefits that provide you with an income replacement option when you’re no longer able to financially care for yourself. But recovering the benefits you deserve isn’t as easy as it may seem. Even if your disability is obvious and you think it’s clear that you should be paid the benefits you seek, your cla ..read more

Many New Jersey residents count on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to provide income when they are unable to work for a long period of time. Learning you have been denied SSDI benefits can be a crushing blow, but you have a right to appeal the decision. After you file your appeal, you will be scheduled for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The idea of attending a hearing and presenting your case can be overwhelming and intimidating. You may have no idea what to expect or how to present your evidence. Fortunately, properly preparing your evidence for your hearing c ..read more

Social Security Disability Insurance covers many different types of mental illnesses. These illnesses are generally referred to as Mental Disorders. They are separated into 11 categories, each of which has its own criteria for an award of benefits. The space limitations of this blog prevent a complete listing or discussion of each different category. Some of the more common disorders include neurocognitive disorders; schizophrenia; depressive, bipolar and related disorders; and anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The regulations issued by the Social Security Administration include deta ..read more

If you need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. You must have paid Social Security taxes through your employer and must be unable to work because of a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Impairments and benefit denial Your eligibility for benefits will depend on your individual circumstances, however there are examples of impairments that may qualify for SSDI. These include back injuries, joint problems, amputations and heart failure or chronic heart disease. You may qual ..read more

When workers reach retirement age, they should be able to depend on their employer-provided retirement plans. They need to know that the money they put into the system is all there, and that it has been properly managed over the years. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, is a federal law that aims to give workers this kind of security by placing certain requirements on privately-managed employee retirement plans. However, the system doesn’t always work smoothly. ERISA doesn’t cover every kind of plan, nor every kind of employee. Complex lawsuit An ongoing court case illustra ..read more

Following a work-related injury or illness, many workers turn to disability benefits to help them on their path to recovery. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is often the main source of this crucial support. However, it’s not always smooth sailing, and there are instances where the SSA may deny a claim outright. It’s important to note that this initial denial is not the end of the road. As a worker, you can challenge this decision and appeal for reconsideration. Denial due to medical reasons When the SSA denies your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim for medical reasons ..read more