The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law enacted to protect an individual from pension and insurance fraud. Its rules apply to almost all employee group short term and long term disability policies. Among other things, ERISA gives a policyholder the right to appeal an insurance company’s decision to deny […]
Macular Degeneration and Social Security Disability Benefits
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of central vision loss in older Americans. Currently, an estimated 11 million people in the U.S. are affected. This is more than those affect by cataracts and glaucoma combined. February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to share information about this disease and help understand its impact […]
Private versus Group Disability Denials: What You Need To Know
People purchase disability insurance to provide supplemental income in the event that they become too ill or injured to work. There are two types of long-term disability insurance policies: group and private. Group disability insurance policies are purchased by employees as part of a “group” insurance plan provided by their employers. Private disability policies are […]
The Importance of Medical Records in Social Security Disability Claims
The first thing I ask a potential client is: are you being treated for your medical condition? I am always surprised by the number of people who say “no.” Many of them have valid reasons — no insurance, can’t afford to get medical care. However, medical records in Social Security disability claims are what help […]
Ringing in the New Year: 2020 Changes in Social Security Benefits
Every new year brings changes in Social Security benefits, and 2020 is no different. There are changes in the amount of benefits being paid as well as the requirements to qualify for benefits. These changes can have a big impact on people who are already receiving Social Security benefits, as well as those who expect […]
What Social Security Disability Beneficiaries Should Know About Taxes
It’s a common misconception among Social Security Disability beneficiaries that the income you receive isn’t subject to taxation. Even though your income is from the federal government, it still may be considered taxable income. Here is what Houston residents should know about Social Security disability and taxes. Withholding Allowed When you work a regular W-2 […]
Diabetes Awareness Month Shines Attention on Those with Diabetes-Related Disabilities
Did you know that people who are unable to work due to diabetes-related health problems may qualify for Social Security disability benefits? That’s one of the reasons why November is Diabetes Awareness Month: to educate the public on ways to prevent and control the disease, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, resources for those […]
Social Security Disability Benefits and Alzheimer’s
November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to help spread the word about a disease that affects an estimated 5.8 million Americans. Is Alzheimer’s a Normal Part of Aging? The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) notes that this disease is NOT a normal part of the aging process. It is a progressive, degenerative brain […]
Qualifying for Breast Cancer Disability Benefits
It’s estimated there will 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in 2019. Worse, it’s estimated that 41,760 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S. this year. How many of these deaths could have been prevented through early detection and treatment? That’s one of the reasons to support National Breast Cancer Awareness […]
Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment Could Cost You Disability Benefits
If you are filing a claim for long-term disability benefits, always follow your doctor’s instructions and review your disability policy. You may lose your disability benefits if it can be determined that you failed to follow prescribed treatments. Don’t let this happen to you. Insurance companies like to use failure to follow prescribed treatment as […]
