When a person becomes disabled, financial trouble usually isn’t far behind. Even if you are eligible for Social Security disability income, it may take a long time to get approved, and then may not stretch as far as your income did before disability. Debt may accrue, and previous debts may take a backseat to immediate […]
Low Back Pain is a Leading Cause of Disability Worldwide
Across the globe, lower back pain is one of the most serious and prevalent musculoskeletal disorders according to a new international study that stresses the immense cost of chronic back pain. In the study, the researchers analyzed more than 300 conditions that constitute disability, and zeroed in on lower back pain. The researchers found that […]
Social Security Benefits Available to Wounded Warriors
Veterans and active duty military members who become disabled often believe the Veterans Administration is their only recourse for getting benefits, but that’s not always the case. Wounded Warriors may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, even if they are receiving VA disability. Qualifying for Social Security Disability To qualify for SSDI benefits, Houston Social […]
New Social Security Rules Will Expedite Veterans Disability Claims
The Houston Social Security lawyers at The Law Offices Of M. Stanley Whitehead are pleased to note that Social Security Administration announced a new initiative this week that will expedite disability claims for some veterans. The new process will classify veterans who have a disability compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) with the […]
Changes Underway for Social Security Disability
There are several changes underway in how the Social Security Administration determines eligibility for disability benefits. The Houston Social Security attorneys at The Law Offices Of M. Stanley Whitehead recognize these as significant for those who are currently and will in the future need benefits. Here are some of the key SSDI changes that are […]
Houston Social Security Lawyers: Benefits to Rise 1.5 Percent in 2014
More than 60 million people Social Security beneficiaries in the United States will see a 1.5 percent cost of living increase in their benefit amount starting in January. This includes recipients of Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). The Houston Social Security lawyers at The Law Offices Of M. Stanley Whitehead know that cost of living […]
Can I Get Workers’ Comp and Social Security Disability Benefits at the Same Time?
When a person suffers a work injury, filing a workers’ compensation claim is often among their first concerns. If that injury is so severe that they are no longer able to work, they may also need to pursue avenues for disability benefits. A common question that injured workers have is, “Can I get workers’ comp […]
Social Security Disability — How long does it take to get a decision?
The current average time to get a decision on a Social Security disability claim is 298 days. And in Texas an average of 37% of cases are approved. A Social Security Disability claim starts with an initial application. It takes approximately 3 to 5 months to get a decision on the initial application. If you […]
What is Social Security Disability?
The Social Security Disability program is made up of 2 different programs: SSI (Title XVI) and SSDI (DIB) (Title II). SSDI/DIB is similar to a long-term disability insurance policy. To qualify, you have to have worked for 20 of the last 40 quarters before becoming disabled. The amount of the monthly check that you will […]
Disability Benefits provide a Lifeline for the Disabled
Here is a thoughtful and accurate critique of last week’s NPR series about the Social Security Disability program. As I noted last week, the reporting did not accurately discuss some of the aspects of the Social Security Disability programs. This blog, posted by Diana Sorrento for the Utica Observer Dispatch, points out that the NPR series failed […]
