When applying for Social Security disability benefits, administrators reviewing your claim will take multiple variables into consideration. One of those variables is called Substantial Gainful Activity. What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and how does it impact your Social Security disability benefits claim? Substantial Gainful Activity – SGA Substantial Gainful Activity is defined as any […]
Social Security Disability Attorney versus Non-Attorney SSDI Advocate
If you are one of the many applicants whose claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits was denied, don’t give up hope; many initial applications for SSDI benefits are denied, often because the applicant failed to supply the necessary evidence to back up their claim. A good way to be successful with your appeal […]
5 Levels of Exertion – How The SSA Classifies Work
When evaluating a disability claim, the Social Security Administration will look at your ability to perform different types of work. For example, a claim may be denied because the applicant is found to be able to do “light work.” What does this mean? The SSA classifies work by 5 different levels of exertion – sedentary, […]
A Glossary of Social Security Disability Benefits Terms
Unless you’re an experienced Houston Social Security disability lawyer, you probably aren’t too familiar with the unique terminology used by the Social Security Administration. To help our clients understand the language of the SSA, here’s a short glossary of common terms they’ll hear during the SSDI benefits application and appeal process: A Administrative Law Judge […]
Big Changes in 2018 for SSDI Beneficiaries
The Houston Social Security disability benefits lawyers at the Law Offices of M. Stanley Whitehead are dedicated to helping our clients better understand the SSDI process and keeping them informed of any changes in the program that could affect their benefits. 2018 is just around the corner, and it’s bringing some changes for SSDI beneficiaries: […]
What Happens to a Social Security Disability Claim If the Claimant Dies Before a Decision Is Reached?
The process to get approved for Social Security disability benefits in Houston is a long and complicated process. It’s estimated that over a million Americans are waiting for a decision to see if they qualify for Social Security disability benefits at any given time, with the average wait time being 2 years. Unfortunately, for some […]
Truckers Social Security Disability
The trucking industry is a huge part of the U.S. economy. Approximately 71% of all freight is still carried by big rigs — nearly 11 billion tons of freight in 2017 alone. That same year, about 7.7 million people were employed in jobs related to the trucking industry, with 3.5 million of those being employed […]
Social Security Disability Benefits Could Be Cut 19% Next Year
Social Security disability recipients could face an automatic 19 percent reduction in benefits unless Congress acts quickly to replenish the system’s trust fund, according to the trustees that oversee both Social Security and Medicaid. The trustees said the fund that provides these benefits is expected to run out of money by late 2016. When that […]
How Are SSDI And SSI Different?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two programs offered by the Social Security Administration that offer cash benefits to those who are disabled. The key difference in the SSDI and SSI programs are the qualifications required to be approved. SSDI Benefits Social Security Disability Insurance is a cash benefit available […]
Scientists Use Stem Cells to Treat Paralysis
A team of scientists recently reported success in using stem cells to treat paralysis caused by spinal cord damage. According to the researchers, they were able to use the stem cells that were derived from skin to regenerate nerve connections and induce movement in rats with spinal cord injuries. The results of the study were published […]
