Most people prefer to work for a living, even when they have earned Social Security benefits. Work is a big part of life. It contributes greatly to our sense of identity. It creates a community. It can be meaningful and life-sustaining. People with disabilities don’t...
Supplemental Security Income
What benefits are available for disabled kids when they turn 18?
If you’re raising a child with a disability that will keep them from working, you may be wondering whether there are benefits available for your child once they turn 18. There are several federal and state programs available, depending on your situation. Supplemental...
How long do I have to wait for my Social Security Disability benefits?
That’s a tough question. There is a legally mandated waiting period of five months in most cases, starting with the date you became disabled, before you can receive any benefits. However, this five-month period may not directly come into play in your case because the...
SSDI and SSI in the news
At our law firm, we represent injured or ill Illinoisans in their applications for or termination from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) (and in workers’ compensation claims). Today we share a sample of current...
New conditions qualify for Compassionate Allowances in SSDI, SSI programs
People who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) must be disabled from working to qualify for benefits, among other eligibility requirements. The definition of disability for purposes of these programs is a severe...
Chicago congressman urges SSA to focus on COVID long haulers
Eight months ago, we wrote in this space about COVID-19 long haulers – people who suffer sometimes debilitating symptoms for months after having been infected. In that post, we explained that for a person to meet the disability requirements of Social Security...
SSDI and SSI: What are the sources of governing law?
At our law firm, we advocate for Illinoisans with disabilities that prevent them from working in their claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is well known that the administrative process can take a long time...
Will long-term COVID-19 support disability claims for SSDI and SSI?
COVID-19 is often without symptoms or may cause only mild illness. But in about 10% of cases, the patients become “long haulers” whose novel coronavirus symptoms continue after they test negative for the virus, sometimes even for months, according to UC Davis Health....
Trump trying to tighten SSDI eligibility before leaving office
In early December, the Social Security Administration (SSA) proposed amending the regulations that require the agency to consider the impact of older age on the ability to work when defining disability for purposes of eligibility for Social Security Disability...
SSDI and SSI: Social Security Administration responds to COVID-19
We recently posted here about the Social Security Administration (SSA) plan to hold administrative hearings before administrative law judges (ALJs) via the remote Internet video platform Microsoft Teams, beginning sometime this fall. As we discussed, in appeals for...
