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In Florida, and elsewhere, if you have had your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim for disability benefits denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA), then you are not forced to accept their decision as final — you are entitled to challenge the decision of the SSA via appeal and follow-through pursuant to the administrative […]

If you are receiving Veterans benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or alternatively, if you believe that you are eligible to receive such benefits, then you may be concerned about whether and how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will influence your VA benefits eligibility.  This is a justified concern, of course.  In […]

If you are suffering from a disabling condition, then you may be wondering about the possibility of disability benefits pursuant to a government program.  Many potential claimants are aware of the existence of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs but are unfamiliar with the details. Despite the fact that […]

(From the National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives, March 2018 NOSSCR Member Newsletter) “A February, 2018 Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of hearings-level allowance rates for Social Security disability claims showed that “claimants who had representatives, such as an attorney or family member, were allowed bene ts at a rate nearly 3 times higher […]

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits require that the claimant meet rather strict requirements in order to qualify.  As a general rule, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is unwilling to award benefits in situations where the claimant can manage alternative (or even pre-existing) work.  This can confuse potential claimants who have serious disabilities, but who […]

Many potential disability claimants are not quite familiar with their various options, which may include Supplementary Security Income (SSI) benefits.  So, what is SSI and are you eligible to receive such benefits?  Let’s take a look. The Basics of SSI Supplementary Security Income is a federally-administered program (by the Social Security Administration).  SSI benefits are […]

In Florida, as in various other jurisdictions, if you are a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, then your benefits may be substantially affected in the event that you receive an inheritance.  Depending on the amount that you inherit (and the structure in which the inheritance is setup), you may be disqualified from receiving […]

Many Social Security benefit recipients are concerned — and not entirely clear — about working while simultaneously receiving Social Security benefit payments, and the consequences of doing so.  There are a number of issues to consider, but overall, the effects of working while receiving Social Security benefits can be polarizing.  In some circumstances, earning while […]

Though in the past Social Security income was tax-exempt, the landscape of Social Security has changed in recent years.  Social Security income is now federally taxable, though this does not apply to most beneficiaries.  Further, 15% of your Social Security benefits will be paid out tax-free, no matter what. Curious whether the bulk of your […]

If you have already divorced (or are currently navigating the process of divorce) but your ex-spouse is or will receive a Social Security benefit, then you may be entitled to receive benefits as a matter of law. Importantly, however, there’s no need for the qualifying worker (on whose work record the ex-spouse will be obtaining […]