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Assuming the Social Security Administration Knows Everything about You is a Mistake

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Millions of people file for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) every year.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) has difficulty processing these claims quickly, largely because they are understaffed.  For the SSA to keep up they need people who file for benefits, or their legal representatives, to do much of the work in […]

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Social Security Disability Insurance Eligibility

There are two programs under the Social Security Administration that enable individuals to receive benefits when they are deemed to have met Social Security’s definition of disability—that is, when an individual is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to […]

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Average Processing Time for Social Security Disability and SSI

The average processing time for a Social Security Disability or SSI claim varies depending on your geographical location.  Once your initial application is complete, it may take from three to five months before you receive a disability determination from the Social Security Administration. If you are denied at this point, you have a right to […]

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When is the Best Time to Apply for Social Security Benefits?

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You should apply for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits when your health no longer allows you to work at the level of Substantial Gainful Activity.  Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is defined as work that is both “substantial” and “gainful.”  “Substantial” means work that involves significant physical or mental activities and “gainful” […]

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You will Receive a Decision on a Disability Claim in 90 to 120 Days

Not necessarily.  Ultimately, the outcome takes as long as the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or disability examiner needs to render a fully developed, fair decision.  The time frame may be roughly two to four months, but this is not a concrete time limit. There are a few reasons why one decision will take one month, […]

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You Can Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits Online

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It easy to apply for disability benefits online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. The process is different for adults and for children. It may take time to collect all the information you need to apply for disability benefits. Because you may lose benefits if you hold your application until you have all the […]

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Should I Appeal or File a New Application if My Claim is Denied?

It is generally a serious mistake to file a new application instead of appealing. Filing a new application is more likely to delay your claim than to increase your chances of winning and may cause you to lose your benefits completely.  In certain situations, a failure to appeal may cause you to lose your right […]

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Losing Your Social Security Disability Hearing

If your application for benefits was denied after your hearing, don’t lose hope!  The judge does not have the final say in your case, and just because one judge decided you aren’t disabled doesn’t mean you can’t win if you keep trying. If a judge denied your case you should generally appeal your case to […]

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