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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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What is an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)?

ALJ is an acronym for Administrative Law Judge.  An ALJ is appointed by and works for the federal government’s Social Security Administration.  If your initial Social Security Disability application and request for reconsideration are both denied, you may file a request for a hearing before an ALJ. The ALJ hearing your case is an unbiased […]

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What Does a Seizure Feel Like?

A seizure occurs when there is a disruption to normal brain activity. There are numerous causes for seizures, although often a doctor will find no reason at all that a patient is suffering from seizures. Seizures affect millions of people across the world, from all walks of life. For most sufferers of seizures, there will […]

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What are the Chances of Winning an Appeal in a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim?

The chances of winning at the appeal level in a Social Security Disability or SSI claim vary according to the level the case is at, what occurred at any hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”), and whether the claimant is being represented by an attorney. Often, claims considered at the initial and reconsideration stages […]

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Everyone who gets Approved for Disability Receives Back Pay (past due benefits) as well?

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Not everyone who gets approved for disability receives past due benefits, but most do.  The amount of past due benefits awarded depends on the date the claim was filed and the date that the judge or disability examiner concludes that the disability began.  For past due benefits, this date must be before the date of […]

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How do I Survive Financially while Waiting for my Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Disability Benefits case to be Settled?

Getting a decision regarding your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Disability benefits can sometimes take a very long time.  This long wait can cause severe hardships for many families since disabled claimants are, by definition, unable to work on a full-time basis.  Typically, returning to work, even in some cases on a part-time basis, […]

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Can I Win Benefits If I am in my Twenties or Thirties?

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Typically it is easier for an older individual to win benefits but it is very possible to win a disability case if you are in your twenties and thirties.  There are several factors that affect the decision including your past level of education, past job history, physical capabilities and the severity of your condition. The […]

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Past Work: As Performed vs. As Usually Performed

Social Security will deny your claim if they believe you could do your past relevant work, either as you performed it or as it is usually performed.  Social Security looks at the information you give them in the disability forms and in testimony to understand the demands of your past work.  They use the Dictionary […]

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