Social Security disability appeals process

Social Security disability benefits are available to people who are unable to work for a year or more due to a disability. If they are awarded, they are usually paid until the recipient is able to work again. Unfortunately, Social Security disability benefits may be denied for a number of reasons. They may be denied

SSD and multiple sclerosis

Social Security Disability Insurance is one of the most valuable programs that the Social Security Administration offers for Tennessee residents who cannot maintain substantive gainful employment due to a medical issue or combination of conditions. Many medical problems are not necessarily listed on the registry of known debilitating conditions. However, multiple sclerosis is listed in

What is a trial work period with Social Security disability?

Not every Tennessee resident who is approved for and is receiving Social Security disability benefits is completely unable to work. Many can perform certain tasks and want to try and get back in the workforce or run their own business despite the illness, condition or injury that warranted their application for SSD benefits being approved.

What to do if your application for SSD benefits is denied

No one is guaranteed good health throughout their lifetime. Sometimes a person in Tennessee suffers an illness of injury so serious that it permanently stops them from working. When this happens, it may be time to apply for Social Security disability benefits. However, the application process can be complex and many initial applications for SSD

Fast-tracking an SSD decision

All disability rulings from the SSA regarding Social Security Disability Insurance are permanent approvals, so the Social Security Administration is well-known for due diligence when handling disability claims. Most claims for residents of Tennessee and other states are won in the appeals process after the agency has requested myriad evidence that the claim is valid,

Budget increase for Social Security Administration proposed

While COVID transmissions accelerated, applications processed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) froze in place. Not unlike most federal agencies, the Social Security Administration (SSA) had to close offices throughout Tennessee and the country during COVID. A proposal from the Biden Administration to increase funding for SSA in the 2022 budget could reduce the backlog. 

Options for appealing a Social Security disability denial

Many applications for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits are initially denied. Because they are benefits disabled individuals may rely on, it is helpful for them to be familiar with the Social Security disability appeals process. There are several levels of appeals for disabled applicants who have been denied Social Security disability benefits. Request for reconsideration

How is disability defined for SSDI?

Any Knoxville resident who has suffered an injury or gotten sick understands how hard it can be to work while managing the symptoms of their ailment. Many of the injuries and illnesses that affect Tennessee workers are short-term and may keep a worker off the job for a day or two. Unfortunately, serious accidents and

Should I worry about a Social Security disability review?

For people who have been approved Social Security disability benefits in Knoxville and throughout Tennessee, there will likely be a sense of relief. With SSD benefits, they receive payments because they are unable to work. During that time, they can get the care they need without worry about making ends meet. Still, it is important

Approval rates for first-time SSDI filers

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, can be a long and frustrating experience for many individuals. Some applicants have multiple conditions that impact each other while others will have one specific issue that might justify an immediate approval. However, the Social Security Administration is meticulous in approving claims of total overall health issues

Obtaining SSDI benefit for mental disorders

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have provided significant financial assistance for residents of Tennessee who have suffered a disabling injury or medical condition. Nevertheless, individuals who may have suffered a disabling condition as defined in the SSDI regulations have many questions about their eligibility for benefits. A frequent question is whether a mental illness

SSD for patients with Lou Gehrig’s disease

Tennessee residents become eligible for social security disability when a doctor determines they suffer from a mental or physical impairment that negatively affects their ability to work and enjoy other aspects of life. A doctor must also determine this impairment will affect or has already affected the patient for more than one calendar year. Amyotrophic

What to do if your initial claim for SSD benefits is denied

Learning your initial claim for Social Security disability benefits has been denied can be incredibly distressing. After all, those in Tennessee seeking SSD benefits are often in a dire financial situation and are depending on these benefits to meet their daily needs. However, an initial denial of benefits is not the end of the story;

Ways to possibly expedite a claim for Social Security disability

The need for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits can be important for disabled individuals struggling with a medical condition severe enough that prevents them from working. The process of applying for disability benefits can take a long time and, initially at least, oftentimes result in a denial of benefits. For that reason, disabled applicants should

Social Security disability may need changes

Social Security benefits for workers who are unable to work because of their medical conditions were threatened over the last four years because of the pandemic and political decisions. Improvements are needed to the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Insurance programs to help Americans with disabilities obtain the minimal income and medical care that

Can your SSD claim be denied if you had lumbar fusion?

Back injuries are assuredly a central medical issue for many Tennessee residents who file for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration, but the fact that someone has had surgery does not necessarily mean they cannot work in a different industry. While educational training may be necessary for finding a suitable job, sedentary work can

Investments may help SSD recipients

Social Security imposes strict earned income restrictions for recipients receiving disability benefits. But recipients can receive unearned income without jeopardizing their Social Security disability benefits. This is notable because the average monthly benefit is $2,569 or almost $31,000 per year. SSD benefits Individuals are eligible for SSD if they cannot work because they have a