On March 22, a new “Social Security Ruling” (SSR 13-2p) will take affect, clarifying the Social Security Administration’s stance on the impact of drug addiction and alcoholism (DAA) to a determination of disability. Preliminarily, though…

The Social Security Administration periodically increases benefits under so-called “cost of living adjustments” (COLAs).  These are adjustments that account for both inflation and general increases in the costs of goods and services over time.  Many…

A recent article on Social Security Disability highlighted an ever-significant trend in the program: benefits are getting harder and harder to get. The article begins by pointing out an irony: “If you listened to the…

The days of mailed paper checks are officially over (even if there will be some stragglers). Unless you were born on or before May 1, 1921, you just lost that older way of receiving your…

For the vast majority of people seeking Social Security Disability, claims and injuries are legitimate.  And their benefits are entirely justified.  However, occasionally, an individual defrauding the system is weeded out.  Hopefully, the case of…

Recently, the Social Security Administration announced 35 new “Compassionate Allowance conditions.” A Compassionate Allowance condition is a “fast track” to the process of SSDI and SSI disability claims.  According to the agency, they are for…

Social Security Disability recipients have long been the subject of mischaracterizations and misinformation.  Criticisms of the program often take the form of accusations that the requirements for eligibility – especially in the realm of mental…

Sometimes there are good stories.  Like one recently told by the president of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR).  She described, in a newsletter to members, that an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)…