Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is different than Supplemental Security Income (SSI), because SSDI is intended to replace wages while SSI boosts those wages. Both programs do supplement the income of those who are unable to work, but they are not the...
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income increases in 2018
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can give you peace of mind when you have a low income that you need to boost. Each year, the limits are adjusted as needed, and 2018 will be no different. 2018's federal SSI benefits and limits have been released, so it's a good idea...
How do you know if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program offered through the Federal government. It's funded by the general tax revenues and doesn't come from the Social Security taxes paid each year.Unlike Social Security, Supplemental Security Income is designed to boost the...
Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income
You were injured and now live with a disability. You already receive Social Security Disability (SSD), but your financial situation isn't as good as you'd like. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be the answer.Not everyone qualifies for SSI. Those who do can...
Non-Adversarial Lawyering
In an adversarial system, two advocates represent the interests of competing parties before a judge or impartial tribunal. The tribunal observes the dispute from above the fray to remain impartial. The process traces back to the medieval mode of trial by combat, and...
Does Home Ownership Affect a Disability Application?
One common question that people considering applying for disability ask is whether owning a home will prevent them from receiving disability benefits.The simplest answer is that typically if you own your home, your application for benefits can still go forward and you...
Borderline Age Situations
In deciding whether an applicant meets the qualifications for disability benefits, Social Security Administration will apply a five-step process known as sequential evaluation. The final step in the process considers vocational factors (age, education, and past work...
Supplemental Security Income and raising money for medical care
The website GoFundMe is a great way to raise extra cash for different causes. For example, many people use the site to raise money for various medical treatments that they wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. Or, they might use the site to raise money to fund a party...
Avoid double-dipping on Social Security disability benefits
In the context of Social Security disability benefits, the term double dipping refers to instances when individuals are receiving an income that exceeds SSD thresholds, while at the same time receiving disability benefits. Social Security double-dipping is considered...
Do Foster Care Services Constitute SGA?
To determine whether a claimant is disabled, the first step for the adjudicator is to analyze whether the claimant has engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA) since his or her onset date. Substantial gainful activity typically involves significant physical or...
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine gland disorder affecting the production of insulin. It can be a debilitating and devastating impairment, as the overall risk of dying among people with diabetes is at least double the risk of their peers without diabetes worldwide.[1]...
Function Report
After you file your Social Security Disability claim, you may be asked to fill out an adult function report (Form SSA-3373), to aid a decision-maker in determining whether you are completely disabled. The function report should outline how your impairments interfere...
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder that interferes with the structure, production, or processing of collagen. The disorder typically affects the skin, joints, and blood vessels, with symptoms including easy bruising, ligamentous laxity,...
Can I receive Social Security Disability Insurance and workers’ comp?
If you are eligible for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and workers' compensation benefits, you do not have to choose between the benefits. If you qualify, you can receive both types of benefits. However, your SSDI benefits may be reduced, depending...
Disability benefits for children in Minnesota: SSD or SSI benefits?
Our Minneapolis Social Security disability law blog often discusses the types of challenges working Minnesotans face when they become disabled because of a serious injury, illness or other medical condition. However, there are also thousands of families in Minnesota...