Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Why Do I Need an SSD Benefits Lawyer for My Case?
Social Security Disability benefits (SSD benefits) can be critical for anyone who is unable to work due to a disabling illness or injury, especially when that person does not have any other means of financial support. Yet a majority of applicants for SSD benefits are denied the first time after submitting an application, even… Read More »
What Should I Expect with an SSD Hearing?
If you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, or SSD benefits, and you are denied after your initial application or your reconsideration determination, you can be eligible to request a hearing. When your application is denied, it is critical to know that you must request a hearing quickly, or else you may be ineligible… Read More »
What is a Disability Update Report?
If you are currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits (SSD benefits), you might receive (or might have already received) a Disability Update Report, which is also known as Form SSA-455. When you receive a Disability Update Report, you must provide information to the Social Security Administration (SSA), or you could risk losing your disability… Read More »
What Is Considered a “Legitimate Reason” for Social Security to Ignore My Doctor’s Diagnosis in a Disability Case?
There are legitimate reasons for Social Security to reject the expert opinions of your treating physicians when assessing your application for disability benefits. But these reasons must still be supported by evidence. In other words, a Social Security administrative law judge (ALJ) cannot merely say, “I don’t find your doctor’s diagnosis credible” and send… Read More »
How Your Need for an Assistive Device Can Affect Your Disability Claim
Many of us require assistive devices to function throughout the day, such as a wheelchair or cane. And if you apply for Social Security disability benefits, the government must consider your need for an assistive device when assessing your “residual functional capacity” (RFC) to work. However, Social Security will only consider assistive devices that… Read More »
Are SSDI and SSI Benefits Different?
Suffering an injury at work can be one of the most devastating experiences in a person’s life, especially when that injury results in a permanent disability. Although some injuries only result in partial disabilities—allowing the worker to return to his or her job in a limited capacity—while others result in a total disability that… Read More »
Can My Children or Grandchildren Receive My SSDI Benefits?
Many people who have sustained serious injuries or are suffering from debilitating illnesses still want to be able to provide for their children and their other dependents. For some people, dependents are their minor children or disabled adult children, and sometimes grandchildren are also dependents. If you are planning to file for disability benefits… Read More »
Common Mistakes You Can Avoid When You File for Social Security Disability Benefits
If you have recently become disabled and you are making plans to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, it is critical to learn about some of the common mistakes people make so that you can avoid them. The Social Security Administration often denies applications for SSD benefits because of major and minor mistakes… Read More »
What Medical Documentation Do I Need for My Disability Claim?
Seeking disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be complicated, and it is important to understand that there are very specific requirements for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. You must supply various types of information about your employment history and your injury, including particular information about your medical condition. To ensure that… Read More »
Do I Owe Taxes on Social Security Disability Benefits?
When you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, or SSD benefits, you will need to know if you will be required to pay taxes on the amount of money you receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Even if you already receive SSD benefits, you might be unsure about whether you… Read More »
