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Houston Social Security Disability Law Blog

What if my injury is my fault?

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Thursday, November 14, 2019.

Many people in Texas suffer serious injuries at work, at home while traveling or even while at play. Although there is a lot of emphasis these days on who is to blame for these injuries, in many if not most cases, the injury is truly an accident or, at worst, is actually the responsibility of the victim herself.

In these cases, a Houston resident might think that, while he can obtain some help with medical bills provided he has health insurance, getting compensation for lost income is really a lost cause since, after all, he himself is to blame for his own debilitating injury.

When is a disability lump sum pay awarded?

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability on Thursday, November 7, 2019.

Despite some Houston residents' best intentions, they are just no longer able to work due to an illness or injury. When this occurs, a person may be eligible for Social Security Disability. These benefits can be incredibly helpful for a family who relies on this income to get by.

But those who are familiar with the Social Security Disability system understand that there can be a long delay that can occur between the initial application and an eventual approval.

Changes coming to Social Security disability in 2020

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Every year the Social Security Administration has to do an assessment of the programs funded under Social Security. There are retirement benefits, disability benefits among others. For disability benefits, the COLA, or cost of living adjustment, can help to adjust for inflation or other factors that can impact the effectiveness of income. Sometimes the disability program can get updates based on other factors as well.

According to the report released by SSA, disability income thresholds should be rising across the board in 2020. Across the board, the SSA reported an increase of 1.6 percent of those receiving benefits across the board in 2020. This isn't as much as a few recent years, but it equates to slightly more money per month for the average Social Security disability recipient. While there is some disagreement about how accurate the COLA is in determining actual cost of living for those receiving benefits, it's the standard as of now.

Work history requirements for Social Security disability

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

There are two important components of eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. The first requirement is that the disabled individual suffers from a disabling medical condition that prevents them from being able to work. In addition, to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, the disabled individual must also meet work history requirements.

Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits requires that the disabled individual has the necessary work history credits to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The disabled applicant must first have worked in jobs that are covered by Social Security disability that the disabled individual has paid into through the Social Security disability process. The disabled applicant must have long enough work history that is recent enough to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Who qualifies for Supplemental Security Income?

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Supplemental Security Income on Thursday, October 17, 2019.

Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income may be important for disabled individuals and their families who rely on the benefits. As a result, those considering applying for Supplemental Security Income should be familiar with eligibility requirements and how to qualify for benefits.

Disabled individuals, those over age 65 or the blind, may all qualify for Supplemental Security Income. Supplemental Security Income, unlike Social Security disability benefits, is based on need so, to be eligible, the disabled individual must have limited income and resources. The current income limit to be eligible for Supplemental Security income is $771 for an individual and $1,157 for a couple. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of what it considers income for purposes of Supplemental Security Income eligibility so it is important for disabled applicants to be familiar with what types of income will be evaluated and taken into account.

Prepare for a Social Security disability hearing

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability on Friday, October 11, 2019.

One important part of the Social Security disability process is the Social Security disability (SSD) hearing which can be part of the appeals process or the initial application process depending on the state where the applicant is applying for SSD benefits. Being prepared for the hearing and knowing what to expect can help the disabled applicant be more at ease during the Social Security disability hearing process.

A Social Security disability hearing is before an administrative law judge and it is important for disabled applicants to keep in mind that they should be truthful and avoid exaggeration during the hearing. The hearing can have an impact on a determination of benefits that the disabled applicant needs. As a result, the disabled applicant should be prepared for questions related to their medical condition and work history which is what the eligibility requirements Social Security disability benefits are based on.

How SSD benefits can help those with disabling injuries

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

For disabled individuals who have suffered a serious head, neck or back injury and are unable to work as a result, Social Security disability benefits may be of life-saving importance to them. Social Security disability benefits for injuries can help disabled individuals suffering from catastrophic injuries such as back, neck and spinal cord injuries, with their daily needs during a difficult time.

One way disabled individuals may suffer serious injuries of this nature is on the job. Workers can be injured in oil refinery and construction accidents as well as in the petrol chemical industry. Disabled individuals can also suffer these types of injuries in car accidents and other types of traumatic accidents and wind up disabled as a result. For disabled individuals who are unable to return to their old job or adjust to a lighter duty job because of their injuries, Social Security disability (SSD) benefits may be one answer to consider.

The different types of illnesses that my qualify for SSD benefits

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Illness on Thursday, September 26, 2019.

Knowing what types of illnesses qualify for Social Security disability benefits is essential or disabled individuals to understand. Many of them need those important benefits which is why they should understand in what circumstances they may qualify for them.

Social Security disability benefits for illness may be available for a long list of illnesses. It is important to note that the disabling medical condition that the disabled individual suffers from must be severe enough that it prevents them from working in order for them to qualify for Social Security disability or SSD benefits. The disabling medical condition must also be expected to last for 12 months or longer or result in death. The application process for SSD benefits can be arduous which is why it is important for disabled individuals to be familiar with how to navigate that process.

How to appeal a Supplemental Security determination

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Supplemental Security Income on Thursday, September 19, 2019.

Applying for and receiving disability benefits can be essential. Just as it is true of Social Security disability, applicants for Supplemental Security Income have the option to appeal if they do not agree with the decision made by the Social Security Administration or SSA regarding their benefits. In the case of Supplemental Security Income, the applicant can appeal the SSA's decision concerning benefits and the amount of benefit the disabled individual will receive.

When the Social Security Administration has denied a disabled applicant Supplemental Security Income or made changes to their benefit amount, they may have the option to ask the SSA to take a look at their application again. The first step in the appeals process is a request for reconsideration when the disabled applicant asks the Social Security Administration to take a second look at their case. The disabled applicant can ask the SSA to re-visit if they are eligible for benefits and the amount of benefit they should receive and any overpayment may also be reviewed.

Options to help maximize Social Security disability

On behalf of David Dopkin, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability on Thursday, September 12, 2019.

Social Security disability are important benefits to help disabled individuals with their daily needs and the challenges they face. Because of how important Social Security disability benefits are for many struggling disabled individuals and their families, it is essential for disabled individuals to be familiar with how they can maximize their benefits and receive their full benefit.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in four adults in the United States reports suffering from a disability. That number represents 61 million Americans suffering from a disability and potentially needing help. Social Security disability benefits may be available to individuals who suffer from a physical or mental medical condition that interferes with their daily activities and prevents them from working. In addition, one of the requirements for Social Security disability is that the disabled individual worked so that they paid Social Security taxes.