Does Bulging Disc Qualify for Disability?

Bulging discs, “slipped” discs and herniated discs can cause severe back pain and discomfort. Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons for filing for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are awarded to those whose medically determinable impairment makes it impossible to work. A […]

Does Cervical Radiculopathy Qualify for Disability?

Cervical arthroplasty is one of several treatment options for those experiencing chronic spinal cord conditions, such as cervical disc degeneration. A person who suffers from a debilitating, medically determinable impairment may qualify for Social Security disability benefits The Social Security Administration (SSA) awards Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) only to those who are unable to […]

Does Degenerative Disc Qualify for Disability?

Degenerative disc disease is a painful and potentially debilitating condition of the spine. Social Security disability benefits may be available to those who are unable to work because of the symptoms associated with the condition. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is awarded only to applicants who can prove the existence of a medically determinable impairment […]

How is Social Security Calculated?

Social security disability benefits are calculated based on the average lifetime earnings you made before your disability. How severe your disability does not affect your benefits. Most SSDI recipients receive anywhere between $700-1,700 a month. In 2018 the average SSDI recipient receives $1,197 monthly. What is SSDI? Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is calculated by […]

Does Sciatica Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Sciatica refers to pain caused by a pinched sciatic nerve. This nerve extends from the spine, down the hips and through the legs. People with sciatica often have pain in these areas that is made worse by sitting or standing. The sciatic nerve can be pinched for several reasons, including injury to the discs that […]

What Mental Disabilities Qualify for SSI?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to qualified individuals who suffer debilitating mental conditions. Disability benefits may be available through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These monthly payments can help offset the financial burden associated with being unable to work. The SSA will evaluate how your mental condition […]

Does Psoriasis Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Psoriasis is a chronic immune system disease that impacts an estimated 7.5 million Americans, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Social Security disability benefits may be available to those whose psoriasis – or psoriatic arthritis – is severe enough to limit their ability to work and earn income. The disability application process is time-consuming and […]

Does HIV Qualify for Disability?

Social Security disability benefits are available to qualified individuals living with HIV/AIDS. To qualify, you must prove your medical condition has made it impossible to work. Benefits also may be available to qualified children living with HIV/AIDS. The Social Security Administration uses a rigorous evaluation process. It is not enough to prove you suffer from […]

Can You Apply for Social Security Disability for Cancer?

Certain forms of cancer qualify as debilitating medical conditions under the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. You may be eligible for monthly cash payments if your cancer prevents you from being able to engage in substantial gainful activity. In other words – you may receive disability benefits if your medical impairment makes it impossible […]

What Lung Conditions Qualify for Disability?

Social Security disability benefits are available to qualified individuals whose breathing problems are debilitating to the point where he or she is unable to work. A variety of respiratory impairments are eligible for disability coverage, including severe asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis. To qualify for disability benefits – including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or […]

What is a Consultative Examination?

People seeking Social Security disability benefits are sometimes asked to attend a consultative examination. A consultative examination is a physical or mental examination or test purchased at Social Security’s expense. The examination will be performed by an independent doctor or psychologist in private practice under contract with the Social Security Administration. When is a consultative […]

Social Security’s Ruling on Fibromyalgia

For those disabled by fibromyalgia (FM), Social Security’s latest ruling is a helpful tool in understanding how your case will be evaluated. Social Security Ruling (SSR) 12-2p recognizes that FM can be a disabling medically determinable impairment when it is established by appropriate medical evidence. It further indicates that FM is a common syndrome, which […]

Can You Live Abroad and Collect Social Security Disability?

Both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are disability programs that offer financial benefits for those who qualify. SSDI is made available to those who have worked and accumulated enough time to qualify for social security. On the other hand, SSI is available low-income individuals who have not worked due to […]

Is Social Security Disability Income Taxable?

In Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, most people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits wind up not having to pay taxes on their benefits. However, if you have other income, you may have to pay taxes on a portion of your SSDI benefits. The information below is only a brief overview of the […]

What are Private Disability Insurance Options?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program designed to provide a portion of pre-disability income to disabled workers. However, in many instances, the benefits do not cover one’s entire expenses. Plus, the disability determination process and the SSDI application process can become lengthy and burdensome for some applicants, and it can be hard […]

What is the Average Social Security Disability Payment?

Social Security disability payments are not standard across the board. Social Security disability pays different individuals different amounts depending on a number of factors, like the type of benefits the individual is receiving. Social Security pays Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to disabled individuals with sufficient work credits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to low-income […]