How Much Can I Get from 2009 Social Security Disability Benefits?

How much will the SSA grant in supplemental income, and what benefits can you receive?


When you or a family member is unable to work due to a work-related injury or a severe medical condition, you can apply for Social Security benefits from the Social Security Administration.



How soon, and how often, will I receive Social Security disability benefits?

Once your application is approved, you will start receiving benefits in about 6 months. You will receive your Social Security benefits on a monthly basis.



How much will my benefits be?

The amount of your monthly disability benefits is based on your average lifetime earnings. You can get an estimate of your benefits from the SSA's Benefit Calculator on their website. For guidance, below are the 2008 v. 2009 Social Security disability thresholds:

- 2008: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - Non-Blind ($940 / month), Blind ($1,570 / month), Trial Work Period ($670 / month)

- 2009: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - Non-Blind ($980 / month), Blind ($1,640 / month), Trial Work Period ($700 / month)



What kinds of benefits can I get?

In addition to a monthly amount, you may be eligible to receive other benefits. Additional Social Security benefits that you may be eligible for are:

- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled

- Food stamps

- Medicaid

- Medicare (after 2 years)

- Services under the Ticket to Work Program (allows you to go to work to earn more money)



When do I get Medicare coverage?

You will get coverage after you have received disability benefits for 2 years.



Is my family eligible to receive benefits?

Yes. Certain family members may qualify for benefits. They include:

- Your spouse, if he or she is 62 or older

- Your spouse, if he or she is financially supporting a child of yours who is either disabled or under the age of 16 younger

- Your child, if he or she is under the age of 18 and in school full time

- Your child, over the age of 18, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22



How much can a family member receive in benefits?

Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50% of your disability rate.



Adjustments to your benefits:

Your Social Security benefits may change as necessary. Your benefits may change or be stopped if:

- The cost of living has gone up (in which case, your benefits would increase)

- Your medical condition improves

- There is any change in your ability to work

- You get married or divorced

- Your citizenship changes



What may cause my Social Security benefits to be temporarily or permanently stopped?

- You have an outstanding arrest warrant

- You are convicted of a crime

- You are also receiving Railroad Retirement benefits

- You earn more than $980 or more per month ($1,640 if you are blind)

- You violate a condition of your probation or parole




What may cause my Social Security benefits to be reduced?

Your Social Security disability benefits may be reduced if you receive other government benefits.



Your Social Security benefits may be reduced if:

- You are receiving workers' compensation

- You work for an employer that does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary (Windfall Elimination Provision)

- You receive a pension from a federal, state or local government based on work where you did not pay Social Security taxes (Government Pension Offset)



Social Security Attorneys and 2009 Social Security Disability:

What 2009 Social Security Disability changes will occur? A Social Security Disability attorney is an expert on disability law. Hiring a disability lawyer helps improve your chances of winning disability benefits and can impact the speed from date of application that you start to receive benefits. If you have questions about the 2009 Social Security Disability application, or if you have a case from a prior year that has not been awarded benefits, consider contacting an experienced disability lawyer.





Matt Berry is an Atlanta SSI disability lawyer focused on disability law. His team of Social Security attorneys is experienced with the 2009 Social Security Disability law.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
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www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Denied Social Security Disability: What’s Next?

Did you know, many people are denied Social Security benefits due to insufficient documentation? To support your case for Social Security benefits, document your symptoms and write down how your disability affects your job performance. Keep documentation of every doctor's visit, record the dates of your visits and keep track of medical records from your doctors and your laboratory and test results.



More than half of people who apply for Social Security are denied Social Security benefits at the initial application level. There are many reasons why you may have been denied Social Security Disability.



Reasons You Might be Denied:

- Insufficient medical evidence

- You are working and earn more than $940 a month

- Your disability will not last at least 12 months

- You did not follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor

- You did not submit the SSA or DDS's requests for information



I was Denied Social Security Benefits, Now What Do I Do?

Remember, you have the right to seek legal representation to help with your disability application, appeal or reconsideration request. If you are denied Social Security Disability, remember don't give up! There is an appeal process.



1. Apply for Reconsideration:

You should first apply for reconsideration of the denial. This appeal must be filed within 60 days of the date of the application denial. A request for reconsideration involves an informal hearing within the Social Security Office where your application was processed.


For Reconsideration, You Must:

- Complete an Appeal Disability Report

- Complete a Request for Reconsideration

- Send the forms to your local Social Security office


Approximately 85% of reconsiderations are denied. If your reconsideration is denied, the next step is to go to a hearing.



2. Attend an Administrative Hearing:

You have 60 days from the time you receive your Social Security disability denial to request a hearing.



To request a hearing, you will have to complete:

- A Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge

- An Appeal Disability Report


Both of these forms can be completed on the internet on the Social Security Disability's website.



In an administrative hearing, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will make an independent review of your application and make a decision of your claim.



3. Appeal a Denied Social Security Claim:

If you lose at the hearing level, the next step is the Appeals Council Review. To begin the process, complete the Request for Review of Decision/Order of Administrative Law Judge and send it to your local office.



The Appeals Council rarely grants disability benefits. However, they will determine if your hearing was fair or not.



4. The Federal District Court:

If the Appeals Council refuses to review your case or denies your disability appeal, the last step is to take your case to the federal district court. You must have an attorney at this level of appeal. He or she will file a case against Social Security in District Court.



How Long Does the Appeal Process Take?

The appeal process can take a long time, sometimes years. According to the Social Security Administration, the average processing time for a request is about 7 months; but many cases may take 30 months or more.



The Benefits of Having a Social Security Attorney :

Having a Social Security attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving social security benefits if you were denied. Attorneys know how to prepare a disability case for a hearing and they are familiar with social security rules and regulations.




Matt Berry is a Social Security Disability lawyer. Read his firm's Social Security Disability blog if you have been denied Social Security disability benefits.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
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www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Common Social Security Disability Impairments

By law, Social Security has a strict definition of a disability. According to the Social Security Administration, to be found disabled and to receive Social Security benefits:


- You must be unable to do any substantial work because of your medical condition AND

- Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year, or be expected to result in your death



The Social Security Administration assesses your overall ability to engage in employment or, in their terminology, “substantial gainful activity”. In making this analysis the administration is supposed to consider the totality of your medical condition. Two elements of analysis are the Grid Rules, using a specific set of regulations, and “The Listings”



The Listings describe certain conditions or diseases that effect major body systems. The major categories of common disabilities include:


- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Growth Impairments

- Vision Disorders

- Balance and Hearing Disorders

- Speech Disorders

- Breathing Disorders

- Heart and Blood Vessel Diseases

- Digestive System Diseases

- Kidney Diseases

- Blood and Lymphatic Diseases



When you apply for Social Security benefits, the SSA (Social Security Administration) and the DDS (State Disability Determination Services) will request information from you. To ensure that you receive Social Security benefits, keep track of your personal and medical information:



Information the SSA may request :

SSA representatives usually obtain applications for disability benefits. When applying for Social Security benefits, you will need to fill out forms and complete an interview.



Have the following information ready for the SSA:

- Names, addresses and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals and clinics
- A certified copy of your birth certificate

- A W-2 form if you worked last year

- Your federal income tax return (IRS 1040 and Schedules C and SE) if you were self-employed

- Workers' compensation information (date of injury, claim number, proof of payment amounts)

- Social Security numbers for you and your spouse

- A history of your previous jobs

- Any checking or savings account numbers



The DDS (Disability Determination Services):

The DDSs are state agencies responsible for obtaining sufficient medical evidence to show that you are eligible to receive Social Security benefits. The SSA and the DDS will need some or all of the following information:

- Your medical assistance number, if applicable

- The contact information for the doctor/HMO/therapist or other person who treated your illnesses, injuries, or conditions, or who you expect to treat you in the future

- Hospitals, clinics, or emergency rooms you visited

- Medications you take

- Medical tests you had



If evidence is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination, the DDS will arrange for a consultive examination (CE).



Should I Contact a Disability Lawyer?

As you have learned there are a wide variety of disability impairments that can quality for Social Security Disability (including SSDI and SSI Disability) benefits. Each claimant must decide how to proceed with a disability claim. Some people will opt to contact a Social Security Disability lawyer. This can be very helpful because often an experienced Social Security attorney will be well versed in your medical condition, which will help in your disability application. Whether you are applying for MS Social Security disability, heart disease or a variety of other conditions, the chances of you winning disability benefits with the help of a disability lawyer are higher than if you were to defend your case alone.


Matt Berry is a disability lawyer. His Social Security disability attorney team of experienced lawyers can help with various disability impairments.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

New Disability Blog URL

We've internalized our blog on NationalDisabilityLawyer.com.

Click the URL to read our updated disability lawyer blog or visit:
- http://www.nationaldisabilitylawyer.com/blog/

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

New Press Release 2009 Disability Applications

Look for a new press release next week about tips for 2009 social security applications.

Alot of questions about 2009 disability applications will center around providing proper documentation. This is increasingly important since the time to receive benefits has been growing longer.

Disability Lawyer Blog: Links & Free Case Evaluation

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

How to Receive Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability Benefits

The decline in physical health of persons living with fibromyalgia can render them unable to work and live a normal life. Living with fibromyalgia is difficult for both the ill patient and his or her family members and friends, especially if the patient is supporting a household and family.

Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability:
Receiving Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability (SSI and SSDI) benefits can greatly improve the quality of life of persons and their families living with fibromyalgia. In order to receive Social Security Disability benefits, you need an experienced Fibromyalgia disability lawyer working with you on your claim. In order to file a successful claim, you need a Social Security Disability lawyer who has vast experience filing and winning Fibromyalgia Disability claims.

Before hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer, make sure you interview several lawyers and know that they are experienced in filing SSDI claims for patients with fibromyalgia. Your lawyer should be able to answer all your questions about SSI and SSDI claims processes and benefits. He or she should also have a lengthy track record of successfully filing fibromyalgia disability claims for clients, and be willing and able to answer any and all questions you may have about Social Security Disability.

Disability Lawyer Blog: Links & Free Case Evaluation

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

How to Receive Multiple Sclerosis Social Security Disability (SSI and SSDI) Benefits

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating auto immune condition that has no known cure. Living with MS is difficult for both the ill patient and his or her family members and friends, and can be devastating if the disabled can no longer work due to his or her MS.

Multiple Sclerosis Social Security Disability:
Receiving multiple sclerosis Social Security Disability (SSI and SSDI) benefits can greatly improve the quality of life of persons and their families living with MS. In order to receive Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI and SSI disability), you need an experienced multiple sclerosis disability lawyer working with you on your claim. It is not enough to simply have a lawyer who dabbles in SSI and SSDI claims every now and then. In order to file a successful claim, you need a Social Security Disability lawyer who has vast experience filing and winning MS Social Security Disability claims.

When dealing with an incurable condition like MS, you do not have time to take chances with your disability claim. Before hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer, make sure you interview several lawyers. Do your research and find out how many MS Disability claims they file, and how many they win. It is also helpful to know if any other attorneys or paralegals will be assisting with your claim. It is absolutely essential to know exactly who will be handling your paperwork and claim at all times.

MS is a debilitating condition, but making sure you and your family’s needs are met as you face the challenge of living with the disease isn’t difficult if you have an experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer on your side.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

CHF Disability Lawyer Questions for Social Security Claims

CHF is a difficult disease--it is also a condition that qualifies for Social Security Disability (SSI and SSDI). Here are three questions you should ask before hiring a Social Security Lawyer.

1. How many cases have you tried?

2. Have you had cases featuring my particular health problems before?

3. How will your office handle my case?

Here is how your questions should be answered:

1. You want an experienced CHF Disability lawyer for your Social Security Disability claim. You don't want a person that works with cases on occasion, but rather one that has significant experience with presenting (and winning) CHF Social Security Disability benefits for clients.

2. Yes! If the disability lawyer has experience then he should have enough knowledge to explain to you the specifics that a Social Security examiner or judge would be looking for from a documentation standpoint.

3. Your disability lawyer, if experienced, should be in court regularly defending other clients in Social Security disability cases. When you hire a CHF disability lawyer you're also hiring a trained set of paralegals as case mangers for your CHF disability case. You want to ensure the office is well staffed, but remember it is very important to ensure your disability lawyer is the ultimate person in charge of our disability case and that this responsibility is not delegated to a paralegal.

For more information about contacting a disability lawyer with experience in CHF Social Security Disability claims click on the links below.

Disability Lawyer Blog: Links & Free Case Evaluation

Click to Ask a Question from a:
Social Security Disability Attorney

Free Disability Case Evaluation from a:
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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Bipolar Lawyer Questions for Social Security Claims

Bipolar Disorder is a difficult disease--it is also a condition that qualifies for Social Security Disability (SSI and SSDI). Here are three questions you should ask before hiring a Social Security Lawyer.

1. How many cases have you tried?

2. Have you had cases featuring bipolar impairments before?

3. How will your office handle my case?

Here is how your questions should be answered:

1. You want an experienced bipolar disability lawyer for your Social Security Disability claim. You don't want a person that works with cases on occasion, but rather one that has significant experience with presenting (and winning) bipolar Social Security Disability benefits for clients.

2. Yes! If the disability lawyer has experience then he should have enough knowledge to explain to you the specifics that a Social Security examiner or judge would be looking for from a documentation standpoint.

3. Your disability lawyer, if experienced, should be in court regularly defending other clients in Social Security disability cases. When you hire a bipolar disability lawyer you're also hiring a trained set of paralegals as case mangers for your bipolar disability case. You want to ensure the office is well staffed, but remember it is very important to ensure your disability lawyer is the ultimate person in charge of our disability case and that this responsibility is not delegated to a paralegal.

For more information about contacting a disability lawyer with experience in bipolar Social Security Disability claims click on the links below.

Disability Lawyer Blog: Links & Free Case Evaluation

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Jack Buck - You and Your Social Security Disability Benefits

I saw this book by Jack Buck. The title is “You and Your Social Security Disability Benefits.”

Jack became disabled in 2003 after working 35 years. It took him 4 years to receive benefits. Little did he know at the time he applied the process was going to be such a nightmare. Learn his input on getting started, what to expect and should it apply, the appeal process.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

MS Disability Lawyer Questions for Social Security Claims

MS is a difficult disease--it is also a condition that qualifies for Social Security Disability (SSI and SSDI). Here are three questions you should ask before hiring a Social Security Lawyer.

1. How many cases have you tried?

2. Have you had cases featuring my particular health problems before?

3. How will your office handle my case?

Here is how your questions should be answered:

1. You want an experienced MS disability lawyer for your Social Security Disability claim. You don't want a person that works with cases on occasion, but rather one that has significant experience with presenting (and winning) MS Social Security Disability benefits for clients.

2. Yes! If the disability lawyer has experience then he should have enough knowledge to explain to you the specifics that a Social Security examiner or judge would be looking for from a documentation standpoint.

3. Your disability lawyer, if experienced, should be in court regularly defending other clients in Social Security disability cases. When you hire a MS disability lawyer you're also hiring a trained set of paralegals as case mangers for your MS disability case. You want to ensure the office is well staffed, but remember it is very important to ensure your disability lawyer is the ultimate person in charge of our disability case and that this responsibility is not delegated to a paralegal.

For more information about contacting a disability lawyer with experience in MS Social Security Disability claims click on the links below.

Disability Lawyer Blog: Links & Free Case Evaluation

Click to Ask a Question from a:
Social Security Disability Attorney

Free Disability Case Evaluation from a:
Social Security Disability Lawyer

Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Neuropathy Social Security Benefits

Neuropathy as a Social Security Disability claim is often associated with diabetes Social Security Disability cases as a disability symptom and impairment.

Documenting your Neuropathy disability:
Suffers of neuropathy must understand the importance of documenting their claim in order to win SSDI or SSI Disability benefits. Your Social Security lawyer will be able to help answer neuropathy disability questions on what types of information you need to obtain from your doctor.

For more information about how to win neuropathy disability cases click on the links below to contact an experienced neuropathy disability team of lawyers.

Disability Lawyer Blog: Links & Free Case Evaluation

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Mental disabilities and social security benefits

If you've been diagnosed with a mental disability and aren't sure that you could collect Social Security disability benefits, you should contact a Social Security disability lawyer who has specialized experience in preparing Social Security disability claims, and filing SSDI case appeals.

While the term "mental disabilities" can be broad, you should know that the following conditions are mental disabilities that may qualify you for SSDI benefits:

• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression
• Schizophrenia
• Autism
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorders (ADHD & ADD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress disorder
• Tourette's syndrome
• And many more

If you have any of these mental disabilities, are considering applying for SSDI benefits, or want to appeal an SSDI case, call a National Disability Lawyer at 1-800-507-4774 today! Lawyers who specialize in Social Security disability cases will be able to give you their expert advice and help you file a Social Security disability claim.

Learn more about mental disabilities that may be qualify for SSDI benefits.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

The 2008 Presidential Election: What the outcome could mean for Social Security Disability recipients

If current trends continue, it is estimated that the Social Security system will be in shambles by the year 2040. With more citizens requiring social security disability each year, something in the system must change to enable disabled citizens to continue to receive their due compensation.

It is especially important in this, an election year, to know where each candidate stands in regards to Social Security and Social Security Disability. Here is where each candidate stands on these issues:

Barack Obama: Obama supports the government's plan to increase payroll taxes as a way to keep SSD and SSI afloat. He also contends that workers making over $250,000 per year will see a 2-4% increase in taxes, which will help fund Social Security.

John McCain: McCain is adamant about reforming Medicaid and Medicare, both of which directly affect Social Security disability. Being a veteran himself, and having experience with Social Security, one hopes McCain would have a vested interest in serving those who require disability benefits.

Call the campaign offices for both candidates if you'd like to know more about what each will do in regards to Social Security disability benefits. This election could have a massive impact on you and your disability benefits.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Increase in Social Security Benefits for 2009

It was recently announced that social security recipients and beneficiaries will see a significant increase in their monthly checks, to the tune of 5.8%, in the year 2009. That good news does not come without the requisite bad news, of course. As you've surely noticed, the economic climate is bleak; and as disability benefits are subject to inflation according to the consumer price index, the 5.8% increase in your social security disability check each month coincides with an inflation rate of nearly six percent.

With the stock market having been "all over the place" as of late, the economy is certainly on shaky ground. While food prices have yet to come down, gas and retail prices have dropped dramatically. Many economists are forecasting that, due to low demand, both gas and retail goods' prices will continue to fall into 2009. If this is indeed the case, the 5.8% increase in your social security disability check will go much farther than a six percent inflation estimate would indicate.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

• Need to apply for Social Security Disability?
• Have you been denied Social Security Disability?
• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Barack Obama's Stance on Social Security

No one plans to become disabled, or to suffer from a condition that doesn't allow them to work and provide for themselves. When Americans are faced with one of these situations, they often turn to the government and apply for Social Security disability benefits.

In an election year, the views of the Presidential candidates on social security are extremely important, not just as they relate to retirees, but as they relate to anyone who could potentially become disabled. This blog focuses on where Barack Obama stands of Social Security Disability?

In its current state, it's a fact that the Social Security funds will hit rock bottom after a wave of retiring baby boomers, leaving no money for younger workers who've paid into it, or to those who might need to file for social security disability. Democratic nominee Barack Obama has presented a detailed plan on his views for the future of the social security system and SSDI.

Obama suggests establishing a National Commission on People with Disabilities, Employment and Social Security that is staffed by presidential and congressional appointees as well as members of the Social Security Administration. This commission would be tasked with studying the inner-working of SSI and SSDI and how they can be improved. Specifically, the commission would look at how sufficient SSI and SSDI benefits are, how beneficiaries can transition into the workforce and how improvements could be made to the SSI and SSDI programs and vocational rehab services, among other things.

Additionally, Obama has announced that he is committed to streamlining the Social Security Disability benefits approval process. Right now, the time between submitting a first application for benefits and being approved or denied stretched to incredible lengths of one to three years. By allocating the funding the SSA needs to hire enough judges and staff to keep up with increasing applications, Obama expects to see the wait time for a decision reduce significantly.

While there are no quick fixes to getting the social security system and social security disability benefits system back on track, dedication to improving the systems are key. It appears Obama is very aware of the perils facing the social security system, and is working on plans for improving.

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NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

John McCain's Stance on Social Security

While it's common knowledge that the baby boomers, for whom retirement is quickly approaching, are concerned with Social Security, they're not the only ones who should be. Younger generations, though they're likely to be focused on the rise rather than the sunset of their careers, should be equally invested in what's happening with social security. Illness, disability or an accident could lead to an instant dependence on social security disability benefits for anyone, at any age.

As the nation heads towards the 2008 Presidential election, the candidates' viewpoints on social security should be considered by all voters.

Republican candidate John McCain has spoken about his views on Social Security several times. Ultimately, he believes that the current system is not going to be able to be sustained into the future because more people will be receiving funds than contributing them. With the large numbers of baby boomers set to retire in the next 20 years, the funds of the current social security system could become completely depleted, leaving no funding for other retirees or those overcome by disabilities.

To combat this shortage in funds, McCain has mentioned a plan that will over-haul the Social Security system. This includes supplementing the current system with private accounts, a somewhat controversial position. While he doesn't advocate fully privatizing social security, he does consider supplementing with private accounts to be a strong option.

Raising the retirement age by a few years is another way the social security system could potentially save more money, as is raising taxes. McCain hasn't made his position clear on these possibilities, other than to say that he remains dedicated to considering all the options.

McCain has also emphasized his commitment to introducing a bipartisan plan for saving the social security system that will give Americans the comfort of knowing that when they retire, or if they need to receive social security disability benefits, the system will work for them.

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www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Crohn's Disease SSI Disability Application

Crohn's Disease is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, a severe condition that affects the intestinal track. IBD, and Crohn's Disease in particular, are recognized as disabilities by the social security administration, enabling Crohn's Disease sufferers to potentially qualify for SSI disability payments.

As your SSI lawyer helps put your disability benefits application together, you'll be trying to meet the criteria set by the SSA that proves that Crohn's Disease prevents you from working and supporting yourself in a traditional manner.

Medical records are critical to Crohn's Disease SSI disability cases, as it's common for the symptoms to ebb and flow, though Crohn's Disease is generally incurable. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, fecal incontinence and perineal disease are common and should be carefully documented for your Crohn's Disease SSI disability application.

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www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Shortages in the SS System

With waves of baby boomers set to retire in the next few years, the state of the Social Security system is at serious risk. Simply put, the government is going to run out of money as they try to uphold the Social Security standards currently in place. Some estimate that the money will be gone by 2040, and workers who paid into the program throughout their lives find that they won't be able to receive payments. With a rapidly increasing awareness of the problems, the government is working on solutions that could make a big impact and turn the problematic course around.

However, the risk is still significant, and affects not only those nearing retirement age, but anyone who could suffer from a disease that qualifies them for SSI disability benefits. When the Social Security Administration funds hit rock bottom, those applying or receiving SSI benefits could be left with nothing.

For many, SSI disability benefits are their main source of income, and a collapse of the social security system could be devastating. Luckily, a collapse is not imminent. By examining the system and the needs of the people, the Social Security Administration should be able to alter the system to best serve both retirees and those who require SSI disability benefits.

Looking to learn more? Below are links for Social Security lawyers.

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www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.

Long Wait for Disability Court Hearing

The Social Security Administration has been struggling to keep up with the number of disability claims it has received in recent years. Since 2000, the number of claims that are backlogged in the system has more than doubled to 755,000.

Considering that each of those 755,000 applicants feel that their disability renders them unable to work and support themselves, the situation takes on a much more dire tone. Working carefully with an attorney who specializes in social security disability benefits law (SSI or SSDI) will help the applicant avoid common mistakes that could further delay the process. The expertise of an experienced Social Security lawyer can be a huge help in navigating the complicated social security disability system.

Once the initial application has received a ruling, which is often a "no," the waiting game begins again. This time, the wait is for an appeal, and it has recently averaged 500 days. Again, working closely with a skilled Social Security attorney can help applicants avoid pitfalls that would make the wait even longer. During these long waiting periods, it's integral to the case that the applicants continue to see their doctors and therapists, as well as keep careful notes on all appointments and changes. When the time to present the case to the administrative law judge comes, applicants with detailed histories will be far more prepared than those without.

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Resources: Looking for Additional Social Security Disability information?

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• Do you want to appeal a Social Security Disability case?

www.NationalDisabilityLawyer.com

1-800-507-4774

NationalDisabilityLawyer.com is a website with SSDI and SSI Disability information. Learn more about disability cases, how to apply for disability and how to appeal a denied Social Security Disability case.