Social Security Disability Archives - Social Security Disability Advocates

COVID-19 Scams to Watch Out For

By Social Security Disability Advocates USA | May 1, 2020 | Comments 0 Comment

During these turbulent times, it’s more important than ever to help keep yourself and your family safe. Unfortunately, scammers and thieves alike will use this time to attempt to prey upon those who are vulnerable. Learn how to identify the latest COVID-19 scams with these helpful tips.

1. Social Security Benefits Are NOT Affected by COVID-19

Social security scams have been around for a long time, but many scammers are using the novel coronavirus to scare victims into divulging their personal information or giving them money.

If you receive a letter, phone call, text message, or email from someone claiming that your social security disability benefits or your retirement benefits have been suspended or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, this is an obvious tip-off that someone is trying to scam you.

Although SSA offices remain closed, social security payments will continue as scheduled per the Social Security Office of the Inspector General.

2. The IRS Will Not Ask For Your Payment Information

With the recent disbursement of coronavirus stimulus checks, the IRS has seen an uptick in fraudulent activity and COVID-19 scams. Scammers may contact you through phone, email, or regular mail asking for your banking information in order to process your economic impact payment.

Please be aware that direct deposit information used to file your 2018 or 2019 taxes will most likely be used to send your coronavirus stimulus check. If direct deposit information is not available, the IRS will send you a paper check by USPS mail. The IRS will not contact you asking for this information.

The only secure way to check the status of your economic impact payment is by using the IRS Get My Payment tool. If you did not file taxes for 2018 or 2019, you can also safely update your payment information on the IRS website.

3. COVID-19 Tests Are Not Available Door-to-Door or by Mail

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some scammers have reportedly attempted to sell fake COVID-19 tests either over the phone, through email, or door-to-door. The scammer will usually ask the victim for their personal details, including Medicare information, in exchange for a COVID-19 test.

The scammer can use your personal information to fraudulently bill federal health care programs or commit medical identity theft. Remember, the only way to obtain a legitimate COVID-19 test at this time is from a licensed medical provider or at an official testing center.

4. Additional Tips to Avoid Scams

In addition to the tips outlined above, there are other more general things you can do to protect yourself from potential scams. These include:

Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers may use tactics like spoofing to make fraudulent phone numbers that look like they are coming from the IRS or another agency. Do not divulge personal information based on the caller ID alone. Remember, the SSA and IRS will not ask for these details over the phone.
If someone is asking you to wire money or purchase gift cards, this is most likely a scam. Do not engage with callers or emails asking for these kinds of transfers. Report suspected COVID-19 scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling 1-866-720-5721 or by emailing [email protected].
The SSA will never suspend your social security number or your bank accounts. Anyone who tries to persuade you to divulge information or pay money to avoid these suspensions is a scammer.

The best way to avoid scams is to stay informed. The more often you can recognize these scammers and frauds for what they are, the less likely you are to inadvertently compromise your personal information or benefits.

To find out more about protecting your SSDA and retirement benefits contact the SSA office directly. If you need assistance applying for or appealing your disability claim, contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA today at 602-952-3200. You can also get in touch by using our LiveChat service, or by filling out our secure contact form.

Social Security Administration Offices Close Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

By Social Security Disability Advocates USA | March 20, 2020 | Comments 0 Comment

This week, the Social Security Administration announced widespread SSA office closures effective March 17, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 1,200 offices essentially shuttered across the country, many disabled or elderly beneficiaries have been left wondering what will happen to their benefits, case appeals, etc.

During these uncertain times, Social Security Disability Advocates USA would like to reassure our current, past, and prospective clients that although we intend to comply with any and all mandates regarding non-essential business closures, our legal team will be available remotely to assist our most vulnerable population whenever possible.

If you are in need of immediate assistance regarding social security, contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

How Long Will SSA Office Closures Last?

At this time, the Social Security Administration has not specified how long its offices will remain closed, citing safety concerns affecting older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions in addition to its employees.

Updates regarding SSA office closures can be found here.

What if I Had An Appointment At My Local SSA Office?

If you had an appointment scheduled after March 17, 2020, contact your local SSA office. Although all offices are currently closed to the public, many are still staffed by SSA employees assisting patrons over the phone and online. If your local office is not accepting calls, you can call the national number listed above.

Which Social Security Services Can Be Completed Online?

The good news for those with canceled in-office appointments is that many services related to social security can be completed online at ssa.gov/onlineservices/. These services include:

Applying for benefits (retirement, disability, medicare)
Appealing a decision
Checking your application status
Estimating retirement benefits
Reviewing your earnings history & statements
Accessing your 1099
Setting up direct deposit
Viewing proof of your benefits

What Services Are Available to the Severely Disabled?

For those whose disabilities make it impossible to access services remotely, some SSA field offices will allow in-person assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This service will only be available to those with dire circumstances, including:

Reinstatement of benefits due to extreme situations
Assistance for those who are blind, deaf, or otherwise significantly disabled
Those suffering from terminal illness
Those with critical needs for eligibility decisions regarding Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid

Those who require these crucial in-person services must call in advance.

Will I Continue to Receive My Benefits?

In short, the more than 69-million people who receive benefits will continue to receive their monthly payments regardless of the SSA office closures. The COVID-19 pandemic has no bearing on payments at this time, whether you receive your benefits via mail or by direct deposit.

The Social Security Administration does recommend that those receiving payments by mail set up direct deposit online, which allows payments to be received more quickly, efficiently, and securely. It also prevents any mail delivery delays that may occur within the United States Postal Service.

Should I Be Worried About Social Security Scams?

There have unfortunately been some reports of social security scams via threatening robocalls and infectious computer malware in the midst of the pandemic. The Better Business Bureau released an advisory letting Americans know which scams to watch for during this precarious time.

Keep in mind that the Social Security Administration will never send threatening letters or emails demanding immediate payment or personal information such as your social security number.

For more on the ultimate disability secrets and information about how to get the most monthly compensation for your disability, contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA.

Where to Get Additional Help With Your SSDI Claim

We understand that SSA office closures come during a particularly troubling time for many, especially those who rely on government assistance to pay their bills and feed their families. If you need legal assistance with your disability claim, Social Security Disability Advocates USA is here to help. Call us at 602-952-3200 to speak with an experienced social security lawyer. You can also chat online with a live representative, or submit the details of your claim using our secure contact form.

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.

What Types of Anxiety Qualify for SSDI?

By Social Security Disability Advocates | February 5, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

SSDI and Anxiety — Have questions about SSDI and anxiety? Contact SSDA USA today!

Suffering from an anxiety disorder can be just as debilitating as suffering from a physical disability. The Social Security Administration has provided guidelines for people with anxiety disorders because of these levels of debilitation. So, what types of anxiety qualify, and what are the requirements? Not to worry – our team from SSDA USA is here to explain the link between SSDI and anxiety.

What Is an Anxiety Disorder?

While a bit of nervousness and worry is normal in ordinary life, excessive terror and panic is prevalent in people with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders differ from the normal stresses of everyday life.

Normally, people with anxiety disorders experience continuous terror, panic, or otherwise alertness with no clear indicator for such responses. Anxiety disorders can cause considerable disruption in people’s lives. Agoraphobia, for example, prevents an individual from leaving their home for fear of their safety.

Examples of Possible Anxiety Disorders SSDI Covers

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

This disorder is perhaps the broadest of all anxiety disorders. It involves constant fear or worry about the future. The worry could be about minor things such as doctor’s appointments, or it could be about abstract concepts such as the long-term future. Physical symptoms may include tremors, excessive alertness, and persistent terror.

Phobias

Phobias involve the unceasing and irrational fear of a specific object or concept that is not generally thought of as being harmful. As such, phobias can cause such discomfort that people often take extreme measure to avoid the thing their afraid of. A common debilitating phobia is agoraphobia, the fear of leaving one’s home.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Previously called Social Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder involves extreme anxiousness in social situations. For example, people with the disorder may have an extreme fear of public speaking, or perhaps they endure social interactions with great difficulty. Social Anxiety Disorder can cause severe disruptions in one’s personal, work, and romantic relationships.

What Qualifies My Anxiety for Benefits?

The above are just a few examples of common anxiety disorders. The reality, however, is that no matter what, you must meet Social Security’s requirements in order to qualify for SSDI because of an anxiety disorder. Here are the requirements:

You must meet the requirements of paragraphs A and B or of paragraphs A and C to qualify for SSDI because of an anxiety disorder.

A. Medical documents for a, b, or c:

a. An anxiety disorder that is characterized by three or more of the following:

Restlessness/Hyperactivity,
Easily tired,
Difficulty focusing,
Excessive irritability,
Tension of muscles, or
Disturbance of sleep.

b. A panic disorder or agoraphobia that is characterized by one or both of the following:

Panic attacks followed by a continuous concern or worry about future panic attacks or their consequences, or
Disproportionate fear or anxiety about at least two different situations (for example: public speaking, being in a crowd, being in a line, being outside of your home, eating in public).

c. An obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that is characterized by one or both of the following:

Involuntary and time-consuming preoccupation with intrusive, undesired thoughts, or
Repetitive and possibly irrational behaviors or rituals aimed at reducing anxiety.

B. An extreme limitation of one or a marked limitation of two of the following areas of mental functioning:

Understanding, remembering, or applying information.
Interacting with others.
Concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace/flow.
Adapting or managing oneself.

C. Your mental disorder in this listing category is “serious and persistent”; that is, you have a medically documented history of the existence of the disorder over a period of no less than two years, and there is empirical evidence of both of the following:

Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that is ongoing and that decreases or otherwise lessens the symptoms and signs of your mental disorder, and
Marginal adjustment (that is, you have minimal to no capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or to demands/requests that are not already part of your daily life) is present.

Steps to Take

The first step you should take before applying for SSDI is to consult a professional like those at Social Security Disability Advocates. Next, get the appropriate diagnosis. Without this, qualifying for SSDI becomes nearly impossible.

The next step is to present medical documentation along with your SSDI application. Remember, while a diagnosis from a doctor doesn’t alone prove disability (according to the SSA), it certainly helps a lot. Because of this, include all your medical records along with the names of doctors who have treated you, phone numbers, and addresses of medical facilities you’ve visited.

If your disability application gets denied, that’s OK. You can always try again. Consult an attorney from SSDA USA. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to qualify for SSDI.

Have Further Questions About SSDI and Anxiety?

If you have further questions about SSDI and anxiety, contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA right away! Our attorneys are always on the line to help you with all your social security concerns.

Call us 24/7 at 602-952-3200. Additionally, you can contact us online and check out our LiveChat feature. Don’t keep your questions bottled up. Call one of our attorneys today!

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.

Stop! Do You Know the Key SSI and SSDI Differences?

By SSDA USA | January 24, 2019

While there is only a one letter difference between SSI and SSDI, the two programs are quite different. It’s important to know which program(s) you qualify for and how you can maintain your eligibility. So, let us from SSDA USA explain the two programs in detail.

What are the Similarities?

Both SSI and SSDI are federally operated programs overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Both programs aid people who are disabled, and both programs are subject to similar rules, according to the SSA. For example, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled to qualify for either program, and you must also earn under a certain amount. Even with this in mind, there are more differences between the programs than there are similarities.

What is SSDI?

SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. This is an entitlement-program that the SSA oversees. This means that financial need doesn’t necessarily play a part in eligibility for SSDI. SSDI aids people usually only if they earned a certain amount of work credits. This program essentially allows people who become disabled to take their retirement benefits early. The younger you are, the fewer work credits you need to qualify for SSDI.

Additionally, family members can benefit from your SSDI, whereas individuals with SSI can claim benefits only for themselves. Also, SSDI provides Medicare to its recipients after two years.

What is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. This is a means-tested program overseen by the SSA that aids low-income individuals who are disabled, blind, or elderly. This means that financial need is a primary requirement, and that work history doesn’t necessarily play a part in eligibility for SSI. You do not need any work credits to qualify. However, SSI is a bit more strict. For example, your total assets cannot exceed a certain value. In addition, SSI offers Medicaid.

A Summary of Differences

SSDI is an entitlement program that requires work credits, while SSI is a means-tested program that helps those with a low income. SSDI members can sometimes claim benefits for their family members, but SSI members cannot do this.

Also, SSDI offers Medicare, while SSI offers Medicaid. In both SSI and SSDI, you must earn under a certain amount. However, only SSI looks at your total assets; in other words, your countable and uncountable income is analyzed. SSDI payments do count as income, so having SSDI could affect SSI eligibility. Though, it is possible to qualify for both programs at the same time.

Have Questions about SSI and SSDI Differences?

Social Security can be a confusing and frustrating pain to deal with, we know. But don’t keep your questions to yourself. Let one of our experienced professionals from Social Security Disability Advocates USA help you today. You can contact us anytime at 602-952-3200. In addition, you can contact us online and check out our LiveChat feature. Our attorneys are always available and ready to tend to your every Social Security concern, so don’t wait! Call SSDA USA today!

Are You Disabled According to the SSA?

By SSDA USA | January 8, 2019

social security disability definition — Are you disabled under the Social Security Disability definition? Find out today!

Social Security doesn’t just aid the elderly and the impoverished. Disabled people also qualify for Social Security benefits.

But wait a minute:

How do you know if you are disabled? What exactly is the Social Security Disability definition? The rules surrounding Social Security Disability can be a lot to unpack, so let us from Social Security Disability Advocates lay bare the criteria for Social Security Disability benefits.

The Definition

For both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), an individual must meet certain criteria to receive disability benefits. If you meet all the following conditions, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:

You have a mental or physical condition that prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and
The condition has lasted or will last for a period of no less than 12 months, or
The condition will result in death

This is the essence of what constitutes disability, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Under the Social Security Disability definition, certain conditions automatically qualify for disability status. These conditions are listed in The Blue Book, as the SSA calls it. Some of those conditions are:

Cancer
Musculoskeletal problems
Neurological disorders
Mental disorders
Immune system disorders
Respiratory illnesses
And more . . .

Restrictions

There are some restrictions that come along with your disability benefits. For example, if you are receiving SSDI, earning SGA or above could put a halt on your benefits. The same goes for SSI. In addition, if you are a dependent and the primary recipient stops receiving benefits, you may stop receiving benefits as well.

The Social Security Administration is quite strict with who it allows for disability benefits. For example, if your disability prevents you from doing your current work but you can still do other types of work, the SSA will not see you as a qualified individual.

And of course, there are non-medical restrictions, too. For example, receiving SSDI not only requires that the individual meets the definition of disability and is unable to work, but also that they must have previously worked and earned a certain amount of work credits via FICA taxes. For SSI, individuals cannot possess assets with a net worth over a certain amount.

Documents

Before you can get your Social Security Disability benefits, you’ll need to prove you’re disabled. Therefore, you must show medical documentation proving you meet the Social Security Disability definition. You’ll need documents showing what your impairments are, any medications you’re taking, contact information for all your doctors, when they saw you and how they treated you, and lots more information.

Have Questions about the Social Security Disability Definition?

If you still have questions about Social Security, call SSDA USA today! Our attorneys tend to your every concern, so don’t keep your questions to yourself. You can contact us anytime at 602-952-3200. Additionally, you can contact us online and check out our LiveChat feature. Don’t wonder or worry, call SSDA USA today!

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