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Blog Category: Social Security

Social Security

3 Ways an Attorney Supports Your Social Security Disability Case

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be overwhelming. The process involves complex regulations, a significant amount of paperwork and the potential for multiple denials. For those already dealing with the challenges of a disability, the process may feel even more daunting. That’s where having an experienced attorney comes in. With the right legal support, your chances of a successful claim increase dramatically. In this blog, we’ll discuss three key ways an attorney can help you navigate your Social Security Disability case and maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.

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Social Security

What Do I Need to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can feel overwhelming, especially when you're managing the challenges of a serious health condition. Knowing the qualifications and requirements is the first step toward getting the support you need. Here’s a guide to help you determine if you meet the criteria and how to prepare for the application process.

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Social Security

The Guide to Applying for Social Security Benefits

Applying for Social Security benefits can be a daunting process, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a disability. However, understanding the steps involved can help ease the stress. At Black & Jones Attorneys at Law in Rockford, IL, we are experienced in guiding clients through this process. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help you get started on the right track.

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Social Security

Can I Work and Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding how employment may impact your benefits. Many people wonder if they can work while receiving SSDI benefits, and the answer is nuanced. Yes, you are allowed to work some hours if you are pursuing or receiving Social Security Disability benefits. However, there are important considerations and limitations to keep in mind. At Black & Jones Attorneys at Law, we’re here to help you understand how to balance work and SSDI, ensuring you make the best decisions for your unique situation.

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Social security disability application

Social Security

Black & Jones Wins Benefits for a Young Adult Based on Injuries Sustained in Childhood

A client came to us after having applied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and being denied. His disability stemmed from a severe motor vehicle injury sustained when he was only 5 years old. After months of being hospitalized and in rehabilitation, he made a recovery and was able to return home. However, the accident left him with devastating residual physical and mental conditions that limited his functioning. Although he spent the remainder of his childhood going to school, graduating high school, and spending time with friends and family, the client was unable to truly function as a normal young adult. During his twenties, he lived with his parents and, due to a settlement from the accident, had too much in assets to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. But when a parent finally began receiving Social Security benefits, the client was able to apply off of his parent’s record.

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person walking with blindness walking stick

Social Security, Local Representation

Black & Jones Wins Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits for Blind Client

This client came to Black & Jones with a scary story. He had suffered almost complete loss of vision in one eye many years before. Since that time, he has had no trouble with vision in his other eye. He had a family, a life and remained a valued employee. His work was rewarding to him and allowed him to travel all over the United States meeting new people, working in diverse environments and seeing the beauty that America holds.

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Social Security

What Happens After My Social Security Disability Hearing?

Navigating the Social Security Disability (SSD) process can be challenging, especially after your hearing. You’ve worked hard to present your case, but what comes next? Understanding the post-hearing steps can help you manage expectations and prepare for the outcomes. Here’s what typically happens after your Social Security Disability hearing.

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Social Security

Why Hiring an Attorney Can Benefit Your Social Security Disability Case

Navigating the Social Security Disability (SSD) process can be a stressful and complex journey. From filing your initial application to potentially attending hearings, the path to securing benefits is loaded with challenges. This is where having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. At Black & Jones, we are experienced in guiding our clients through the SSD process, ensuring they have the best chance of securing the benefits they deserve.

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Gavel and disability symbol

Social Security

What Happens at a Social Security Disability Hearing?

Navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability (SSD) hearings can feel like traversing uncharted territory. However, armed with the right knowledge and preparation, you can approach these hearings with confidence. Let’s dive into what exactly unfolds during a Social Security Disability hearing and how you can best prepare for it!

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wooden human figures

Social Security

I Can Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Income? How Much Can I Make?

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a monthly payment provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) paid to disabled individuals who are unable to work for a living wage. To receive SSDI you must have a qualifying work history and your disability must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which in summary means that your condition is severe enough to significantly limit your ability to work for at least 12 months.

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Social Security

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney to Receive SSDI Benefits?

The short answer is no; however, it is highly recommended that you get an attorney to represent you. Hiring an attorney is free. You do not pay any fees out of your own pocket. There is no cost upfront to you. Attorneys representing claimants seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) before the Social Security Administration (SSA) work on a contingency fee basis.

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Man in wheelchair working on laptop

Social Security

How Are Social Security Benefits Calculated?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The amount of disability benefits a person can receive is calculated based on a variety of factors, including their work history, earnings history and medical condition.

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Woman hugging a man in a wheelchair from behind.

Social Security

2023: Important Changes to Social Security Disability and COLA Social Security Disability, COLA and Other 2023 Updates

The Social Security Administration (SSA) finally provided recipients a much-needed cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in 2023. According to the announcement, Social Security beneficiaries would get an 8.7% increase in their monthly payments starting in January 2023. This is the largest COLA increase since 1982 when benefits were increased by 7.4%.

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Close up of hand turning the wheel of a wheelchair.

Social Security

Helpful Facts about Social Security Disability Benefits

Are you or someone you know struggling with a disability that prevents you from making a living? This article discusses the important steps you can take in filing for Social Security benefits—and covers the difference between SSI and SSDI benefits, so you can search for the option that applies to your situation most accurately.

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Security disability form with red "DENIED" stamp.

Social Security

How To Apply For Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a social insurance program under which workers earn coverage for benefits by working and paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. The program provides benefits to disabled workers and their dependents and helps them earn lost income.

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Social Security

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 was intended to provide significant legal protections for workers’ benefits. There is one aspect of ERISA, called the ‘reservation of discretion’ which insurance companies and plan administrators have been able to use to deny workers health and disability benefits. Under a recent Illinois federal court decision, this has changed.

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Close up of Social Security Disability form.

Social Security

My Doctor Says I’m Disabled. Do I need an Attorney?

Chances are that if you have made the decision to apply for disability, you have talked to your doctor first about whether you qualify for disability. If your doctor has said that you’re disabled, you may not feel the need to hire an attorney because your doctor’s word should be good enough, right?

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