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Blog Category: Social Security

Social Security

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation with Black & Jones for My Social Security Disability Claim?

Black & Jones, your trusted Rockford-based worker’s compensation and Social Security attorneys, offers a free initial consultation. This appointment is an important first meeting between you and the attorney you may hire to represent you throughout your Social Security Disability claim.

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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

How to Prepare for a Social Security Disability Hearing

Social Security Disability (SSD) hearings can be time-consuming and complex. With the help of a trusted attorney to guide you, you can file an appeal and fight for the disability compensation you deserve. Here are the basics you need to know to prepare for your hearing.

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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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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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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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Man in wheelchair at desk

Social Security

Social Security Disability Application Changes You Need to Know

One of the biggest frustrations with pursuing Social Security Disability benefits is the amount of time it takes to get a decision and, hopefully, begin getting benefits. This struggle has plagued applicants and their social security disability attorneys for decades.

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Social Security

What Evidence Do I Need for an SSD Claim?

If you’re looking to apply, here’s a list of the evidence you’ll need to collect in order to fully complete the application.

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Social Security

Can I Apply for Social Security Disability?

The application process can be tricky! We recommend talking to your trusted legal professional—so you don’t miss any crucial steps.

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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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Social Security

We’re Your Trusted Social Security Disability Advocate

Wondering how best to decide which law firm to hire for your Social Security Disability claim? When you seek counsel, make sure they are highly experienced in Social Security Disability claims and, in the end, will ultimately fight for you.

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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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Workers' Comp, Social Security

Losing a Loved One in a Work Place Accident

Unfortunately, no matter how cautious we are, accidents sometimes happen in the workplace. Losing a loved one in a traumatic accident is hard; and the last thing you should have to worry about is how to pay for the funeral and survive financially without them.

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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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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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