Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers Blog

Social Security Disability benefits are often a last resort for those who contract life-threatening illnesses, including cancer. When a diagnosis leaves a patient unable to work, they may seek out Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability insurance to cover medical costs and to make ends meet. In addition to government assistance through SSDI, many cancer patients also depend on the federal government when they register for clinical trials. Sadly, the government shutdown has left some cancer patients unable to get the clinical trials they hoped for.

According to local reports, new clinical trials have been suspended because they cannot begin until they are registered on a federal website. The website was shut down and the agency didn’t process applications during the shutdown. Our Massachusetts Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered from debilitating and life-altering injuries or illnesses. In addition to helping victims and families collect SSDI benefits, we are also committed to the issues that affect those with illness and disabilities in our community.
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Young people with disabilities face additional challenges when developing relationships, performing in school and establishing careers. Disabilities are unique and impact the lives and families differently. For some, a physical disability may require significant care. For others, emotional and intellectual disabilities may require specific support and treatment. A new bill on Beacon Hill is seeking to redefine the requirements for disabled young adults to include those individuals with higher IQs. This is an attempt to assist the rising number of autistic students once they graduate from the public education system.

Autism is generating increasing awareness as the complexities of the affliction become more understood. Our Massachusetts Social Security Disability insurance attorneys are dedicated to helping those afflicted with autism collect benefits. We are aware of the significant challenges faced by families who have an autistic child. Our firm is dedicated to legal advocacy to help those who are impaired secure their rights and long-term interests.
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Nationwide, the attention on the government shutdown has placed pressure on all branches of government in all parties. The federal government shutdown has resulted in furloughs and the reduction of agency operations, including the FDA, the EPA and agencies such as OSHA. While you may be concerned about how the government shutdown can impact the economy and your community, you may also be concerned about how the shutdown will affect your ability to collect Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

Recent reports, including a bulletin on the Social Security website, indicate that SSI and SSDI payments will continue with no change in payment dates. Our Massachusetts Social Security Disability Income attorneys are dedicated to helping those in need recover the benefits they are entitled to. We are also abreast of changes and developments in the SSDI and SSI system and will work to help our clients maximize their recovery. We understand that time is of the essence and will follow necessary steps to protect your rights to Social Security Disability benefits.
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Have you planned for a disability? Do you know what your rights are to public or private insurance? Public assistance and welfare programs are constantly under scrutiny for potential abuses and for “draining the system.” While there have certainly been cases of fraud or abuse, the majority of disability payouts go to individuals who have legitimately suffered in an accident, work injury, or who have suffered from a disease that leaves them unable to work. For many victims, seeking out benefits is a last resort.

In addition to Social Security Disability Income (SSD or SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), private disability insurance is another option for individuals who are no longer able to work. Whether you are seeking benefits for yourself or a loved one, it is important to have a clear understanding of your rights and options regarding both public and private insurance benefits.

For millions of Americans, private disability insurance is not an option or the program will not cover the extent of costs after disability. Our Massachusetts Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of disability and their loved ones collect benefits at the time of need. We are experienced in navigating the Social Security benefits system and in helping our clients quickly and effectively recover the financial support they need. We are also committed to keeping our community aware of disability benefits options to ensure that they have the financial assistance required in the event of an accident, unexpected disease or illness.

What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability (SSD or SSDI) is a federally funded insurance program managed by the Social Security Administration. The program provides income supplements to those who are unable to work because of a documented disability. Disability benefits can be supplied on a temporary or permanent basis and can be based on a physical or mental impairment. In addition to SSD, individuals may also be entitled to disability benefits from their employer or through a private insurance carrier.

How does SSDI impact private disability coverage?
According to the SSA, your ability to collect private insurance does not prohibit you from also collecting SSDI. Keep in mind that the amount you recover from pensions or private insurance could reduce the amount you collect through SSDI. If you collect workers’ compensation or are seeking SSDI coverage, remember that your total disability support cannot be more than 80% of your income before you were disabled.

According to the SSA, one in four 20-year-olds will be disabled and unable to work before they reach the age of 67. There were more than 650,000 disabled workers collecting long-term disability benefits through an employer-sponsored group in 2012. Private disability insurance has also been an asset to individuals who have lost their ability to work. In most cases, long-term disability is only 60% of a prior salary, requiring victims to adjust their lifestyle. However, for those who collect long-term disability, these payouts are often not enough to cover living expenses and medical bills.

If you have a private disability insurance plan and are considering applying for SSDI, providing documentation and understanding your rights is critical. As advocates, we are experiencing in reviewing benefits claims on a case-by-case basis to ensure that you get the maximum recovery you are entitled to.
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A federal audit estimating some $1.3 billion in fraudulent over-payments by the Social Security Administration through its disability program is likely to result in more intensive scrutiny of new claims.

Our Boston SSDI attorneys are frustrated by this revelation because despite the news and widespread negative public perception of claimants, it is not easy for those who are legitimately ill to successfully obtain benefits. It is a long and arduous process, and many people – especially those who don’t have adequate representation from an SSDI attorney – end up falling through the cracks.
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