Charlotte Social Security Disability Blog

Symptoms of depression can be hidden and debilitating

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability benefits for mental conditions on Thursday, March 21, 2019.

A previous post here shared a story about a proposed plan by the federal government to monitor disability benefits recipients' social media accounts. The proposed monitoring would give the government the opportunity to use information that it found on sites like Facebook, Instagram and others to revoke disability benefits claims to those who count on them to survive. If this proposal goes through it could be devastating to millions of men, women and children, and perhaps particularly to those whose disabilities are not easily seen.

Mental illnesses like depression are often masked by their victims' apparent physical health. A Charlotte resident with depression may be able to go to the grocery store, laugh at a joke or play with their pet all while suffering the crushing symptoms of their disease. In the event that the government found a picture of a smiling disability benefits recipient whose claim was based on depression, for example, they may lose the support they need from a literal snapshot of their everyday condition.

Seeking disability for chronic migraines

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

It's not just a headache, but you are past trying to explain to others why your migraines keep you from doing things you want or need to do. This may include going to your job. It is a difficult decision to quit working because of a medical condition, and one as mysterious and complex as chronic migraines is not always easy to justify.

You have hopes that you will qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, but for most first-time applicants, the chances of approval are slim. In fact, only about 25 percent of those who apply receive benefits, and even fewer win their appeals. This is why you must take every possible step to present a complete and convincing application for disability, especially with a condition that is difficult to diagnose and harder to treat.

Government may use social media to cut off disability payments

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

What a person chooses to share on social media is personal, but it may quickly become public if they do not use specific sharing protocols to limit who may view their information. For example, a stranger could find out a lot about a North Carolina resident just by scrolling through their pictures and shares on Facebook if that person maintained a public profile. For recipients of disability benefits, the government may soon be watching social media, too, as they search for cases of benefits fraud.

In a recent budget document propounded by the Social Security Administration it was revealed that the federal government may begin using surveillance through social media on the accounts of disability benefits recipients. That surveillance would be used to identify individuals who may be fraudulently receiving benefits when they do not need them. While disability benefits fraud is a disturbing problem, the use of surveillance on social media is wrought with its own issues as well.

Reasons that an application for SSI benefits may be denied

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in ssi supplemental security income on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Supplemental Security Income is a form of Social Security benefits that provides low income individuals with financial support. In order to qualify for SSI benefits, a person must either be blind, disabled or of an advanced age. Not every application for SSI benefits is approved, and it is important to understand some of the reasons that denials may be issued. North Carolina residents who have had their requests for SSI benefits rejected may have legal options.

An SSI application based on a person's disability may be rejected if that individual's ailment is expected to improve. Under the definition of "disability" recognized by the Social Security Administration, a disability must last for at least a year and any condition that is remedied before then may not qualify as such. An individual's condition must fully meet the definition of disability to qualify under that requirement.

Working while receiving Social Security Disability benefits

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability on Thursday, February 28, 2019.

Previous posts here have provided our readers with information about applying for disability benefits, ensuring that those benefits continue and taking action if benefits are stopped. One topic that can relate to all of these categories of interest is the capacity of a disabled person to perform some form of work. Those who can engage in "substantial gainful activity" may not qualify for disability benefits, but those who can do limited work or who may go back to work while receiving benefits may be subject to different rules.

For example, a person who earns a very limited income, such that it does not amount to substantial gainful activity, may be able to receive disability benefits for their qualifying ailment. They are required to report their income to the Social Security Administration and their status as disabled may be reviewed periodically to ensure that they are rightfully receiving support.

Military service and the development of mental disorders

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.

There are aspects of serving in the military that are difficult and traumatic. For some people who serve in active duty assignments or in certain types of high-stress roles, the mental effects can be serious. You may find that your time in the military resulted in a mental disorder that ultimately impacts your ability to continue with your career, find different types of employment and enjoy a certain quality of life.

Some people who experience some type of mental distress are able to, with support and professional help, continue working as before. However, this may not be the case for you. If you are no longer able to hold gainful employment and support your family because you are suffering from a mental disorder, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Will an injury support a disability claim even if it was treated?

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability benefits for injuries on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.

Serious injuries can leave victims with life-long pain and suffering. Whether a North Carolina resident suffered harm in a vehicle accident, while performing the duties of their work or in another situation, they may discover that even with medical intervention they are still severely limited in what they are able to do. In some cases, a person's injury may support a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, even if they have received treatment for it.

For example, in some cases, injuries and impairments require individuals to undergo complete reconstructions of their joints. A person may require the reconstruction of their knee or hip if it is significantly harmed. After reconstructive surgery, a person may still qualify for disability benefits if they are still unable to move effectively, if their recovery is limited and their impairments are long-term.

Legal help with Social Security disability benefits claims

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability benefits for illness on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

Charlotte residents who follow the news may have read stories in the last few months about the long waits that some Americans are facing as they apply for Social Security disability benefits. Men, women, and children who suffer from disabling illnesses are forced to endure months of waiting to find out if they have been approved for the assistance they need to live their lives. Those whose claims are denied may have to appeal the decisions of the Social Security Administration and start their waits over to find out if their decisions will be reversed.

There is nothing easy about having to wait to find out if someone will get the disability insurance or Supplemental Security Income that they need to survive. In fact, some reports regarding applicants and appeals cases found that thousands of individuals have passed on before they have received word of whether their claims have been approved.

Developmental disorders may lead to disability benefits

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in social security disability benefits for mental conditions on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

Children are born into loving North Carolina families every day. These families are prepared to provide those kids with whatever love and support that they need to thrive. While many infants enter the world healthy and fully developed, others suffer injuries, illnesses and other problems that affect their capacities to grow and mature. Issues that arise while babies are in utero or during their births can significantly impair their future abilities to learn and live independently.

As such, the Social Security Administration recognizes that some children who suffer from developmental disorders may require financial support in the form of disability benefits. It recognizes that developmental disorders may impair a child's ability to learn, live and grow. In order to qualify for disability benefits based on a developmental disorder, a child must meet certain criteria.

What is the purpose of SSI?

On behalf of Bridgman Law Offices posted in ssi supplemental security income on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Supplemental Security Income, often referred to as "SSI," is a federal program that provides financial support to certain individuals. It is often confused with Social Security Disability benefits, which is another program offered through the Social Security Administration. Our readers will likely need to know just what SSI is.

There are three groups of people who may qualify for SSI: the elderly, the blind and the disabled. Individuals who are disabled may seek Social Security Disability benefits support, but a disability is not required for SSI. What is required is limited income on which a person may live.