In many cases, the answer is yes. However, whether your union benefits affect your Social Security Disability claim depends on the type of benefit you receive. Understanding the difference can help you avoid confusion and better plan for your financial future. SSDI Is Based on Your Work History Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program funded through the Social Security taxes you paid while working. To qualify, you generally must: · Have work

Many people have heard terms like State Disability, Social Security Disability, SSI, STD or Long-Term Disability Insurance, but they’re not sure what each program does or whether they qualify. The good news is that these programs serve different purposes, and in some situations, a person may qualify for more than one at the same time. Here’s an overview of the disability programs I discuss most often with clients. 1. California State Disability Insurance (SDI) California’s St

This is probably the most important question I hear from prospective clients: “What do I need to do to get approved for Social Security Disability?” Many people believe there’s a secret diagnosis, a magic phrase their doctor can write, or a special form that automatically guarantees approval. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. In reality, Social Security looks at much more than your medical diagnosis. The question isn’t simply “What medical condition do you have?” The r

For many people, Medicare can be confusing. Between Parts A, B, C, and D, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and avoid costly mistakes. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older. It also covers many individuals under age 65 who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits after completing the required waiting period, as well as cert

If your Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim has been denied at both the initial application and reconsideration levels, your next step is usually a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). For many people, this is the most important stage of the disability process. It is also where many deserving applicants are finally approved for benefits. While the thought of appearing before a judge can be intimidating, a disability heari

The confusion is understandable. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), both provide benefits to people with disabilities, and both use the same medical definition of disability. However, that’s where the similarities largely end. The biggest difference comes down to how you qualify. · Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid while working. · Supplem

Our nation’s veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our country. It has been an honor to represent many retired Air Force members and veterans over the years, especially since my Vacaville office is located just a few miles from Travis Air Force Base. One thing I’ve learned is that many disabled veterans are unaware they may also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in addition to their VA disability compensation. Can You Receive Bo

Missing an appeal deadline with the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be stressful, but it does not always mean your case is over. Understanding the 60-Day Appeal Deadline In most Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases, you have 60 days from the date you receive an unfavorable decision to file an appeal. The SSA generally presumes you received the notice five days after the date on the letter, unless you can show otherwise. These

A cancer diagnosis can change your life in an instant. Suddenly, your focus shifts from work and daily routines to doctor appointments, treatment plans, and spending time with the people who matter most. Along with concerns about your health, many people also wonder: “How am I going to pay my bills if I can’t work?” The good news is that you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, and in some cases, your claim may be processed much faster than a

Economic uncertainty often causes people to rethink their retirement plans. Whether the economy is slowing, inflation is rising, or the stock market is experiencing significant volatility, many people ask the same question: “Will Social Security still be there when I need it?” It’s an understandable concern. While no one can predict exactly what the economy will do next, understanding how recessions affect Social Security can help you make better financial decisions. How Soci

When a new client comes to our office, one of the first questions we ask is whether they have ever applied for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits. If they have, we carefully review those prior claims to determine whether reopening may be possible. This can be extremely important because reopening an earlier claim may allow a claimant to receive additional past-due benefits. Depending on the circumstances, reopening a prior application could result in a substantially l

Many people mistakenly believe that Medicare and Medicaid are the same program. While both provide healthcare coverage, they are very different programs with different eligibility requirements. Understanding the difference is especially important if you are applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. What Is Medicare? Medicare is a federal health insurance program. Most people qualify because they: · Are age 65 or old

One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is: “I think I applied for Social Security benefits too soon. Did I make a mistake?” The good news is that not necessarily. Whether you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Security retirement benefits, you may have options depending on your situation. In many cases, it’s possible to adjust your strategy without losing all of your rights. Let’s look at a few common situations. Scenario 1: You App

“How much will my monthly SSI check be?” The honest answer is: It depends. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), where your monthly benefit is based on your work history and lifetime earnings, SSI is a needs-based program. Your monthly payment depends on several factors, including your income, living arrangements, and whether you receive financial support from others. Let’s look at how Social Security determines your SSI benefit. SSI Has a Maximum Monthly Benefi

If We Win My Case, and I Qualify for Benefit, How Are My Monthly Benefits Calculated? This is one of the most common questions I receive, but it is also one of the most difficult to answer because the amount of your monthly benefit depends on the type of disability benefit you qualify for and your individual circumstances. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) If you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime

A person of any age may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. However, age can play an important role in how the Social Security Administration evaluates an adult disability claim—particularly when the applicant cannot perform past work but may have the capacity to perform other work. Social Security generally follows a five-step evaluation process. At an earlier step, an applicant may qualify by meeting or medically equaling the requirements of a condition include

“If I’m approved, will I finally have health insurance?” The answer depends on which disability program you qualify for. People approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and those approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) generally receive different types of healthcare coverage. Let’s take a look at how each program works. If You’re Approved for SSDI If you’re approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will generally become eligible for

Many people have heard that applying for early Social Security retirement benefits is relatively quick and straightforward, while applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can take several months or even longer and may involve medical reviews, appeals, or hearings. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. The best strategy depends on your individual circumstances. If You’re Unable to Work Because of a Disability, Start by Exp

One of the most common questions I hear from clients is: “Will I have to pay taxes on my Social Security Disability benefits?” The answer is: Maybe—but many people don’t. Whether your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are taxable depends on your total income, not simply the fact that you receive disability benefits. Let’s take a closer look. Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Taxes If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you

One of the most common questions I hear is: “Once I’m approved for Social Security Disability, how long will my benefits last?” The answer is encouraging: For many people, disability benefits continue for many years—and often for the rest of their lives. However, benefits do not automatically last forever. They continue as long as you remain eligible under Social Security’s rules. Let’s look at how that works. Social Security Disability Benefits Are Intended to Continue as Lo