SSA Tag Archives — Georgia Disability Lawyer Blog

Published on: December 14, 2015

What Is Substantial Gainful Activity?

The term “Substantial Gainful Activity” refers to work activity that provides a certain monthly income beyond a limit. Remember, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deny a claim if it has reason to believe you are earning more than a predetermined SGA limit.

What is the SGA limit?

The limit depends on a number of factors. The most important factor is the type of disability. Some conditions may allow a person to receive disability benefits even if they are earning a higher income than another person who is denied. For instance, persons who suffer from blindness may have a much higher SGA limit while still retaining their eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.

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Published on: November 30, 2015

What Is the Ticket to Work Program?

By Lisa Siegel

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Ticket to Work program allows disabled individuals who are currently deceiving disability benefits payments to transition back into the workforce.

If you are currently receiving disability benefits, and are between the ages of 18 and 64, then you may qualify for the Ticket to Work program. The program allows you to go back to work, and begin earning an income again, while retaining your eligibility for Social Security benefits. The program also allows you to continue to retain some of the benefits that are available to you under the Medicare and Medicaid programs as well as some cash benefits.

The Ticket to Work program also allows you to benefit from an employment network that will help you get in touch with employers and organizations to get started working again. The Employment network will require information about your disability, your work history and other issues, and can help you find that is a good fit.

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Published on: July 15, 2015

Hashimoto’s Disease and Social Security Disability

By Lisa Siegel

Hashimoto’s Disease is the most common thyroid disease in the United States. It is an autoimmune disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks his or her own healthy thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which regulates many of the body’s activities. Hashimoto’s Disease, sometimes called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is progressive, meaning that it will get worse over time until the thyroid stops functioning. It is inherited and the severity of symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Ideally, once the condition is diagnosed, a person can take thyroid hormone replacement daily (for the rest of his or her life – a thyroid never starts functioning again once it stops).

Will Hashimoto’s Disease qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

Social Security does not have a specific medical impairment listing for thyroid disorders. Once a thyroid condition is diagnosed, most people can control a thyroid disorder (and be capable of gainful employment) with medication. However, the difficulties arising from Hashimoto’s Disease differ from person to person. Some people do suffer from complications due to the disease, including heart problems, strokes, unintentional weight gain or loss, depression or anxiety. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate claims under the guidelines for the related listings (for example, a thyroid-related heart condition would be evaluated under Cardiovascular System). Remember, however, the SSA does not award benefits based on having a condition, but instead will base an approval or denial on the extent to which a condition makes work activity not possible.

Published on: April 28, 2015

SSA Compassionate Allowances Program

By Lisa Siegel

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Social Security benefits system is the amount of time that it takes for the typical claim to be processed. It could take months for your claim to be processed, which is one of the reasons why taking action sooner than later is so important. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes it possible for some persons who suffer from very serious conditions and illnesses to qualify for expedited claims approvals.

The Compassionate Allowances Program allows disabled Americans who apply for disability benefits to get their claims approved much quicker. The Compassionate Allowances Program is specifically designed for persons who suffer from illnesses that are so severe that it is very obvious that they would qualify for benefits under the Social Security disability program. Therefore, the agency simply approves these processes, and grants applicants benefits without the long delay that often accompanies the normal process.

How long does it take to get claims approved under the Compassionate Allowances Program?

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Published on: March 22, 2015

Researchers Look at Stem Cell Transplants for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

By Lisa Siegel

Patients who suffer from the debilitating condition multiple sclerosis (MS) may have new hope for treatment. Researchers have announced findings from a small clinical trial, which indicated significant benefits from the use of a patient’s own stem cells.

As part of the trial, patients were given a transplant of hematopoietic stem cells from their own bodies. According to researchers, patients experienced disease remission after the transplant. These particular types of stem cells are involved in the formation of blood, and are sourced from bone marrow. As part of the trial, patients were also given high-dose immunosuppressive medications.

The study’s findings were published recently in JAMA Neurology, and focused on an evaluation of 24 patients who suffered from MS. They suffered from a type of multiple sclerosis called active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, in which the patients have certain phases in which the condition is very active, followed by certain phases in which they do not experience any symptoms at all.

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