Applying for–and perhaps fighting for–Social Security disability benefits is challenging for most people. If you’re struggling with a condition like anxiety, it can be even tougher. Having the right assistance can help ensure that you’ve put together the strongest application possible. It can also significantly reduce the stress associated with the process. Here’s what you need to know about getting the help you need.
What is Anxiety?
Most of us experience anxiousness at times. That’s different from having an anxiety disorder. A condition like generalized anxiety disorder can have a significant impact on your daily life, including the ability to earn a living.
Does the Social Security Administration (SSA) Recognize This Disorder As A Disability?
This disorder is included in the Social Security Blue Book–a listing of conditions and related symptoms and limitations that may qualify a person for SSD benefits. However, that doesn’t mean being diagnosed with this disorder automatically qualifies you for SSD. The Blue Book sets forth very specific criteria for a person with an anxiety disorder to qualify for disability benefits.
When you submit an application for SSD benefits for this disorder, it’s important that you provide documentation that supports a determination of disability.
That means understanding the Blue Book criteria and the other factors the SSA considers in assessing an SSD application. It also means ensuring that you have solid medical documentation. Since this disorder isn’t objectively measurable or determined by a test, it can be more difficult to establish a claim for this type of disability.
Get the Help You Need with your Claim
If you haven’t yet applied for SSD benefits, it’s in your best interest to consult an experienced disability benefits advocate right away. Your best chance at getting an approval on the first round and saving months or years is to submit the strongest possible application and documentation.
The seasoned advocates at Disability Help Group know what the SSA is looking for and how to clearly and effectively present the relevant information. We know how important it is for you to have knowledgeable guidance, so we offer free case reviews.
Already been denied? Don’t worry. The SSA offers a multi-step appeals process. But, deadlines are tight, so you’ll want to get help right away when you receive a denial.
Getting started is easy. Just call (800) 800-3332 right now, or contact us here now.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security Disability in 2024
If you’re currently receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSD), you may have noticed that your January benefits were a bit higher than they were last year. That’s because the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to disability benefits. These increases have been notable over the past couple of years–with inflation high, the increase in SSD benefits was high, too.
In 2023, Social Security disability benefits increased by 8.7%. Now, with the rate of inflation significantly lower, the cost-of-living adjustment is smaller. Still, SSD recipients will see an increase in 2024, and the SSA will assess again at the end of the year to determine the COLA for 2025.
How Much Will Disability Benefits Increase in 2024?
In 2024, the COLA increase is 3.2%.
Exactly what that means in terms of dollars depends on the amount of your regular monthly benefit. For example, the maximum monthly SSD benefit will increase from $3,627.00 to $3,822–just shy of $200/month. In January of 2023, the average disabled worker receiving SSD benefits got $1,483.11/month. In 2024, that increases to $1,530.57.
Who Else Benefits from the SSA COLA?
According to the SSA, about 71 million Americans will see an increase in benefits in 2024. That includes retirees, SSD recipients, those receiving survivors’ benefits, and SSI recipients. The percentage increase is the same across the board. The Veterans Administration (VA) also relies on the SSA cost-of-living calculation to adjust benefits. That means those receiving VA disability benefits will see the same increase.
Your SSD Cost-of-Living Increase is Automatic
You don’t have to do anything to receive increased benefits. Both the SSA and the VA make the adjustments automatically for the new year. Knowing what to expect in the coming year can help SSD recipients and those who receive other benefits tied to the SSA’s COLA plan for the year ahead.
Get Help With Social Security Disability Today
If you aren’t yet receiving SSD benefits and believe you may be qualified, your best next step is to talk to an experienced disability benefits advocate. Whether you are just considering applying for Social Security disability benefits or have already been denied, Disability Help Group is here for you.
Our experienced advocates know what type of information and documentation the SSA is looking for, and can help you build the strongest application or appeal possible.
Most Social Security disability claims are initially denied. While there are no guarantees, there are things you can do to increase the chances of approval. Here are some key dos and don’ts for putting together and submitting your application for SSD benefits.
SSD Application Dos
Submitting the strongest possible Social Security Disability application starts with thoroughly understanding the process and what type of evidence the Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking for.
Some important steps to take when preparing your claim for Social Security disability benefits include:
Make sure you complete all forms correctly and completely. Do not skip questions or provide incomplete responses.
Understand what type of medical proof is required and supply sufficient medical records and documentation.
Make sure you provide names and contact information for all doctors treating you for the condition.
Identify anyone in your life who may be able to provide information about the limitations you face in daily life due to your condition.
Continue to see your doctor, get any follow-up tests or treatments, and take prescribed medication.
If your doctor downplays your condition, seek out a new provider who takes your symptoms seriously.
Get the help you need to put together a strong Social Security Disability application or appeal.
Be honest. Make sure to provide all relevant information about your condition, but don’t exaggerate your symptoms or limitations.
SSD Application Don’ts
Miss deadlines, especially if you have to request reconsideration or an appeal hearing–if you have to start the process over again, you could significantly delay your benefits and lose some back benefits.
Fail to respond to a request from the Social Security Administration (SSA), such as your attendance at a consultative exam.
Apply while you are still earning more than the substantial gainful activity cut-off (in 2024, $1,550/month for non-blind applicants and $2,590 for blind applicants.
Make unnecessary mistakes because you don’t know the ins and outs of Social Security disability applications and appeals.
Talk to a Disability Benefits Advocate Today
One of the best steps you can toward submitting the strongest possible SSD application is to get the right help. At Disability Help Group, our advocates are dedicated to fighting for the benefits you deserve. To learn more about how we can help, call (800) 800-3332 or contact us here now.
When someone receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSD) passes away, there are two types of benefits that may be paid to survivors. The first is a lump sum death benefit. This is a small, one-time payment of $255. This benefit is paid to the surviving spouse if there is one, and if not to a qualifying child.
The more significant benefits for family members of a deceased SSD recipient are survivor benefits. Survivor benefits may be paid monthly to certain surviving dependents.
Qualifying for Social Security Survivor Benefits
There’s a short list of people who may be entitled to Social Security survivor benefits when a family member who was receiving disability benefits passes away. However, there is one common qualification: to be eligible for survivor benefits, the family member must have been dependent on the SSD recipient for financial support.
Those who may qualify include:
A surviving spouse, but only if:
They are 60 years of age or older, or
They are caring for a child of the deceased SSD recipient who is under the age of 16, or
They are caring for a disabled child of the deceased, regardless of the child’s age, or
They are aged 50 or older and disabled and became disabled while the SSD recipient was alive or within seven years after they passed away
A former spouse, but only if:
The marriage lasted at least 10 years and the former spouse is 60 or older, or
The marriage lasted at least 10 years and the former spouse if 50 or older and disabled, or
The former spouse is caring for a child of the deceased SSD recipient who is under 16, regardless of the length of the marriage
A child of the deceased who is unmarried and:
Under the age of 18, or
Under the age of 19 and two months if they are still in high school full time
Disabled by a condition that began before the child reached age 22
A parent aged 62 or older who depended on the deceased for at least half of their support
How Much Can Dependents Receive in Survivor Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a formula to determine the amount of survivor benefits. For dependents of a deceased SSD recipient, the maximum amount available to the family will be between 100% and 150% of the deceased’s full retirement benefit. How those funds are divided depends on the number and type of dependents who qualify for survivor benefits.
Help for Surviving Dependents of SSD Recipients
If you’ve just lost a loved one, you likely have a lot on your mind. The last thing you need is a struggle to untangle administrative red tape. Whether you’re applying for survivor benefits, have been denied benefits, or believe the amount you’re receiving is too low, Disability Help Group is here for you. To learn more about how we can help your family, call 800) 800-3332 or contact us here today.
What Does It Mean When My SSD Appeal Says “Under Review”?
If your Social Security disability (SSD) application was denied, you may receive an “appeal under review” letter or check the status of your appeal online and see “under review.” Many SSD applicants who aren’t prepared for that possibility are anxious about what it means. Here’s what you need to know about this status.
This Status Is Neutral
It’s common for people in the SSD appeals process to see “under review” as a bad sign. The truth is that learning that this is under review doesn’t tell you anything about the likely outcome. It simply means that some aspect of the tentative decision–whether approval or denial–is being reviewed. It’s best to try not to stress over what it means in your case and wait until you receive a decision on the matter
There are Multiple Levels To Appeals
It’s important to remember that even if your first or second Social Security disability appeal is denied, you still have options. The entire process includes as many of the following as are necessary:
Initial SSD application
Request for Reconsideration
ALJ Hearing
Request for Appeals Council review
Appeal to the federal district court
Each level of review offers opportunities that most SSD applicants don’t take full advantage of. For example, reconsideration is usually just a repeat of the original assessment of your application, but by a different person. Many SSD applicants don’t realize that they can submit additional information, such as updated medical records, with their request for reconsideration.
While many variables go into a Social Security Administration (SSA) decision on these matters, one key factor is how thoroughly you have established your claim. That includes everything from ensuring that your application is complete and accurate to providing the right medical documentation and other supporting evidence.
A Social Security Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help
At Disability Help Group, we know that the SSD application and appeals process can be daunting. We also know valid claims sometimes get denied simply because the applicant made an innocent mistake or didn’t understand what type of documentation was needed. We have been fighting for disabled workers and their families for years, and know what it takes to assemble the strongest application or appeal possible.
When you work with an experienced advocate, you won’t have to worry when you receive a status letter or see an unexpected notation in your online account. Our advocates will explain the process to you every step of the way. Call us today at (800) 800-3332 or contact us here now!
