On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Illness on Monday, June 10, 2013
Multiple sclerosis is a condition that can strike a person at any age. As Pittsburgh residents affected by this condition know, the long-term effects of the illness can be very difficult to handle. As the disease progresses, simple neurological functions begin to fade, which can makes mobilty a challenge.
As individuals determine their options after receiving an MS diagnosis, they may consider applying for disability benefits in order to help cover basic expenses. Multiple sclerosis is among the illnesses covered by the Social Security disability program. However, if a person doesn't provide adequate medical documentation, benefits may be denied. This is why it may be helpful to consult with an SSD attorney to make sure the application or appeals process is handled carefully.
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance on Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The Social Security disability program isn't limited to covering purely physical injuries or illnesses; rather, it also covers some mental conditions. One of the mental illnesses included in SSDI is severe obsessive compulsive disorder, otherwise known as OCD. Certainly, financial support may be necessary for someone who is adversely affected by this particular condition, but advances in treatments can provide a different kind of relief.
People who are living with OCD are often compelled to repeat certain actions and behaviors, sometimes for hours at a time. Medication can be prescribed, but it doesn't always work. Being unable to avoid certain actions or clear certain thoughts from one's mind can make very basic tasks essentially impossible. This is why receiving relief from severe OCD symptoms is often of critical importance.
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in SSI - Supplemental Security Income on Thursday, May 30, 2013
As we've previously covered on this blog, there are ways to obtain disability benefits for minor children. Namely, Supplemental Security Income is one option available to children and teenagers who meet the criteria established by federal officials.
While the financial benefit provided by SSI can provide relief to children and their families, the federal government is looking to expand the kind of support they provide to minors receiving these benefits. A few states are expected to receive federal funding as part of the pilot program called Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income. The hope is that the effort will provide better educational and professional opportinities for young people on SSI.
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Thursday, May 23, 2013
Falling victim to a brain injury can literally change a person's entire life in an instant. Brain damage -- which is often permanent -- can limit a person's cognitive, speech, memory and motor skills, which can make common tasks a major challenge. One Pennsylvania woman is currently dealing with this reality, and her brain injury is over a decade old.
As a 14 year old, the Pennsylvania resident was injured during a soccer game when she hit her head on the ground. Years later, as a 27-year-old woman, she still struggles with the physical impairments caused by her injury. Even though she has transitioned into an independent living situation, she still is having trouble maintaining a job.
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Dealing with a child's disability can be a very confusing and scary time for parents in Pennsylvania. As individuals try to assess exactly how an injury, illness or mental condition will impact their families, they should know that there may be resources, such as Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability, available to children living with a disability.
A recent report indicates that the need for disability benefits among children may only grow with time. According to researchers based in Pittsburgh, the occurrence of disabilities among children increased 16 percent over the course of a decade. When kids were surveyed in 2009 and 2010, about 6 million of them had a disability
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in Social Security Administration News on Wednesday, May 8, 2013
When a Pittsburgh resident is looking to appeal a denied Social Security disability insurance claim, his or her case will eventually be heard by an administrative court judge. The judge will review the case file in conjunction with a hearing and make a decision. However, a large group of these judges filed a lawsuit that claims they are being required to hear too many cases.
The Social Security Administration requires judges to handle as many as 700 Social Security disability appeals each year, which is an enormous burden for one person. A major concern with these hefty quotas is that that judges are unable to keep pace, so they don't provide adequate time to every SSDI case.
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Illness on Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Medical professionals recently gathered in Pennsylvania to discuss an illness that can produce strong opinions among doctors: Lyme disease. If left untreated or if the disease persists even after initial treatment, the tick-borne illness can have very serious effects. In fact, those who are dealing with chronic Lyme disease symptoms may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
According to federal health officials, there were 4,379 diagnosed Lyme disease cases in Pennsylvania in 2011. This was the highest number of cases in any of the 50 states, which may be a big part of the reason why doctors came to our state to discuss the nature of the disease and treatment options at the conference.
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in SSI - Supplemental Security Income on Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Under current regulations, only those who have $2,000 or less in assets qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits. That requirement has been in place for 24 years without being adjusted, even for inflation. As such, many Pittsburgh residents who are living with a disability may not qualify for this program, despite being financially distressed.
The National Council on Disability recently urged the federal government to make updates to the program, which has changed very little in the last two decades. Among the suggestions is a call to raise the asset requirement to $10,000 and tie it to inflation. This would allow many people with ongoing financial concerns to apply for assistance that can help them cover basic needs.
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance on Thursday, April 18, 2013
The Social Security disability insurance program has recently been the subject of a lot of media attention and scrutiny. Many critics have broadly characterized recent increases in enrollment as unnecessary and wasteful spending. The reality, however, is that thousands of Pittsburgh residents are living with disabilities that make working very difficult. This is why they have sought the basic financial security afforded by SSDI benefits.
According to the most recent census data, nearly 10 percent of Americans have a severe illness, injury or mental condition that can be considered a disability. Of those individuals, far fewer than half currently receive SSD benefits, which is largely because the application process for benefits is quite rigorous.
On behalf of Dugan & Associates, P.C. posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Over the last couple years, traumatic brain injuries have become an increasingly common topic of discussion. The NFL player class-action lawsuit in Pennsylvania court may be one of the biggest inspirations for this conversation. Whatever the case, this talk has placed a particular importance on expanding medical research to better understand and treat this disabling injury.
Brain injuries frequently limit a person's motor skills and cognitive function. As such, many tasks that were simple before the injury can become nearly impossible afterward. In the wake of an accident that causes brain damage, injury victims may need to seek the assistance of Social Security disability insurance. Although these individuals may wish to continue working, the demands of maintaining full-time employment may just be too much.
