Q: Which agencies administer DI and SSI? A: Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which assesses the severity of a disability, determines eligibility, and issues monthly checks. Initial determinations are made by state agencies under contract with SSA. The cost of administering DI is financed from...
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Social Security Disability – a Basic Q & A
Are You Disabled? How A Judge Decides Your Social Security Disability Claim
When your claim comes up for hearing, the Social Security Judge will go through a 5 step “sequential evaluation process” to decide whether you meet Social Security’s definition of disability. Step 1 Whether you are working and, if so, Whether the work the claimant is doing constitutes substantial gainful activity (SGA)....
Social Security Disability Appeals
You have the right to appeal any decision Social Security makes as to your entitlement to Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. The first step in the appeals process is called a reconsideration determination. You will receive a new decision by someone who had no part in...
Supreme Court Doma Decision and Social Security Benefits
The United States Supreme Court, in United States v. Windsor, struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defined marriage for federal purposes as the union between a man and a woman, finding that it violates equal protection and federalism principles. There are currently an estimated...
Personal Injuries from Defective Seat Belts
Most people are aware that they can be ticketed for not wearing a seat belt, but what if the one they are wearing does not protect them the way it should? Seat belts are highly effective at preventing injury or death during an accident, but only if they are well...
New Bill Could Change Florida Alimony Laws
One stressful and legally complicated aspect of divorce is alimony. Many see alimony as an old-fashioned vestige of divorce. Others see it as a necessary way to help an individual who made financial sacrifices to help the family during marriage. Individuals who are facing a divorce should become familiar with...
Rear-End Accidents Can Be the Front Driver’s Fault
Last year, the Florida Supreme Court made an important change to the case law governing rear-end automobile accidents. Traditionally such accidents are presumed to be the fault of the person driving the rear vehicle. This presumption exists because the driver of the forward vehicle generally can’t see what caused a...