Firm Newsletter

What is Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Social Security Disability (SSD) is available to individuals who have worked in the recent past. To quality for the most common type, SSD, you might typically have worked five of the last ten years and made sufficient FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) contributions during that time. If you are under 31, however, the work requirements are different since you have not been in the workforce for very long. If you worked and do not remember making any such payments, do not worry. FICA is a payroll tax taken directly out of your paycheck.

In addition to the FICA requirements, to qualify for SSD you must file a claim with the Social Security Administration and be disabled as defined by the Social Security Act. SSD does not require you to be poor.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed for those individuals who do not meet SSD’s FICA contribution requirements, or have limited income and resources. SSI is available for disabled children and adults, although SSI is determined differently for both groups. Generally, SSI does not take into account an individual’s work history or earnings record for eligibility purposes. In order to receive SSI, a claimant must possess limited income and resources. Even after a claimant begins receiving SSI, Social Security will monitor the claimant’s income to ensure that he or she continually possesses limited income and resources.

Why is Social Security denying your Social Security disability claim when your doctor tells you that you’re disabled?
Social Security has a very technical definition of what constitutes a “disability” and a very specific and objective method to determine if you are disabled independently of your doctor’s position and requires that your diagnosis be objectively obtained through “medically acceptable clinical and laboratory findings.” Many disabling conditions are difficult to diagnose through objective assessments. Furthermore, your doctor probably does not define “disability” in the same technical manner as the Social Security Act.

FSTN Injury Lawyers Can Help!

Our firm currently has five attorneys that try Social Security Disability cases in Federal Court, not State Court, thus it isn’t important if our office isn’t located in your home area. All paperwork is sent via mail and so it isn’t necessary for you to be come to our office if you don’t live nearby. We have extensive Social Security experience in which we try more than 1,000 cases per year and have nearly 100 years of combined attorney experience with a 78% success ratio. Our attorneys travel to four states trying Social Security cases. Often the same judges move around in various geographical locations and we usually know what the judges want.

Health News & Notes - All about Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

There are 18.2 million people in the United States who have diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.2 million people are unaware they have the disease.

Diabetes Symptoms:

• Frequent urination

• Excessive thirst

• Extreme hunger

• Unusual weight loss

• Increased fatigue

• Irritability

• Blurred vision

Our law firm has handled hundreds of Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims for clients who have diabetes and have complications from it. If you, a family member, or a friend has diabetes please feel free to call for a free evaluation to determine if you have a Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.

People with diabetes can enjoy their favorite foods. Many people thank that having diabetes means you can’t eat your favorite foods. Well, it’s not true. That’s why, for most people, food is the hardest part of caring for diabetes. Your dietician will show you how to include your favorites and still keep your blood sugar on track

Free Consultation!

Have you been injured?  Contact an Indiana or Illinois injury lawyer at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin.  Our office is located in Terre Haute, but we have successfully advocated for clients throughout the area, including Urbana-Champaign, Decatur and Springfield.  Complete a Free Online Consultation Form or call us toll free at 1-800-618-4878 to contact us today.