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Ortiz Law Firm | National Disability Law Firm
Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.
COLA is short for Cost-of-Living Adjustment. The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2026. This rate increase will apply to the approximately 75 million Americans who receive monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. For some beneficiaries, the Social Security increase may be partially or …
People applying for Social Security disability benefits are often asked to provide more than just medical records. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows claimants to submit third-party witness statements—letters from people who have first-hand knowledge of how a disability affects daily life. In fact, the SSA even provides a dedicated form for these statements. When …
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must review your medical records to determine whether you qualify. Here’s how they get those records: How the Social Security Administration Gets Your Medical Records What Happens If There Are Gaps In Your Records? If the SSA doesn’t have enough information to …
If you worked for the state of Florida and are considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, there are some important factors to be aware of that could affect your eligibility and the benefits you may receive. Public Employees and Social Security Coverage Many public employees in Florida, including those who work for …
Rebecca Pifer, a former dental analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, filed a lawsuit under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) against Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston to recover long-term disability benefits. Note: Lincoln Life typically operates under the branded name of Lincoln National. Initially diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced important updates for 2025, including a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. This increase, based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index from Q3 2023 to Q3 2024, means beneficiaries can expect their new benefit amounts starting in January. Key …
L3 Technologies is a major player in the aerospace and defense industry, providing advanced communications, electronics, and sensor systems for military, commercial, and government markets. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense and its prime contractors, U.S. government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently expanded its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program by adding nine new medical conditions to the list. The CAL program is designed expedite disability claims for individuals with serious medical conditions that clearly meet the SSA’s disability criteria, allowing for faster approval. This latest update brings the total number of conditions …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced a major step forward in making the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process more accessible! Beginning in December 2024, first-time SSI applicants between the ages of 18 and almost 65 who have never been married and are applying for both Social Security disability and SSI benefits will be …
If you’ve received a denial of your long-term disability (LTD) claim, you may be considering appealing the decision. While it’s a daunting process, the good news is that you don’t have to hire a lawyer in your home state to help you with your appeal, especially if your claim is governed by ERISA (the Employee …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced major changes to how it handles signatures on many of its most-used forms. These updates aim to make things easier for millions of Americans who interact with the SSA for benefits, especially those filing claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other benefits. …
There are some significant changes coming to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Effective September 30, 2024, the SSA will be expanding the definition of a public assistance household and omitting food from benefit calculations. Expanding the Definition of a Public Assistance Household Starting September 30, 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will broaden the …
While medical marijuana is legal on a state level in Florida and in many other states, it is not legal on a federal/national level. This causes friction with Social Security Disability cases because Social Security benefits are a federal benefit, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency, not a state agency. Thus, the use …
Vocational Rehabilitation (Vocational Rehab) is a program that helps people with physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. Here in Florida, the Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational Rehabilitation administers the program. Their mission is “to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.” Their vision is “to …
If you’re unable to work because of an illness or injury, long-term disability insurance should be your safety net. But what happens if your claim is denied? This is where an experienced long-term disability attorney comes in. How Much Do Long-Term Disability Attorneys Charge? One of our office’s most commonly heard questions is: “How much …
Long-term disability lawsuits are filed when individuals are denied benefits they believe they rightly deserve. You might wonder if pursuing legal action is worth the effort. Understanding the potential worth of your lawsuit is critical as it helps you set realistic expectations and plan your future. These cases often involve complex calculations and legal intricacies. …
When it comes to long-term disability (LTD) claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), many claimants wonder if they can recover attorney fees if they win their case. The short answer is yes, it’s possible to recover attorney’s fees in an ERISA LTD claim, but it’s not guaranteed. The Legal Basis For Attorney …
I’ve had the privilege of helping many claimants appeal unjust long-term disability claim denials. One such case that stands out involves a claimant who had dedicated years to his role in management at JP Morgan Chase Bank. Unfortunately, he developed severe exertional and non-exertional conditions that severely affected his ability to work, especially given the …
You’ve just received a long-term disability denial from your insurance company. It feels overwhelming. The legal jargon, endless paperwork, and pushback from the insurance company can make anyone feel lost. That’s where having an experienced disability insurance lawyer comes in. Navigating through disability insurance law isn’t easy. It’s filled with complexities and nuances that can …
You might assume that a doctor or an independent reviewer decides your disability status. However, in almost all long-term disability insurance cases, the insurance adjuster is the gatekeeper between you and your benefits. Their job is to review your case, check medical records, and decide claims based on the applicable policy. The Role of the …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its list of occupations used in disability evaluations to ensure relevance to the current job market. When deciding if someone isn’t eligible for benefits, the agency must show proof that the person can do work that exists in significant numbers across the country. They rely on the Dictionary …
Medical evidence is the most important part of a long-term disability insurance claim or a Social Security disability claim. The medical records provide evidentiary proof of the claimant’s disability. However, obtaining these records can be a daunting task, especially if you’re seeing multiple doctors and you’re worried about the cost. In this article, we will explain …
“Quarter of coverage” (QC) is a legal term, but you may also see the term “Social Security credit” (or just “credit”) used elsewhere. A QC is a basic unit for determining whether a worker is insured under the Social Security program. Latest Amount The amount of earnings required for a quarter of coverage in 2026 is $1,890. No …
Whenever there is talk of a government shutdown, our office phones explode. We get dozens, perhaps hundreds, of calls from claimants wanting to know how the shutdown will affect the processing of their Social Security disability claims. Former clients will call to see how the shutdown will affect their benefit payments. Social Security’s Chief Financial …
