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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.

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Home | Disability Law Blog | Page 3

Disability Law Blog

The 5-Year Rules In Social Security Disability Claims

December 20, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims involve a complex set of rules and regulations, several of which include a 5-year period. These rules address various aspects of the SSDI application and reapplication process, ranging from work history requirements to the evaluation of past employment. This article breaks down the three different …

Read moreThe 5-Year Rules In Social Security Disability Claims
Category: Social Security Disability

Understanding The Importance Of Ongoing Treatment In Mental Health Disability Claims

December 18, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Ongoing treatment is a critical factor in mental health disability claims, often serving as a foundational element in both the approval and continuation of benefits. Insurance companies and Social Security evaluate not only the severity of the mental health condition, but also the consistency and effectiveness of the treatment plan. Here’s why …

Read moreUnderstanding The Importance Of Ongoing Treatment In Mental Health Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability, Social Security Disability

How Age Affects SSDI Claims: Strategies for Older Workers

December 16, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

As we age, the chances of developing a medical condition that affects our ability to work can increase significantly. For older workers—typically defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as individuals over the age of 50—this reality plays an important role in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. The SSA takes age into …

Read moreHow Age Affects SSDI Claims: Strategies for Older Workers
Category: Social Security Disability

Social Security Sets New Rules for Remote Options for Disability Hearings

December 13, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has permanently adopted remote hearings as a standard option for disability claimants, a practice first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy change is intended to provide greater flexibility and reduce wait times for individuals appealing decisions on Social Security Disability Insurance …

Read moreSocial Security Sets New Rules for Remote Options for Disability Hearings
Category: News, Social Security Disability

Peloton’s Hannah Corbin and Hashimoto’s Disease: A Hidden Struggle with Lasting Implications for Disability Claims

December 11, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Hannah Corbin is widely recognized as one of Peloton’s most dynamic fitness instructors, motivating thousands with her high-energy classes. On the surface, she is the epitome of physical health. But beneath the surface, Hannah faces an invisible challenge that many wouldn’t expect from a fitness professional: Hashimoto’s disease. In a candid …

Read morePeloton’s Hannah Corbin and Hashimoto’s Disease: A Hidden Struggle with Lasting Implications for Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability, News, Social Security Disability

What Employee Welfare Plans Are Exempt from ERISA Regulations?

December 9, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Employee welfare plans play an important role in providing benefits such as health insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance to employees. Most of these plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), a federal law designed to protect the interests of employees in these benefit plans. However, not all employee …

Read moreWhat Employee Welfare Plans Are Exempt from ERISA Regulations?
Category: Long-Term Disability

Winning A Disability Insurance Claim With New York Life: A Success Story in Securing Disability Benefits

December 2, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

At the Ortiz Law Firm, we understand how frustrating it can be when an insurance company wrongly denies your disability claim. A case in point is a recent appeal we handled for a Navy Federal Credit Union customer service representative whose short-term and long-term disability benefits were both in question by New York Life Group …

Read moreWinning A Disability Insurance Claim With New York Life: A Success Story in Securing Disability Benefits
Category: Case Summary Blog
Tags: New York Life

Invisible Disabilities: Overcoming Barriers In Long-Term Disability And Social Security Disability Claims

November 25, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

When you think of a disability, visible conditions such as mobility impairments or the use of a wheelchair may come to mind. But not all disabilities are immediately and visibly obvious. Millions of Americans live with invisible disabilities—health conditions that significantly affect their daily lives but aren’t immediately obvious to …

Read moreInvisible Disabilities: Overcoming Barriers In Long-Term Disability And Social Security Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability, Social Security Disability

Why Do I Have To Fill Out The Same Forms Over And Over Again For My Social Security Disability Claim?

November 22, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

When you’re pursuing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim, it’s not uncommon to feel frustrated by the seemingly endless paperwork. Function reports, work history reports, and release of information forms are just a few of the forms you will fill out during the Social Security disability claim process. Many claimants ask, …

Read moreWhy Do I Have To Fill Out The Same Forms Over And Over Again For My Social Security Disability Claim?
Category: Social Security Disability

Long-Term Disability Benefits For Meta Employees

November 20, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, is a leading tech giant known for its expansive reach and innovation in social media and communication platforms. Meta employees, whether in technical, creative, or business roles, work in an incredibly dynamic and fast-paced environment. Meta offers long-term disability …

Read moreLong-Term Disability Benefits For Meta Employees
Category: Long-Term Disability
Tags: Lincoln

Long-Term Disability For Bank Of America Employees

November 18, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Bank of America employees work in a variety of roles, ranging from customer service and finance to technology and operations. Whether you’re a teller, loan officer, IT specialist, or involved in management, your job can be physically and emotionally demanding. Illness or injury can happen to anyone, and when it does, long-term disability (LTD) …

Read moreLong-Term Disability For Bank Of America Employees
Category: Long-Term Disability
Tags: MetLife

Should You Refile For Social Security Disability After A Judge Denies Your Claim?

November 15, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Receiving a denial of your Social Security disability claim from an administrative law judge (ALJ) after a hearing can be disheartening. After the long process of gathering evidence, attending a hearing (or multiple hearings), and waiting for a decision, a denial can feel like a major setback. You may be wondering, “Should I resubmit my …

Read moreShould You Refile For Social Security Disability After A Judge Denies Your Claim?
Category: Social Security Disability

Navigating AICPA Disability Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide

November 13, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

As a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), you likely have access to a robust disability insurance policy designed to protect your financial well-being in the event of a disability. Navigating the AICPA disability insurance claim process can be daunting, but with the right approach and support, you can …

Read moreNavigating AICPA Disability Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide
Category: Long-Term Disability
Tags: Prudential

What It Means When A Social Security Representative Starts A Final Review To Ensure You Still Meet Non-Medical Requirements For Disability Benefits

November 8, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

After months, or even years, of waiting and navigating the intricate Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim process, hearing that your claim is under “final review” can bring both relief and apprehension. What does it really mean when the Social Security’s “status” bar finally says “We started step 4 of 5 of the review …

Read moreWhat It Means When A Social Security Representative Starts A Final Review To Ensure You Still Meet Non-Medical Requirements For Disability Benefits
Category: Social Security Disability

Domino v. Guardian – Guardian Denies LTD Claim Because Claimant Was Not In Active Full-Time Service

November 6, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Douglas Domino, Sr., a commercial truck driver in Louisiana, filed a lawsuit against Guardian Life Insurance Company after being denied long-term disability benefits. The court upheld Guardian's decision, agreeing that Domino was not in active full-time service due to an extended medical leave.

Read moreDomino v. Guardian – Guardian Denies LTD Claim Because Claimant Was Not In Active Full-Time Service
Category: Case Summary Blog
Tags: Guardian

Social Security COLA Increases [2025 Update]

October 31, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

COLA is short for Cost-of-Living Adjustment.  The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2025. This rate increase will apply to the approximately 75 million Americans who receive monthly Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. For some beneficiaries, the …

Read moreSocial Security COLA Increases [2025 Update]
Category: News, Social Security Disability

4 Sample Witness Letters for Social Security Disability Claims

October 30, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

People seeking Social Security disability benefits often ask third parties to write letters supporting their disability case. The SSA even provides a form that claimants can use to submit such statements. These letters help paint a fuller picture of your daily struggles and limitations. Sometimes, a well-written letter can help you win your claim. …

Read more4 Sample Witness Letters for Social Security Disability Claims
Category: Social Security Disability

How Does Social Security Get My Medical Records?

October 21, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow Does Social Security Get My Medical Records?
Category: Social Security Disability

I Worked For The State Of Florida: How Does This Affect My Social Security Disability Benefits?

October 18, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreI Worked For The State Of Florida: How Does This Affect My Social Security Disability Benefits?
Category: Social Security Disability

Pifer v. Lincoln – Court Remands Disability Claim For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

October 11, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read morePifer v. Lincoln – Court Remands Disability Claim For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Category: Case Summary Blog
Tags: Lincoln

Social Security Announces 2.5% Benefit Increase and Other Changes for 2025

October 10, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreSocial Security Announces 2.5% Benefit Increase and Other Changes for 2025
Category: News, Social Security Disability

Long-Term Disability for L3 Technologies Employees

October 7, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreLong-Term Disability for L3 Technologies Employees
Category: Long-Term Disability

SSA Announces Nine New Compassionate Allowances Conditions

October 4, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreSSA Announces Nine New Compassionate Allowances Conditions
Category: News, Social Security Disability

SSI Made Easier: SSA Makes New Efforts To Simplify SSI Applications

October 2, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreSSI Made Easier: SSA Makes New Efforts To Simplify SSI Applications
Category: News, Social Security Disability
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