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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 5

Disability Law Blog

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

Why You Don’t Need To Hire An Attorney In Your State To Appeal ERISA Long-Term Disability Claim Denials

September 20, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWhy You Don’t Need To Hire An Attorney In Your State To Appeal ERISA Long-Term Disability Claim Denials
Category: Working with a Long-Term Disability Attorney

Simplified Social Security Procedures: What You Need to Know About New SSA Signature Rules

September 6, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreSimplified Social Security Procedures: What You Need to Know About New SSA Signature Rules
Category: News, Social Security Disability

Big Changes Coming To SSI In October: What You Need To Know

August 9, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreBig Changes Coming To SSI In October: What You Need To Know
Category: News, Social Security Disability

Medical Marijuana And Your Social Security Disability Claim

August 7, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreMedical Marijuana And Your Social Security Disability Claim
Category: Social Security Disability

Can Vocational Rehabilitation Help My Social Security Disability Claim?

August 2, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreCan Vocational Rehabilitation Help My Social Security Disability Claim?
Category: Social Security Disability

Attorney Fees In A Long-Term Disability Claim

July 30, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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: …

Read moreAttorney Fees In A Long-Term Disability Claim
Category: Working with a Long-Term Disability Attorney

Predicting The Worth Of Your Long-Term Disability Lawsuit

July 29, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read morePredicting The Worth Of Your Long-Term Disability Lawsuit
Category: Long-Term Disability

Will The Court Award Attorney Fees In ERISA LTD Claims?

July 24, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWill The Court Award Attorney Fees In ERISA LTD Claims?
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Prudential Approves LTD Claim On Appeal And May Pay Nearly One Million In Benefits Over Life of Policy

July 19, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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, …

Read morePrudential Approves LTD Claim On Appeal And May Pay Nearly One Million In Benefits Over Life of Policy
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Our Results, Prudential

How To Choose The Best Disability Insurance Lawyer To Help You Appeal Your Long-Term Disability Denial

July 17, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow To Choose The Best Disability Insurance Lawyer To Help You Appeal Your Long-Term Disability Denial
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Who Decides If I’m Disabled In A Long-Term Disability Insurance Claim?

July 15, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreWho Decides If I’m Disabled In A Long-Term Disability Insurance Claim?
Category: Long-Term Disability

Social Security Updates Occupations Used To Evaluate Disability Claims

June 28, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreSocial Security Updates Occupations Used To Evaluate Disability Claims
Category: News, Social Security Disability

How To Get Medical Records For Your Disability Claim Without Breaking the Bank

June 28, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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. …

Read moreHow To Get Medical Records For Your Disability Claim Without Breaking the Bank
Category: Social Security Disability

Quarter Of Coverage For Social Security Disability

June 28, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

“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 2025 is $1,810. No …

Read moreQuarter Of Coverage For Social Security Disability
Category: Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Claims And Government Shutdowns

June 26, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 Deputy …

Read moreSocial Security Disability Claims And Government Shutdowns
Category: Social Security Disability

Proof Of Loss In Long-Term Disability Claims

June 19, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Dealing with a long-term disability claim can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the requirements to file a claim and to be approved for benefits. Proof of loss is a crucial part of the process. Proof of loss the information you provide to your insurance company to show that your illness or injury …

Read moreProof Of Loss In Long-Term Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability

Can A Congressional Inquiry Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim?

June 12, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Ever wonder if you can speed up your Social Security disability claim? You’re not alone. Navigating the labyrinth of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be time-consuming, with some claimants waiting 12 months or more to receive a decision. However, a congressional inquiry might be the secret to cutting through the red tape. …

Read moreCan A Congressional Inquiry Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim?
Category: Social Security Disability

Adverse Benefit Determinations In ERISA Long-Term Disability Claims

June 10, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Adverse benefit determinations are critical aspects of ERISA long-term disability claims. They refer to a decision made by an insurance company or plan administrator that denies or limits a claimant’s benefits. Understanding adverse benefit determinations is essential for claimants navigating the complex world of long-term disability claims. …

Read moreAdverse Benefit Determinations In ERISA Long-Term Disability Claims
Category: Long-Term Disability Denials and Appeals

Successful Reinstatement Of Long-Term Disability Benefits For Sales Manager

June 7, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

I am pleased to share another recent success story where we helped a deserving client recover her long-term disability benefits after an unjust denial in her long term disability insurance claim. As the owner and founder of the Ortiz Law Firm, I find it immensely rewarding to see justice served and to assist individuals in …

Read moreSuccessful Reinstatement Of Long-Term Disability Benefits For Sales Manager
Category: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Our Results, Reliance Standard

Changes To The Definition Of Past Relevant Work In Social Security Disability Claims

June 5, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a final rule aimed at improving the disability adjudication process. One significant change is the redefinition of past relevant work (PRW), which affects how disability claims are evaluated. This change will go into effect on June 8, 2024. Major Changes To Past Relevant Work: These …

Read moreChanges To The Definition Of Past Relevant Work In Social Security Disability Claims
Category: News, Social Security Disability
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