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Home | Disability Law Blog | Page 8

Disability Law Blog

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 conversation, Hannah shared her …

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 welfare plans …

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: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: New York Life, Our Results

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 others. These can range from …

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, “Why do I …

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 Basics
Tags: SSA Forms

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 insurance to its employees as part …

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) insurance …

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 Hearings

AICPA Disability Insurance Claims With Prudential: A Guide for CPAs

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 successfully secure …

Read moreAICPA Disability Insurance Claims With Prudential: A Guide for CPAs
Category: Long-Term Disability
Tags: Prudential

Step 4: What It Means When Social Security Starts a Final Review of Your Non-Medical Eligibility

November 8, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

After months—or even years—of waiting through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process, seeing a status update that says: “We started step 4 of 5 of the review process. A representative has started a final review to make sure that you still meet the non-medical requirements for disability benefits.” can bring both relief and anxiety. …

Read moreStep 4: What It Means When Social Security Starts a Final Review of Your Non-Medical Eligibility
Category: Social Security Disability Basics

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: Disability Case Summaries
Tags: Guardian

Social Security COLA Increases [2026 Update]

October 31, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreSocial Security COLA Increases [2026 Update]
Category: Social Security Disability, News

How to Use Witness Letters to Strengthen Social Security Disability Claims (4 Free Sample Forms)

October 30, 2024 // by Nick Ortiz

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 …

Read moreHow to Use Witness Letters to Strengthen Social Security Disability Claims (4 Free Sample Forms)
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 information to …

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

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 for …

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

Lincoln Life denied a claimant’s long-term disability (LTD) benefits after nearly a decade of consistent approvals, prompting a federal court to send the case back for a full redo. The court found the insurer failed to account for all relevant medical evidence and questioned why prior approvals suddenly reversed without a meaningful change in her …

Read morePifer v. Lincoln – Court Remands Disability Claim For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Category: Disability Case Summaries
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 starting in January. Key …

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

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 U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of …

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

SSA Announces 9 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 latest update brings the total number of conditions …

Read moreSSA Announces 9 New Compassionate Allowances Conditions
Category: Social Security Disability, News

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 SSI benefits will be …

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

Why You Don’t Need An Attorney In Your State To Appeal An ERISA LTD Denial

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 An Attorney In Your State To Appeal An ERISA LTD Denial
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 (SSI), or other benefits. …

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

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 Administration (SSA) will broaden the …

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

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
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