Has your disability claim been denied or terminated? Call (888) 321-8131 for help! We represent claimants nationwide.
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.
Many people assume you do not need a disability attorney until you are preparing for a hearing before an administrative law judge. That assumption is wrong — and it can cost you. Attorney involvement at the earliest stages of a Social Security disability claim can meaningfully increase your chances of winning. What Are the Three …
If you’re unable to work due to a serious illness or injury, understanding your options for disability benefits is a key part of maintaining financial stability. Two common sources of income in this situation are Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While these programs serve a similar purpose, they work very …
On July 21, 2026, the Social Security Administration announced a group of enhancements to My Social Security accounts that give disability claimants expanded online access to their case status, their hearing notices, and three hearing-level forms. For claimants who have spent months wondering whether anything is happening with their case, the added visibility is welcome. …
Having years of medical records feels like a strong foundation for a disability claim—but older documentation alone rarely wins a case. The Social Security Administration cares far more about what your condition looks like right now and whether you have been consistently receiving care throughout. What Medical Records Does the SSA Actually Want to See? …
If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability benefits and received a notice scheduling you for a consultative examination (CE), you may have been surprised to find that the exam doesn’t match your primary condition. Claimants with severe back pain get sent to a mental health evaluator. People whose main struggle is depression or anxiety get …
When you apply for or receive Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must decide how those benefits will be paid. In some cases, the SSA determines that a beneficiary should not receive payments directly and instead appoints a representative payee. A representative payee is a person or organization chosen by the SSA …
Waiting on a Social Security Disability claim can feel endless — and for good reason. The process is genuinely slow. According to the SSA’s fiscal year (FY) 2024 report, applicants waited an average of 231 days just for their initial determination nationwide. From there, reconsideration typically takes around 2–6 months, and ALJ hearing waits stretch …
You’ve told your doctors you’re in pain. You’ve explained the fatigue is overwhelming. But when it comes to your disability claim, is that enough? For thousands of people who get denied, the surprising answer is no. The key isn’t just proving you have a medical condition; it’s showing exactly how that condition limits you, day …
If you have a Social Security Disability hearing scheduled, your Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) grant rate is one of the most important numbers you can look up before you walk into that hearing room. Understanding what those percentages actually mean can help you set realistic expectations and prepare your case accordingly. What Does an ALJ’s …
Disability loan discharge lets people who can’t work because of a disability have their student loans canceled. This is important for those whose health issues make it hard to get a job. It can apply to both federal and private student loans, but the rules and who qualifies can be different for each type. Knowing …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) releases workload data every year showing how many disability claims were decided at each stage of the process — and how many were approved or denied. The FY 2025 figures reveal a stark reality: most applicants are turned down initially, but the process does not end there. Understanding where approvals …
Navigating the Social Security Disability process can feel overwhelming, especially when a medical condition prevents you from working. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to individuals who can no longer maintain substantial employment due to a qualifying disability, but approval requires meeting strict criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify, …
Many applicants for Social Security Disability believe that earning a single paycheck will instantly destroy their chances of approval. Contrary to this popular fear, the administration actually offers a safety net known officially as an Unsuccessful Work Attempt (UWA). This rule acknowledges that trying to return to the workforce is often a test of your …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a major operational change that could affect how disability benefits are reviewed and how quickly new claims are processed. Whether you are applying for benefits or already receiving them, this update is more than just an internal policy change. It could directly affect how your case is handled. …
If you previously received Social Security Disability benefits and later returned to work, the 5-year waiting period rule plays an important role in whether you can restart your benefits without filing a brand-new application. This rule applies through a process called Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). Many claimants mistakenly assume that they must start the entire process …
In general, Social Security Disability benefits continue as long as a person remains disabled. However, under Social Security law, all disability cases must be reviewed from time to time to make sure that people receiving benefits continue to meet the disability requirements. Benefits continue unless there is strong proof that a person’s impairment has medically …
Fixing errors in your medical records is important—especially if you’re applying for long-term disability (LTD) or Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Both insurance companies and the Social Security Administration (SSA) rely heavily on your medical records to make decisions. Even small mistakes—like an incorrect diagnosis or missing test results—can impact your claim. Here’s how to …
Medicare. Medicaid. They sound so similar it’s easy to mix them up. Both programs are important for health, but they serve different needs. Clearing up this common confusion is the first step to knowing where you or a loved one might turn for help. Remember this simple distinction: Medicare is primarily for providing care to …
Many disability claimants believe Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based only on their current medical conditions. However, eligibility also depends on your work history, specifically whether you have earned enough work credits within the 5-year period before your disability began. This is often referred to as the 5-year work credit rule, and it can …
A new bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate could significantly change how quickly Americans diagnosed with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities begin receiving their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Introduced by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the We Can’t Wait Act seeks to provide eligible individuals the option to receive …
Trying to explain how a bad day really feels can be overwhelming, especially when the right words disappear at a doctor’s appointment. What if you had a tool that could speak for you? Learning how to keep a symptom journal is one of the most powerful steps you can take, giving you a voice and …
If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim was selected for a Federal Quality Review, it’s natural to wonder why. The short answer is: your case was chosen at random as part of the Social Security Administration’s quality control process. It does not mean there’s a problem with your claim, and it doesn’t mean you’re …
When you’re already receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may seem unnecessary. After all, you’re already getting monthly income. But applying for SSDI is often required by your LTD policy — and more importantly, it can provide powerful long-term advantages that protect your finances, your health coverage, and your …
If you’re preparing for a Social Security Disability hearing, you’re likely feeling anxious about what to expect—especially when it comes to testifying in front of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You might worry about saying the wrong thing or forgetting an important detail. Then, during the hearing, your attorney interrupts you mid-sentence. It can feel …