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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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
For many long-term disability (LTD) claimants, the struggle to keep working doesn’t stem from just one issue. It’s common to have both physical and mental health challenges—chronic pain, fatigue, or neurological issues often go hand-in-hand with depression or anxiety. But when it comes to insurance claims, this dual diagnosis 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 …
Your monthly disability check from MetLife provides a steady, reliable income. But what if the company offered you the next 10 or 20 years’ worth of payments all at once? This is called a lump-sum buyout—a single, large payment that replaces all future monthly checks forever. It’s an offer that can feel both exciting and …
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 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 doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your claim, and it doesn’t mean you’re more or …
The Road From COVID to Disability Federal Court: Central District of CaliforniaInsurance Carrier: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife)Employer: Google LLCOccupation: Senior Software Engineer Austin Baltes, a Senior Software Engineer at Google, contracted COVID-19 twice—first in 2020 and again in early 2022. Following the second infection, …
If New York Life denied or delayed your long-term disability (LTD) benefits, you are not alone. We routinely hear from claimants who did everything “right”—submitted forms, followed treatment, and kept the insurer updated—only to receive a denial letter that feels prewritten. The reality is that disability insurers follow patterns. Don’t make the …
If New York Life denies or terminates long-term disability (LTD) benefits under an employer plan, your case is likely governed by ERISA. ERISA changes how the case is built, how a judge reviews it, and what you can recover compared to ordinary insurance lawsuits. Understanding these differences helps you plan the appeal and any lawsuit …
The dispute between Michael Cloud and the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan centered on Cloud’s eligibility for the highest level of disability benefits because of injuries sustained during his NFL career, including multiple concussions. Cloud initially received lower-tier benefits, but sought an upgrade based on further …
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 …
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 …
A denial from New York Life doesn’t mean your claim is over—it means you’re entering the most important phase of your case: the appeal. This stage decides what evidence the insurer (and a court, if needed) will review. A common mistake I see claimants make is assuming that more paperwork means a stronger case. In …
Choosing the right Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer can make a big difference in how smoothly your case moves forward—and whether you’re ultimately approved for benefits. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the best lawyer for your needs. 1. Look for Experience with Social Security Disability Claims Not all lawyers handle SSD cases, …
We recently helped a client get her long-term disability (LTD) benefits reinstated after they were wrongfully terminated by Prudential—without having to complete a formal appeal. This case highlights the importance of experienced legal help when insurance companies create confusion or apply the wrong standards. Background: Mental Health and Long …
When you’re applying for Social Security Disability benefits, every piece of documentation you submit plays a role in the outcome of your claim. It’s natural to want to be thorough, but there’s one well-meaning mistake that can actually hurt your case: submitting duplicate medical records. Why Duplicate Records Can Be a Problem It …
If you’ve filed a claim for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, it’s only natural to want to check your insurance company’s online portal for updates. These portals are designed to help you stay informed—but more often than not, they end up creating confusion or even anxiety. Insurance Portals Are Often Incomplete or Misleading While LTD …
When New York Life denies long-term disability (LTD) benefits, the reasons usually fall into predictable patterns. Understanding those patterns helps you respond strategically, focusing your appeal on evidence that matters most and avoiding dead-end arguments. Below are the most common denial reasons we see, with practical ways to overcome each …
Timing matters. Knowing what to expect helps you plan medical visits, gather evidence, and decide when to escalate. Here’s how New York Life typically handles long-term disability (LTD) appeals under ERISA and what can speed things up — or slow them down. The Standard ERISA Timeline For most employer-sponsored LTD plans governed by ERISA, the …