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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.
Stay informed with Ortiz Law Firm’s latest updates on disability news, benefits, and our firm.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list by adding 13 more medical conditions that now qualify for expedited disability benefits processing. This brings the total number of CAL conditions to 300. The Compassionate Allowances program identifies people whose medical conditions are so severe that …
Starting June 2, 2025, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is rolling out a new initiative that could make travel significantly more accessible for individuals living with invisible disabilities. The airport has officially joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a voluntary system that helps travelers who may need additional …
On April 1, 2024, The Standard announced the completion of its acquisition of the Life & Disability business of Elevance Health. Elevance Health is the parent company of Anthem. This move marks a significant expansion of The Standard’s presence in the employee benefits marketplace, particularly in the areas of life and disability …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us over the years. That’s why we are excited to announce our sponsorship of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2024 event. This annual event empowers women to take proactive steps to serve their communities by building homes for …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added 12 new conditions to its list of Compassionate Allowances conditions. What Conditions Have Been Added to the List? Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, has announced the addition of 12 new Compassionate Allowances conditions: 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, Anaplastic Ependymoma, …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is revising criteria in the Listing of Impairments used to evaluate claims. These changes will affect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims for adults and children involving digestive disorders and skin disorders. Why Is the SSA Revising the Listing? This …
After being accused of denying rides to people with disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the popular ride-sharing service Lyft has agreed to update its policies and procedures to prevent further discrimination against people using foldable or collapsible wheelchairs and walkers and ensure equal access to rides. As …
Currently Scheduled Speaking Engagements Nick Ortiz is not currently scheduled for any future speaking engagements. If you would like to contact Mr. Ortiz about giving a presentation to your group or organization, please contact the Ortiz Law Firm at (888) 321-8131. Previous Speaking Engagements “Handling A Social Security Disability Case”, March …
NAMI Pensacola Speaking Engagement I just want to give a big thanks to NAMI Pensacola, our local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, for allowing me to speak to your group last night. I spoke about the basics of Social Security disability benefits and how mental illnesses may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance …
Television personality Robin Roberts has disclosed that she has Myelodysplastic Syndrome, which can qualify an individual to receive long-term disability benefits. Myelodysplastic syndromes, commonly referred to as MDS, are not easily categorized. They encompass numerous different diseases and are a group of blood and bone marrow …
On December 16, 2016, the Department of Labor announced the release of a Final Rule to strengthen consumer protections for private-sector workers making long-term disability insurance benefit claims for benefits from their workplace disability insurance plans. This action ensures that disability claimants will receive a full and fair review of …
Before you apply for long-term disability benefits, it’s important to understand the laws governing most disability insurance plans. New regulations were released and began on January 1, 2018. These new regulations add new due process rights for claimants whom insurance companies have mistreated in the past. This is good news for …