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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.
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 …
After months, or even years, of waiting and navigating the intricate Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim process, hearing that your claim is under “final review” can bring both relief and apprehension. What does it really mean when the Social Security’s “status” bar finally says “We started step 4 of 5 of the review …
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 …
People seeking Social Security disability benefits often ask third parties to write letters supporting their disability case. The SSA even provides a form that claimants can use to submit such statements. These letters help paint a fuller picture of your daily struggles and limitations. Sometimes, a well-written letter can help you win your claim. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
“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 …
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 Chief …
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. …
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 …
Have you ever wondered how to effectively communicate the daily challenges of living with a disability when filing a disability claim? A client recently mentioned Spoon Theory to me. It is a universally recognized concept in the disability community that provides a powerful visual metaphor to explain the limited energy reserves that many people …
Facing a Social Security disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not prepared for the curveballs they might throw at you. Have you ever wondered what kind of trick questions an SSA judge might ask during a disability claims hearing? In this post, we’ll examine some common …
Are you wondering how to secure Social Security disability benefits for your dependents? Understanding the ins and outs of this process can be crucial for providing financial support for your loved ones. Disability benefits for dependents can offer monetary help to improve their well-being significantly. This blog post will guide you through the …
Social Security disability video hearings have become an increasingly common way for claimants to present their cases to administrative law judges. With the convenience of virtual platforms, these video hearings offer a practical solution for individuals who may face challenges attending in-person hearings for a variety of reasons. In this blog …
Understanding the Date Last Insured (DLI) is crucial when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The DLI serves as a cutoff point for individuals seeking SSDI benefits. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it significant? Understanding the Date Last Insured The Date Last Insured represents the last date a person is …