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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) 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 …
A question we often hear is “Can I file for disability if I have a pending Jones Act Maritime Injury Case?” The short answer is – yes, you can apply for disability benefits while your Jones Act case is ongoing. Offshore workers can apply for disability benefits while a Jones Act claim is pending. Applying …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) back pay or retroactive benefits are lump sum payments that cover the benefits you were entitled to but did not receive while waiting for your application to be approved. It can be a significant amount of money and is a welcome relief for many struggling to make ends meet while …
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a daunting process. You must present your case to the Social Security Administration in the best possible light. What you do not say to the SSA is just as important, if not more so, than what you do. In this article, we discuss what not to say during …
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition. However, applying for and receiving SSDI benefits can be a complicated and challenging process, which is why many individuals turn to Social Security disability advocates for help. …
If you’ve filed a Social Security disability claim and are headed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), it’s essential to be prepared. Knowing what to say and what not to say can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes claimants make …
You may be here because either your Administrative Law Judge or the Department of Disability Services (DDS) arm of the Social Security Administration (SSA) has scheduled an appointment for you to see one of their doctors, either a medical doctor or psychologist. These are commonly called Medical Examinations (ME) or Consultative Examinations (CE). …
If you’re applying for long-term disability insurance, you may be required to apply for Social Security disability benefits along with your LTD claim. You may even be offered the services of companies like Allsup and Advantage 2000 to assist with your claim. However, as a knowledgeable ERISA long-term disability and Social Security disability …
The Social Security Administration maintains all Social Security disability claim files in an electronic format. The instructions below will walk you through the process of obtaining and opening an encrypted CD from the SSA. How Do I Get a Copy of My Social Security Disability File? A claimant and/or an authorized representative has the right …
If your impairment does not meet or equal an impairment listing, the Social Security Administration’s medical-vocational or Grid rules come into play. SSA Grid rules may help disability applicants who are 50 years old or older get approved for Social Security disability benefits if they do not have helpful job skills or the job skills …
Are you ready to rejoin the workforce? A trial work period allows you to test the waters. During a trial work period, a beneficiary receiving Social Security disability benefits may test his or her ability to work and still be considered disabled. Social Security does not consider services performed during the trial work period as …
When applying for disability insurance benefits, one crucial requirement is having medical evidence to support your claim. Your doctor may need to complete specific paperwork to support your claim, such as an Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) or Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. These forms detail your diagnoses, treatment, and any …
According to the CDC, about 61 million adults in the United States have a disability. That means 1 in 4 adults have some disability, whether back problems, autoimmune disorders, heart diseases, vision impairment, or one of many other disabling medical conditions. Living with a disabling condition is tough enough on its own, but one of …
Filing a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits can be long and complicated. You must avoid the common mistakes that most claimants make to improve your chances of being approved for Social Security Disability.
The top 4 reasons Social Security Disability Claims for Mental Illness get denied are: Social Security disability attorney Nick Ortiz provides more detail on these issues below. Common Reasons the SSA Denies Claims for Mental Health Your Medical Records Are Illegible or Don’t Provide Enough Information One of the biggest problems we face in a …
Social Security disability, survivor, and retirement benefits are paid in the month after they are payable. The benefit payment day is determined by the day of the month the payment recipient was born. Schedule For Social Security Disability Payments For beneficiaries born between the 1st of the month and the 10th of the month, benefits …
If you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or preparing for a disability hearing, don’t go in blind. One of the biggest reasons claims are denied is because claimants simply don’t know how to present their case effectively. That’s why Social Security disability attorney Nick Ortiz is offering a FREE webinar that will …
Note: This form is also known as an Attending Physician Statement (APS) or a Medical Source Statement (MSS). We will use these terms interchangeably throughout the rest of this article. What Is A Residual Functional Capacity Assessment? A residual functional capacity assessment evaluates your impairment(s) and any related symptoms, such as pain, …
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (DIB, also called SSDI or RSDI), Social Security does not tell you that you can (or should) hire a Social Security disability attorney to assist you in your claim. You Have The Right To Representation From The Beginning Many claimants know they can hire an attorney …
A “closed period” of benefits may be appropriate in Social Security disability claims where the claimant’s impairment has lasted for a continuous period of at least 12 months but improves to the point where the claimant is no longer disabled at the time the claim is ultimately decided (in other words, at the time of …
Previously, the “Treating Physician Rule” provided that substantial weight should be given to the impairment opinions given by a treating doctor in a Social Security Disability Insurance claim. However, starting March 27, 2017, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will no longer prioritize the opinions of your personal doctors. …
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming. The process is complicated, and many people are unsure why their claim was denied or delayed. To make decisions, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step evaluation process. This process is outlined in the federal regulations at 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. …
The Appeals Council is the final level of administrative appeal following an unfavorable decision from an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in Social Security disability claims. Sometimes, evidence may not reach the ALJ before your hearing. Fortunately, you can still submit new evidence to the Appeals Council, provided the following conditions are …
I have seen other attorneys post that a criminal background will not keep a claimant from receiving Social Security disability benefits as long as the claimant does not have an outstanding felony warrant. This is mostly correct. However, there is one additional “felony impairment” rule: a claimant cannot receive Title II Disability Insurance …