Blog

Daytona Beach/When do you become Medicare eligible when claiming disability?

Medicare benefits are part of Social Security Disability claims, but there is a waiting period.

Daytona Beach/Social Security Disability/Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

When applying for Social Security Disability, you cannot claim disability for periods where earnings meet or exceed Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

Applying for Florida Bipolar SSDI Benefits

Read this blog to find out more about filing a Florida Social Security claim for bipolar disorder. If you or someone you know is considering filing for Social security benefits or have applied but have been turned down, you should contact an experienced Daytona Beach disability attorney at the Law Firm of Johnson & Gilbert at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890.

Depression and a claim for Social Security Disability

In making a claim for Social Security Disability, depression could limit an individuals ability to perform skilled or semi-skilled work.

Is Your Family Entitled to Social Security Benefits in Florida?

Did you know that your family members could also be entitled to Social Security benefits under your record? Read this blog to learn more.

Smoking and alcohol can affect a claim for Social Security Disability

When filing for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, you can bet that if you are a smoker and/or like to partake in occasional "social" cocktails, you will likely be questioned about those habits by the Social Security Judge if required to go to hearing. The significance of these habits will depend on the medical conditions you are alleging causes your disability. For example, if you are alleging disability due to COPD or some other pulmonary dysfunction, and you still smoke...well, you are unlikely to garner any sympathy from the Judge. Likewise, if you have chronic liver problems, such as cirrhosis, and you still drink...again, not great facts for the Judge to consider. However, even if your disability does not involve the above, many Judges (some more than others) have a real problem with smokers and drinkers. Even if you are alleging a disabling back condition, many Judges feel that smoking exacerbates your pain. I have had this happen, even when the Judge's medical expert testifies that there is no relation between increased pain and smoking. In short, it is generally advisable to try and quit or cutback on these perceived "bad habits" prior to going before the Judge. Although smoking and drinking may have no affect on your medical condition, Judges can still be prejudiced against those habits, thereby creating an extra obstacle in obtaining disability.

Social Security Disability claims increase during bad economy

The most recent forum issue of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives) has confirmed what I had previously published in our Social Security library regarding an increase in claims for Social Security Disability during bad economic times.   The Social Security Administration (SSA) is projecting an additional 500,000 disability claims will be filed over the next two years as a direct result of our economic climate.  This is over and above the anticipated increase in claims being filed by baby boomers who are reaching their peak disability years.  You can read my article in our library section of our website.  Regardless of whether a claim is initiated by the economy or due to being a baby boomer, remember the common factor needed by all applicants is medical evidence.  Good medical records and regular treatment are of immeasurable benefit in proving disability claims.

Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income and HIV/AIDS

I recently added an article to our web page library regarding the rapidly increasing HIV infection rates in the south, including Florida.  Complications from the virus as well as side effects of treatment can cause debilitating physical problems.  These problems can lead to difficulty in maintaining gainful employment, thus resulting in a claim for Social Security Disability.  Medical evidence is always important, especially in HIV/AIDS cases.  Check out Claims for Social Security Disability based on HIV/AIDS or contact Johnson & Gilbert if you would like more information on how to improve the chances of obtaining disability with a HIV/AIDS diagnosis.