On the Record

When something is on the record, it means it is part of the case. Speaking “off the record” keeps that information from becoming part of the case and the knowledge that belongs to your claim or appeal. Everything about your case should be on the record, so you have transparency and honesty in dealing with […]

Reconsideration Level

Many SSDI claims are denied the first time, whether you apply on your own or through an attorney. You will be told the reason for the denial, and then you will want the government to reconsider, so they can approve your benefits. You may have to work with your attorney and the government for some […]

Representative Fee

SSDI attorneys are limited in how much of a fee they can collect from their clients. If you receive back pay, or past-due benefits, your attorney may collect up to 25% of these benefits, with a maximum amount of $6,000. They are not allowed to take any more than that, or any of your current […]

Request for Hearing

A request for a hearing is made most often in cases of appeal, so you can have a decision made regarding whether you will receive disability benefits. If you believe you are being unfairly denied, or that your case is not being addressed properly, requesting a hearing may bring everything to light and help the […]

Substantial Gainful Activity

This is basically the same as employment. There is a set amount a person can earn every month while on SSDI, and if they earn more than that they are considered to be involved in substantial gainful activity. They could lose their benefits at that point, since they are able to work. If you work […]

Supplemental Security Income

SSI is paid by the government to people who are low-income, and who are blind, disabled, or over the age of 65. While it is paid through the Social Security Administration, the funds actually come from the US Treasury and not the trust fund that makes up Social Security. If you are not low-income, you generally do […]

Technical Denial

A technical denial occurs when your claim is denied, but that is not based on your disability or medical condition. Instead, this denial may come from incorrect paperwork, income restrictions, the fact that you have a job, or other factors that are unrelated to the physical or mental health condition that has led you to […]

Trial Work Period

A trial work period is one in which you are employed in order to determine if you are capable of working with your disability. With accommodations, many people who have disabilities can still work and be gainfully employed. If you are not able to do this, you may still have a claim for disability from […]

Vocational Expert

A vocational expert is a person who can help you find the kind of job you can do with your disability, and who can also testify about why you can or cannot perform that job. Additionally, they may be able to work with you to determine if there is any job you can realistically perform […]

Work Credits

Every time you work and make money, you pay into Social Security. You also receive work credits that count toward your SS payment in retirement. These credits also count toward SSDI if you become disabled and cannot work for any reason. The more work credits you have, the more money you will be eligible for […]