Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?

There are several programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities.

The two main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for benefits under either program, applicants must meet certain medical and non-medical requirements.

What Is Considered a Disability?

The first step in determining whether or not you qualify for benefits is understanding what the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a “disability.” 

To award benefits, the SSA defines a disability as the inability to work due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to result in death or last at least 12 months.

In order for your condition to meet this definition, it must completely prevent you from being able to perform basic work activities. Additionally, your condition must be supported by medical evidence from qualified sources.

What if Your Condition Is Not Listed?

Just because your particular condition is not listed in the SSA’s Blue Book doesn’t mean that you won’t qualify for benefits. The SSA will consider all of the facts in your case, including your age, education, past work experience, and residual functional capacity (RFC), in order to determine whether or not there are other types of work that you can still perform, given your limitations. If the SSA finds that there is other work you can do, then your claim will be denied.

Medical Requirements

In addition to qualifying conditions, applicants must submit medical evidence documenting their disability to the SSA. This evidence can come from doctors' notes, hospital records, test results, etc.

Gender and Age Requirements

There are no gender requirements to qualify for social security disability benefits. However, there are age requirements. Applicants for SSDI benefits must be 18 years or older. For SSI benefits, applicants must be 65 years or older, blind, or permanently and severely disabled.

Work History Requirements

As mentioned earlier, there is a work history requirement to qualify for SSDI benefits. To qualify for SSDI benefits, applicants must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security for a minimum number of years. 

The number of years required depends on the applicant's age. SSI does not have this same requirement, although you still need to be a citizen or a certain type of legal alien.

Conclusion

If you think you may qualify for social security disability benefits, the best thing to do is reach out to the SSA directly to discuss your unique case. You can also look for a law office in your area that specializes in SSDI cases. An attorney will know how to navigate the system and can make things a lot easier for you. Every case is unique, but hopefully, this post has given you a general idea of who qualifies for Social Security Disability and how to utilize these benefits.

Reasons to Inspect Your Old Home's Pipes Each Year

If you live in an older home, then you should consider having your pipes professionally inspected at least once a year. Those inspections take very little time to complete, and they are going to greatly reduce your risk of common plumbing issues that could wreak havoc on your home.

Quickly Find Leaks

Anyone who owns an older home should expect to deal with at least a few plumbing leaks, and that type of damage can quickly spiral out of control and cause a wide variety of problems. 

In addition to destroying nearby materials, a plumbing leak could also waste thousands of gallons of water yearly. For leaks in older homes, a plumber might suggest cured in place pipe lining installation services that will quickly seal multiple cracks and openings at once.

Prevent Pest Infestations

Whenever there is standing water or a slow leak in a home, the risk of a pest infestation skyrockets. Many bugs and rodents will immediately leave a home if they can’t find a consistent source of water from the plumbing system. Taking care of leaks as quickly as possible will prevent a major infestation that spreads all across your property.

Avoid Mold Growth

Many homeowners don’t realize just how dangerous a mold outbreak can be, and that issue is very common in older homes. As soon as mold finds a dark and wet environment, it will begin to release spores that spread to other rooms and all along the pipes. 

When a mold outbreak isn’t taken care of right away, it could have a big impact on your family’s health and comfort. If you find a mold outbreak, you should contact a mold remediation company to explore your options for removing the spores.

Catch Minor Damage Early On

Finally, those who have an older home should schedule annual plumbing inspections so that they can catch minor damage before it becomes a serious headache. 

No matter how well you maintain your pipes, the damage will occur over the years. Your plumber can carefully inspect the inside and outside of the pipes and give you a thorough report on potential problems you might run into in the future.

Changing out faucets and other basic maintenance can typically be completed by the average homeowner, but most repairs should be left to a licensed plumber. 

Those professionals have extensive training and the specialized tools that are needed to complete plumbing jobs quickly and safely.

Applying for Social Security? How to Navigate the Process

Applying for social security can be a daunting task. There are many forms to fill out and documents to submit. The process can be time-consuming, but we're here to help.

In this blog post, we'll outline the steps you need to take to apply for social security. By following these steps, you can make sure that you're completing the process correctly and promptly.

Gather the Required Documents

To apply for social security, you'll need to provide proof of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or residency status. You'll also need proof of your work history, including W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns. 

If you served in the military, you'd need your DD-214 form as well. Be sure to have all of these documents on hand before beginning your application.

Create an Account

Create an account on the Social Security Administration's website or visit your local Social Security office to apply in person. Once you've created an account or gathered all the necessary paperwork, you're ready to begin filling out your application. 

Be sure to answer all questions truthfully and accurately. Incorrect or missing information could delay the processing of your application.

Submit Your Application and Wait for a Decision

Once you've submitted your completed application, it will be reviewed by a Social Security representative. They will determine whether or not you're eligible for benefits and how much you'll receive each month. You should receive a decision within two to three months after submitting your application.

Work With a Lawyer

If you're considering applying for social security, you may want to work with a disability lawyer. A disability lawyer can help you navigate the application process and ensure you're eligible for benefits. 

They can also help you appeal a decision if your application is denied. If you're considering applying for social security, contact a social security disability lawyer today.

Applying for social security can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! By following these steps and gathering all of the necessary documentation, you can ensure that you're completing the process correctly and promptly.

Financial Advice To Start Following Now

Regarding your finances, there are always plenty of details that should never be left to chance. If you choose to simply deal with your finances as they come rather than plan ahead, you are setting the stage for one problem after another.

If you want to make sure your finances and other related areas are in order and stay that way, here is some important financial advice you should start following right away.

Create a Budget

If you are constantly struggling to pay your bills and have no idea why it is time to not only create a budget but stick to it once it's finished. 

By knowing exactly how much money you are spending on various expenses, you can often find areas where cuts can be made. Before you know it, you may have more money available to pay your bills than you imagined.

Don't Put Off Estate Planning

Rather than try to scramble about later in life and throw together some type of estate plan, start early so that you know exactly what you want to do in the years ahead. 

To begin with, work with an attorney who specializes in wills since this will help you create a will that can stand up to any legal challenges that may arise. You should also take out life insurance, especially if you have a family who is dependent on your income.

Invest for Retirement

No matter your age, it is never too late to invest for your retirement. If you are employed by a company that offers you a 401(k) plan, definitely take advantage of this and invest the maximum amount allowed, since the company will probably match your contributions. 

If you don't have a 401(k) available, set up a Roth IRA so that you can build up a nest egg before you retire.

Pay Down Debt

Last but not least, do all you can to pay down any debt you currently owe, especially credit card debt. As interest rates have risen higher and higher in recent months, it is becoming more expensive to carry credit card debt. 

Once you have your budget in place, take any money you cut from certain areas and try to apply it to pay off your credit cards.

While you know a penny saved is a penny earned, you also know it can be difficult in today's world to make ends meet. However, by getting serious about your finances and seeking out the advice of professionals, your financial situation can begin to improve quicker than you expected.

Tips for Growing Your Bank Account

When it comes to personal finance, one of the most important things you can do is grow your savings. After all, having a healthy bank account is key to weathering life's unexpected financial storms. But how exactly do you go about growing your savings? Here are a few tips to get you started.

Create a Budget and Stick to It

One of the best ways to grow your bank account is to create a budget and stick to it. This may seem like an obvious tip, but it's one that far too many people ignore. 

Before you can start putting money away into savings, you must ensure that all of your other financial obligations are taken care of first. Sit down and figure out how much money you need to cover your basic expenses such as rent, food, utilities, etc. 

Once you have that figure, you can start allocating money towards savings. And, if you find extra money left over at the end of the month, don't be afraid to put it into savings as well!

Pay Yourself First

Another great way to grow your bank account is to pay yourself first. This means that before you spend money on anything else, you should transfer a fixed percentage of your income into savings. 

This will help ensure that you always have money for a rainy day. And, over time, you may even find that you're able to increase the percentage of your income that you save each month.

Create Specific Savings Goals

When it comes to saving money, it can be helpful to set specific goals. This will give you something to work towards and help keep you motivated. 

For example, maybe you want to save up enough money for a down payment on a house or a new car. Or perhaps you're aiming to build up your emergency fund so that you have at least six months' worth of living expenses. 

Whatever your goal may be, make sure it's specific and realistic. Then, once you reach it, celebrate your accomplishment! And then, set a new goal and get started on saving for that. Speaking with a wealth management professional may also help you set specific financial goals for your future.

Saving money can seem daunting, but it's definitely doable with careful planning and discipline. By following the tips above, you'll be well on your way toward growing your bank account in no time!

How Low-Income Americans Can Access Healthcare

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 40 million people in the United States live in poverty. That means a family of four struggles to get by on less than $24,000 a year. And while there are many programs and services available to help low-income Americans, accessing them can be a challenge.

The Healthcare Gap

One of the biggest challenges for struggling Americans is finding affordable healthcare. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to help make healthcare more affordable. However, there are still many people who struggle to pay their premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. 

If you or someone you care for is facing this situation, finding a healthcare advocate or community resource can help. They have access to a wide variety of resources and have the connections and know-how to help you navigate what can often be a tedious and confusing process.

Common Solutions

There are programs available to help low-income Americans pay for their healthcare. For example, Medicaid is a government program that provides free or low-cost health insurance for eligible adults and children. 

If you live in a state that has expanded Medicaid under the ACA, you may be able to get coverage even if your income is slightly above the poverty level. 

Medicaid plans will vary by state, so reach out to your state's Medicare administration office and find out what you need to do to qualify.

Marketplace

Another option is to contact your state’s health insurance marketplace. If you qualify for a subsidy, you may be able to get help paying for your premiums. 

You can also shop for private health insurance plans on the marketplace. As we've mentioned, some people still have trouble paying those premiums, as plans with low monthly premiums may be offset by higher annual deductibles and co-pays. 

This is another situation where a healthcare advocate could help you sort through the best options for your situation.

Medications

If you need help paying for prescriptions, there are programs available to assist with that as well. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance can help you find assistance programs that offer free or low-cost medications. 

There are also prescription assistance programs offered by many pharmaceutical companies. And if you’re a senior citizen on a fixed income, you may be eligible for the Extra Help program through Medicare, which can help you pay for your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Community Resources

There are also community resources that can help low-income Americans access healthcare. These include free or low-cost clinics, community health centers, and faith-based organizations. 

You can use the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Find a Health Center tool to find community health centers near you. 

Many of these organizations offer sliding-scale fees based on your income, so even if you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get the care you need.

If you struggle to access healthcare, know that you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help you get the care you need. And while it may seem daunting at first, reaching out for help is an important first step.