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Social Security Benefits for Immigrants

Legal immigrants in the United States are eligible for Social Security Retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance just as any native-born citizen of the United States would be. Immigrants can collect Social Security benefits if they meet the requirements for work credits or qualify with earnings they made abroad. In order to be eligible to… read more

ALJ Union Accuses Social Security of Bad Faith Bargaining

The president of a union representing the administrative law judges (ALJs) who adjudicate disability claims has accused the Social Security Administration of bargaining in bad faith. The accusation follows news that federal mediators declared the agency and union to be at impasse in negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement. Association of Administrative Law Judges… read more

How Does Age Affect a Disability Claim?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers several factors to establish an individual’s entitlement to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability, and age is one of those criteria. If you are 50 years old or older when applying for Social Security disability, it may be easier for you to get approved… read more

GAO to Investigate Disability Consultant Doctors

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) plans to investigate the Social Security Administration’s use of consultant doctors to review claims, a congressman announced Monday. The announcement follows a Tennessean report that found some doctors in Tennessee were denying a high rate of applicants while reaping large sums in fees. In states across the country, doctors are… read more

Andrew M. Saul Sworn in as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration

Andrew M. Saul was sworn in Monday, June 17, 2019 as the Commissioner of Social Security at the agency’s office in Washington, D.C. He will serve a six-year term that expires on January 19, 2025. Commissioner Saul expressed his gratitude at being chosen to serve as the Commissioner of Social Security. “The Social Security programs… read more

Disability for Those with Inability to Speak English Expected to Change

The Trump administration is expected to change a federal rule this summer that for decades has allowed thousands of older citizens with proven mental or physical disabilities to qualify for federal benefits if they are also unable to communicate in English. In its proposed rule change, the Social Security Administration (SSA) says the inability to… read more

Ex-Heads of the Social Security Administration Offer Plan to Improve Customer Service

A worsening customer service crisis at the Social Security Administration has prompted three of its former commissioners to urge the U.S. Congress to fix the annual budgeting process that has starved the agency of the resources it needs to do its job. A letter calling for administrative budget reforms signed by the former commissioners –… read more

Dismissal of SSI Claimant’s Request for Review is Final Decision Subject to Judicial Review

Section 405(g) of the Social Security Act allows for judicial review of “any final decision … made after a hearing” by the Social Security Administration. Earlier this week, in a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court resolved in favor of the claimant, Ricky Lee Smith, a split among the courts of appeal as to whether a… read more

Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors

This coming Monday, May 27, 2019, we celebrate Memorial Day. While many Americans are excited for the long weekend, it is important to remember the roots of the holiday. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering and honoring people who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.… read more