The Composite Jobs Rule can materially affect the Social Security Disability / SSI claim evaluation process. The technique employed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically follows a five-step sequential evaluation process. These five steps are discussed in detail over in the OBF Knowledge Base, but as a brief summary […]
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In every disability case, a Claimant’s cash flow (Passive Income and Regular Income) are observed. These earnings may be examined for evidence of Substantial Gainful Activity, or they may be examined for the purpose of reducing SSI benefits. In all cases though, the nature of the earnings is important. In […]
One of the more technical and intimidating aspects for individuals who worked in highly skilled jobs is understanding how transferable skills are analyzed during the disability hearing. For claimants with skilled or highly skilled work backgrounds—as opposed to those with only unskilled backgrounds requiring little training or education— winning a […]
Filing an initial claim for disability benefits is a watershed moment in most workers’ lives. By the point filing disability has been considered, a Claimant has almost certainly experienced such significant mental or physical health issues at to prevent or remarkably reduce the ability to work. As such all communications […]
When individuals file for disability, the odds are initially against them. Most disability claims are denied at the initial level of application. In fact, nearly 70% of claims are denied at the initial stage. Claimants should not give up because the odds of success will improve (just not as quickly […]
The Social Security Disability application process provides a path to secure vital support for disabled individuals who can no longer perform work in the national economy. However, various things to avoid can derail claims that should otherwise win. The key factor to winning a disability case is to ensure that […]
While proving disability may seem like a universal task, the journey can be widely different for individuals based on the disability claim types presented by their health challenges. This article will lay out a few of the major categories and types of disability claims, and the special challenges and opportunities […]
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are payable to disabled individuals over the age of 18 whose parents receive Social Security benefits. This name is confusing (what is an adult child anyway?), but the reason that Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are named as such is because these benefits are paid […]
Waiting for Disability or SSI decisions is a lengthy and frustrating process during a desperate time. Most initial applicants are denied, which results in an appeals process that results in waiting for disability for two years. This time period should not simply be treated as a wait. If denied at […]
What is Past Relevant Work? Discussion about a Claimant’s Past Relevant Work (PRW) happens at nearly every SSI and Disability ALJ hearing. PRW is the work that Claimant performed in the 15 years preceding the hearing. The work that Claimant performed on a full-time basis is generally considered “Past Relevant […]