Maximizing Social Security disability benefits just got more important

No benefit hike for Social Security next year.” Tens of thousands of Cook County residents were shaken to their financial cores. For only the third time in the last 40 years, they would receive no increase in their Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. Each month more than 150,000 people living in and around Chicago depend […]

Will Social Security Face Cuts in 2016?

Although Americans have been hearing of the potential crisis surrounding Social Security benefits for years, changes that could be detrimental to the survival of the program could be closer than many think. According to the Social Security Administration, the program, formally known as OASDI, is in serious trouble. If changes are not made soon, the […]

Social Security Administration Takes Closer Look At Mental Illness

In the United States, over 4 percent of adults suffer from a debilitating mental illness that erodes their quality of life, and makes it difficult to function in society. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to those whose mental illness is so severe that they are incapable of working. A nationwide focus on mental health issues […]

Mental Health Conditions and Social Security Disability

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 1 of every 25 American adults suffers from a mental illness that is so severe that it significantly interferes with their major life activities and ability to perform substantial gainful activity (work). While Americans who suffer from mental health conditions like emotional, psychological. cognitive or […]

SSD benefits and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects memory and cognition. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates 5.3 million people suffer from this disease, including 200,000 people under age 65. Many of these individuals face severe and even debilitating cognitive impairments. Fortunately, as any disability lawyer in Chicago knows, Social Security Disability benefits may be available […]

More study needed to determine the necessity of blood tests for thyroid gland issues

Thyroid gland disorders are among the most common endocrine system disorders, according to Forbes. These disorders can cause fatigue, weight loss, dizziness and heart palpitations. Thyroid disorders can also promote more serious health issues, such as heart problems. Overall, these disorders can be severely disabling, as any Illinois Social Security lawyer might agree. The potential […]

Heart transplant patients may be eligible for SSD

A heart transplant is performed as a final treatment for heart failure. After a transplant, patients often face significant restrictions while they recover. Additionally, the conditions that cause heart failure are often debilitating, as any disability lawyer in Illinois could attest. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be available to assist people who have received […]

SSD payments influenced by the national average wage index

Social Security Disability payments are based on a person’s past earnings or financial need. As a result, many SSD beneficiaries believe the monthly payments they receive are fixed. However, as any Social Security attorney in Chicago knows, SSD benefits are regularly tweaked to reflect economic changes. The national average wage index is one important factor […]

What is chronic anemia?

Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not contain enough red cells or hemoglobin to adequately carry oxygen. When anemia persists for several months, it is considered chronic. This disorder often causes adverse symptoms and worsens existing health problems. As a result, it can be severely disabling. Sometimes, victims may even qualify for […]

Disability can happen at any time

Disability affects 56 million Americans, or about one in five people, according to the Social Security Administration. Many Illinois residents may think these people are primarily older adults, since vulnerability to illness and injury increases with age. However, as any Illinois disability attorney knows, disability can occur at any age. Disability rates Many disabling conditions […]