The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines each applicant’s eligibility for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits individually, based on that person’s work history, medical records, and other information. To make this determination, the SSA asks five basic questions about each applicant: Are you working? Generally speaking, if you earn more than $1,010 per month, the SSA will… Read More

Recent changes in California’s workers’ compensation laws have been cheered by some professionals for saving the state money, cutting overall increases in workers’ compensation insurance rates and improving benefits for long-term disabilities. However, some in the state’s medical and legal communities are concerned that the changes will decrease the mental health benefits available under workers’ compensation. Currently,… Read More

The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes a large number of applications for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits each year. The SSA currently faces a large backlog of cases, and attempts to reduce the backlog have resulted in errors in nearly 25 percent of recent claims, according to an article in the Washington Post. On average, an… Read More

After a workers’ compensation claim is filed in California, the Division of Workers’ Compensation decides whether or not to approve benefits. If a workers’ comp claim is denied by a workers’ compensation judge, the injured worker may request reconsideration by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). The petition for reconsideration by the WCAB must be filed within… Read More

A bill that introduces several cost-saving reforms to California’s workers’ compensation system has passed through both houses of the state legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature, according to an article in the Sacramento Bee. The California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) predicts that the bill will save millions in several key areas, while providing equal… Read More

In some applications for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may ask for a “special examination.” A “special examination” is a certain medical examination or test the SSA needs in order to determine whether or not you qualify for disability benefits. The SSA pays for the test and may also pay… Read More

For many people who apply for Social Security disability benefits, establishing that they have a “disability” according to Social Security’s definitions and rules is a daunting task. For others, however, this burden is significantly lessened by seeking benefits under the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s Compassionate Allowances program. The Compassionate Allowances program works to approve disability benefits… Read More

Each year, thousands of California teenagers take on full- or part-time jobs as a way to earn money, save for college, or gain valuable employment experience. Just like workers of any age, young workers can and do suffer injuries while on the job. In California, employees under age 18 may qualify for CA workers’ compensation benefits if… Read More