Los Angeles Social Security Disability Attorney Blog | Southern California Social Security Administration Claim Lawyer

The many reasons behind the growing number of SSDI recipients

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Administration News on Friday, May 24, 2013.

The Social Security Administration has reported that the number of disabled workers collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has more than doubled over the past 20 years, with 11.7 people collecting benefits at the end of 2011. Additionally, the proportion of eligible workers applying for SSDI has also doubled over the past two decades, meaning that more people are being found to qualify for benefits.

The National Association of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives has explained that there are two main reasons for the growing number of SSDI recipients. For one, baby boomers are reaching retirement age, a time when people are more prone to disability. Second, because women didn't enter the workforce in significant numbers until the 1970s and 1980s, they are only just now becoming eligible for SSDI.

Mental disorders on the rise among American children

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Supplemental Security Income on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five American children live with mental disabilities and disorders including autism, depression and anxiety. The new report also indicated that mental disorders among American children are rising.

The study's author said that mental disorders affect children in all demographics and geographical locations. This was the first comprehensive analysis at children's mental health in the country's history. The CDC used data from many national surveys and research centers to reach its findings.

Study links depression to risk of stroke in middle-aged women

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Conditions on Friday, May 17, 2013.

Depression is a condition that affects millions of people in California and the rest of the United States. Not only can depression in itself cause serious disruptions in a person's life, it can also potentially increase a person's risk for other health complications.

For example, a recent study suggests that having depression could double the risk of stroke for middle-aged women. For that reason, the study's authors said that doctors need to be on the lookout for the mental condition in their female patients. Additionally, the study said that current stroke prevention guidelines overlook the potential role of depression.

Report: Fewer people with disabilities able to find work

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Administration News on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fewer people with disabilities are members of the labor force even though the disabled population has grown. The bureau began tracking whether people with disabilities are working in June 2008, nearly five years ago. At that time, the bureau found that there were 27.3 million disabled people in the United States and roughly 21.7 percent of them were either employed or looking for a job.

In March of this year, the bureau reported that the total number of disabled Americans increased to 28.9 million, but only 18 percent of the population was working or looking for work. Additionally, the bureau found that the unemployment rate among the disabled population increased from 9.3 percent in 2008 to 13 percent in 2013. Of course, the unemployment rate for the overall population also increased during the same time period from 5.6 percent to 7.4 percent.

SSA: Immigration bill would be good for Social Security funds

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Administration News on Friday, May 10, 2013.

For a while now, news outlets have loudly predicted that the Social Security Disability trust fund is quickly running out of money, and will likely run dry by 2018. However, in a surprising development, the Social Security Administration recently projected that the proposed immigration reform bill might actually save SSD and other Social Security programs.

The projection was made in a recently released analysis by the chief actuary for the agency. The analysis was requested by Sen. Marco Rubio, who was part of the bi-partisan group of senators who drafted the bill. One of the biggest features of the bill is a proposed pathway to citizenship for many of the estimated 11.5 million immigrants who are living and working in the country illegally.

Diagnostic guide for mental conditions may be replaced

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Conditions on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.

A new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, more commonly known as DSM, is set to be released in just a few weeks. However, the director of the National Institute of Mental Health said the agency is planning to move away from how mental conditions are categorized in the DSM.

Instead, the director said the federal mental health agency will start working on a new diagnostic system based on more scientifically verifiable standards instead of the DSM's symptom-based diagnostic criteria. The director said the new diagnostic system will be based on "objective laboratory measure," similar to physical illnesses.

HUD clarifies disabled tenants' rights to service animals

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability Benefits on Friday, May 3, 2013.

Many people with mental and physical disabilities rely on service animals to assist them in day-to-day activities. Animals are also often used for therapy purposes in treating the disabled. However, animals can also be a major source of conflict for disabled individuals who rent because of pet restrictions that are imposed by many landlords and housing facilities. Luckily, the federal government recently stepped in to clarify the rights of disabled individuals.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a notice that clarified requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act for landlords. HUD made clear that under the law, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for disabled tenants who rely on assistance animals. HUD explained that pet restrictions cannot be used to limit or deny housing to disabled individuals who use service animals.

Holding a job a struggle for adults with autism

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Conditions on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

Recently, CNN featured a report on the often-difficult reality of holding a job for adults with autism. The report involved a 30-year-old woman who has a high-functioning form of autism. Even though the young woman has been hired numerous times during her adult life, her mental impairment has often prevented the jobs from becoming careers.

She said things like flourescent lighting can affect her ability to function because it easily brings down her mood. Another problem the woman often faces is remembering tasks because of memory issues caused by Asperger's. Additionally, the woman also loses track of time and struggles with being social, which can be problematic in many work environments.

Study: Soft drink consumption causes higher risk of diabetes

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Illness on Friday, April 26, 2013.

Diabetes is a disabling condition that affects millions of people in California and the rest of the United States. In some cases, diabetes can become so severe that it prevents a person from working full time. When this happens, diabetes sufferers may be able to collect Social Security Disability benefits to help supplement their income.

At this point, it isn't known exactly what causes diabetes. However, extensive research has indicated that lifestyle choices like diet and exercise do play a role. In fact, a recent study conducted in Europe found that even one 12-ounce sugary soft drink per day can increase a person's chances of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 22 percent.

Council on Disability says it's time to change SSI

On behalf of Disability Rights Law Center- Alex Boudov, Attorney at Law posted in Supplemental Security Income on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.

Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program for adults and children who are disabled. Like Social Security Disability Insurance, applicants must demonstrate that they have a qualifying disability. But to qualify for SSI, individuals also have to meet that they are below as certain income and asset level.

Currently, individuals are not accepted into the SSI program unless they have no more than $2,000 to their name at any time. This is a limit that has been in place since 1989, and for that reason, the National Council on Disability recently sent a letter to President Obama urging him to raise the asset limit to $10,000 with increases for inflation.