When a grandmother of five began to commit Social Security fraud over 20 years ago, she did so in order to keep her five grandchildren in her home and out of the foster care system. Now she has pleaded guilty to fraud and may be sentenced to a year in prison, which...
Los Angeles California Social Security Disability Insurance Law Blog
Are foster agencies improperly using kids’ SSDI benefits? part 2
Earlier this week, we began a discussion of the allegations against child welfare agencies. Specifically, they are accused of improperly and unfairly pocketing Social Security amounts paid out on behalf of foster children who qualify based on a disability or a...
Are agencies improperly using foster kids’ SSDI benefits? part 1
In 2003, the United States Supreme Court ruled that state and county welfare agencies are legally entitled to use foster children's Social Security benefits to cover some of the costs of the child's foster placement and other care. There are federal and state...
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, part two
Earlier this week, we began a closer look at multiple sclerosis, a debilitating neurological disorder that affects approximately 300,000 people in the United States. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has declared this week Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week to...
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, part one
In California and across the country, people and organizations are recognizing Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in a variety of ways, from orange billboards in New York to orange buildings in Utah. Because MS remains a relatively mysterious and misunderstood...
Tax credits for the disabled, part two
Earlier this week, we detailed various income tax credits that may be relevant for people with disabilities, depending on income, marital status, and other various factors. For those who qualify, including these credits on your 2010 federal income tax return may...
Tax credits available for the disabled, part one
As the federal income tax filing deadline approaches, there are several important considerations that apply solely to people with disabilities. In particular, Social Security Disability benefit recipients should ensure that they are taking advantage of all of the many...
SSD programs allow recipients to work without losing benefits
Many people hesitate to file for Social Security Disability and related programs because they believe that they will never be able to work again once they begin receiving benefits. However, the Social Security Administration has several programs designed to give SSD...
Department of Education to overhaul disability review
Last month, we wrote about the U.S. Department of Education program which claims to forgive the student loans of those who are unable to work because of a disability. Many people who have attempted to take advantage of this program have lodged complaints, alleging...
SSA considers adding heart disease to Compassionate Allowances
In recent months, the Social Security Administration has received an influx of negative public opinion and outrage because of the continually increasing average application wait times. For most Social Security Disability applicants, finding ways to make ends meet...

