I deal with the folks at Social Security field offices all the time. They are understaffed and under stress.
The New York Times reports on this today (gift article):
A Diminished Social Security Work Force, and Its Customers, Feel the Strain
Social Security announces a massive reorganization
Charles Hall has the details.
SGA is $1,620 for 2025
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the amount of money that one can earn monthly and still qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The amount is adjusted each year for cost of living, as shown by this table. In 2024, the amount was $1,550 per month. This year, it rises to $1,620. SGA is based
New Work History Report
Social Security is now using an updated version of its Work History Report, form SSA-3369-BK.
Of course, a new Work History form was necessary when the period of time for past relevant work was changed from 15 years to 5 years, streamlining the disability process. But Social Security took the opportunity to redesign the
John Oliver on our broken disability system
My colleague Jonathan Ginsberg posted this before I did. So did Charles Hall.
Here is John Oliver commenting on our broken disability system.
The effect of a limitation to “simple tasks” on skilled work
One of the most frequent limitations assessed by Social Security due to a claimant’s mental health symptoms is a limitation to simple tasks. That limitation alone is not disabling, by any means. But it can have a significant effect on a disability claim when combined with physical limitations. For claimants over the age of
IRWEs – Impairment Related Work Expenses
If you have monthly earnings above the level of substantial gainful activity, it is problematic for your disability or SSI claim.
For 2023, the SGA amount is $1,470. Earnings over that monthly amount can present real challeges to receiving benefits. Depending upon the circumstances, you can be denied benefits or the benefits you receive
Juneteenth Federal Holiday – 5 day Rule
New evidence for Social Security claims must be submitted 5 business days ahead of the hearing. See 20 CFR 404.935(a) and HALLEX I-2-5-13. With a typical weekend, that’s 7 days ahead of the hearing. Holidays, which are of course not business days, must be accounted for as well. So beware the 3-day holiday weekend
15 year Blogiversary
My first post on this blog was 15 years ago today! It is hard to believe that 15 years have gone by. Both personally and professionally, much has changed since I began.
Personally, I was newly married when I started the blog. We had just bought a house. We now have a 13 year old
NOSSCR in DC next week
The annual NOSSCR conference will be in Washington, DC next week, beginning Wednesday, May 3rd. I am a sustaining member of NOSSCR, and will be there.
The NOSSCR conference is always a good chance to learn, and to get perspectives from others around the country who also specialize in Social Security disability law.
Please say