Ortiz Law Firm is dedicated to helping people recover the disability benefits they deserve. We handle group Long Term Disability (LTD) claims, individual disability insurance policy claims, ERISA disability claims, and Social Security Disability claims.
// by Nick Ortiz
Rebecca Pifer, a former dental analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, filed a lawsuit under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) against Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston to recover long-term disability benefits. Note: Lincoln Life typically operates under the branded name of Lincoln National. Initially diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and …
Pifer v. Lincoln – Court Remands Disability Claim for Ehlers-Danlos SyndromeRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced important updates for 2025, including a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. This increase, based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index from Q3 2023 to Q3 2024, means beneficiaries can expect their new benefit amounts starting in January. Key …
Social Security Announces 2.5% Benefit Increase and Other Changes for 2025Read More
// by Nick Ortiz
L3 Technologies is a major player in the aerospace and defense industry, providing advanced communications, electronics, and sensor systems for military, commercial, and government markets. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense and its prime contractors, U.S. government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of …
// by Nick Ortiz
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently expanded its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program by adding nine new medical conditions to the list. The CAL program is designed expedite disability claims for individuals with serious medical conditions that clearly meet the SSA’s disability criteria, allowing for faster approval. This latest update brings the total number of conditions …
SSA Announces Nine New Compassionate Allowances ConditionsRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced a major step forward in making the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process more accessible! Beginning in December 2024, first-time SSI applicants between the ages of 18 and almost 65 who have never been married and are applying for both Social Security disability and SSI benefits will be …
SSI Made Easier: SSA Makes New Efforts To Simplify SSI ApplicationsRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
If you’ve received a denial of your long-term disability (LTD) claim, you may be considering appealing the decision. While it’s a daunting process, the good news is that you don’t have to hire a lawyer in your home state to help you with your appeal—especially if your claim is governed by ERISA (the Employee Retirement …
// by Nick Ortiz
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced major changes to how it handles signatures on many of its most-used forms. These updates aim to make things easier for millions of Americans who interact with the SSA for benefits, especially those filing claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other benefits. …
Simplified Social Security Procedures: What You Need To Know About New SSA Signature RulesRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
There are some significant changes coming to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Effective September 30, 2024, the SSA will be expanding the definition of a public assistance household and omitting food from benefit calculations. Expanding the Definition of a Public Assistance Household Starting September 30, 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will broaden the …
Big Changes Coming To SSI In October: What You Need To KnowRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
While medical marijuana is legal on a state level in Florida and in many other states, it is not legal on a federal/national level. This causes friction with Social Security Disability cases because Social Security benefits are a federal benefit, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency, not a state agency. Thus, …
Medical Marijuana And Your Social Security Disability ClaimRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
Vocational Rehabilitation (Vocational Rehab) is a program that helps people with physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. Here in Florida, the Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational Rehabilitation administers the program. Their mission is “to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.” Their vision is “to …
Can Vocational Rehabilitation Help My Social Security Disability Claim?Read More
Ortiz Law Firm is a national disability law firm specializing in long-term disability appeals, disability insurance lawsuits, and Social Security Disability claims. Contact us for a free case review.
(888) 321-8131
316 S Baylen St., Ste 590,
Pensacola, FL 32502