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
Receiving a denial of your Social Security Disability claim from an administrative law judge (ALJ) after a hearing can be disheartening. After the long process of gathering evidence, attending a hearing (or multiple hearings), and waiting for a decision, a denial can feel like a major setback. You may be wondering, “Should I resubmit my …
Should You Refile For Social Security Disability After A Judge Denies Your Claim?Read More
// by Nick Ortiz
After months, or even years, of waiting and navigating the intricate Social Security Disability (SSD) claims process, hearing that your claim is under “final review” can bring both relief and apprehension. What does it really mean when the Social Security’s “status” bar finally says “We started step 4 of 5 of the review process. A …
// by Nick Ortiz
COLA is short for Cost-of-Living Adjustment. The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2025. This rate increase will apply to the approximately 75 million Americans who receive monthly Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. For some beneficiaries, the Social Security increase may be partially or totally setoff …
// by Nick Ortiz
People seeking Social Security disability benefits often ask third parties to write letters supporting their disability case. The SSA even provides a form that claimants can use to submit such statements. These letters help paint a fuller picture of your daily struggles and limitations. Sometimes, a well-written letter can help you win your claim. In …
4 Sample Witness Letters for Social Security Disability ClaimsRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must review your medical records to determine whether you qualify. Here’s how they get those records: How the Social Security Administration Gets Your Medical Records What Happens If There Are Gaps In Your Records? If the SSA doesn’t have enough information to …
// by Nick Ortiz
If you worked for the state of Florida and are considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, there are some important factors to be aware of that could affect your eligibility and the benefits you may receive. Public Employees and Social Security Coverage Many public employees in Florida, including those who work for …
// 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
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
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
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.
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316 S Baylen St., Ste 590,
Pensacola, FL 32502