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
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
// by Nick Ortiz
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its list of occupations used in disability evaluations to ensure relevance to the current job market. When deciding if someone isn’t eligible for benefits, the agency must show proof that the person can do work that exists in significant numbers across the country. They rely on the Dictionary …
Social Security Updates Occupations Used To Evaluate Disability ClaimsRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
Medical evidence is the most important part of a long-term disability insurance claim or a Social Security Disability claim. The medical records provide evidentiary proof of the claimant’s disability. However, obtaining these records can be a daunting task, especially if you’re seeing multiple doctors and you’re worried about the cost. In this article, we will explain …
How To Get Medical Records For Your Disability Claim Without Breaking The BankRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
“Quarter of coverage” (QC) is a legal term, but you may also see the term “Social Security credit” (or just “credit”) used elsewhere. A QC is a basic unit for determining whether a worker is insured under the Social Security program. Latest Amount The amount of earnings required for a quarter of coverage in 2025 is $1,810. No …
What Is A Quarter Of Coverage For Social Security Disability?Read More
// by Nick Ortiz
Whenever there is talk of a government shutdown, our office phones explode. We get dozens – perhaps hundreds – of calls from claimants wanting to know how the shutdown will affect the processing of their Social Security disability claims. Former clients will call to see how the shutdown will affect their benefit payments. Social Security’s …
Social Security Disability Claims And Government ShutdownsRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
Ever wonder if you can speed up your Social Security disability claim? You’re not alone. Navigating the labyrinth of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be time-consuming, with some claimants waiting 12 months or more to receive a decision. However, a congressional inquiry might be the secret to cutting through the red tape. Senators can …
How A Congressional Inquiry Can Help With Your Social Security Disability ClaimRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published a final rule aimed at improving the disability adjudication process. One significant change is the redefinition of past relevant work (PRW), which affects how disability claims are evaluated. This change will go into effect on June 8, 2024. Major Changes to Past Relevant Work (PRW): These changes are …
Changes To The Definition Of Past Relevant Work In Social Security Disability ClaimsRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
Have you ever wondered how to effectively communicate the daily challenges of living with a disability when filing a disability claim? A client recently mentioned Spoon Theory to me. It is a universally recognized concept in the disability community that provides a powerful visual metaphor to explain the limited energy reserves that many people with …
// by Nick Ortiz
Navigating through disability hearings can be tough. Social Security Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are tasked with assessing claims objectively. While they do not set out to “trick” claimants, their questions may sometimes seem tricky or designed to probe the validity of your claim. The goal is to gather a comprehensive picture of your condition, and …
Trick Questions The SSA Judge May Ask During Your HearingRead More
// by Nick Ortiz
Are you wondering how to secure disability benefits for your dependents? Understanding the ins and outs of this process can be crucial for providing financial support for your loved ones. Disability benefits for dependents can offer monetary help to improve their well-being significantly. This blog post will guide you through the eligibility criteria and documentation …
How To Secure Social Security Disability Benefits For Your DependentsRead 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