What Qualifies You for SSD Benefits? [infographic]

It is not uncommon for disability claims to be denied at one point or another during the Social Security Administration’s disability determination process. The final award rate has varied significantly for applicants seeking disability benefits depending on the type of impairment, whether the legal representation was involved, and even the claimant’s location. From 2004 to […]

The Ticket to Work program is a voluntary program that assists Social Security beneficiaries with entering, rejoining or staying in the workforce. This program allows recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) the opportunity to become financially independent and obtain a job that could turn into a career. Ticket to […]

Over the past few decades, there has been dramatic increase in the number of Social Security disability insurance claims filed. This increase could be linked to the problems workers find when claiming workers compensation benefits. It used to be if a worker became injured at work, his employer would cover their medical bills and allow […]

Seniors across America are sitting down this week to determine how the recent decision not to raise Social Security Disability payments in 2016 will affect their monthly budgets. This is only the third time in the past 40 years that the government has decided not to provide a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, to beneficiaries. The […]

Applying for social security disability seems easy enough, right? You fill out the forms, send the proper documentation and wait for a decision. If they deny the application, you can ask for a reconsideration and, if everything goes as planned, you’re qualified without too much hassle or lost income. Unfortunately, the process rarely flows smoothly […]

Tensions between Governor Bruce Rauner’s office and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees are reaching a boiling point. Neither side has been able negotiate a satisfactory labor contract that would replace a temporary agreement which expired on June 30th. Recently, Governor Rauner attempted to appoint an unelected arbitrator to break the impasse in lieu […]

Raising a disabled child can create unique challenges for Illinois parents. These parents typically face high levels of stress, misunderstanding from others and burdensome financial expenses. Additionally, the demands of caring for a disabled child can adversely affect a parent’s relationships and career. Sadly, the challenges of caregiving may also harm a parent’s personal health. […]

Illinois has a diverse population with many residents who natively speak languages other than English. According to national Census data, 21 percent of people over age 5 spoke a non-English language at home in 2011. Of those people, 22 percent reported speaking English poorly or not at all. Limited English use can severely limit job […]

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects the nerve cells during early childhood. According to the American Cancer Society, neuroblastoma represents the most common cancer in infants younger than one year old. Sadly, in addition to affecting many children here in Illinois, this cancer is often aggressive and highly debilitating. Today, the five-year survival rate for […]