Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable? What Disability and Retirement Recipients Need to Know Before April 15th
Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable? What Disability and Retirement Recipients Need to Know Before April 15th By Marc Whitehead, Federal Disability Attorney With the April 15th tax filing deadline approaching, one of the most common questions I hear from Social Security recipients is a simple one: Do I owe federal income tax on my benefits? If you receive Social...
How to Get Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefits for Non-Epileptic Seizures
To get Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits for non-epileptic seizures, you need to build a strong medical record to prove your condition to the insurance company. This is a lot harder than it sounds because insurers routinely deny these claims. They may call your condition unverifiable, question your symptoms, or use other tactics to stop you from getting the benefits...
How to File a VA Disability Claim Using Form 21-526EZ
File a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability claim using Form 21-526EZ online, through the mail, or in person. Submit this form within one year of filing an “Intent to File” to secure backdated pay. When you complete the form, you’ll have to provide your service, medical, and personal information for a new, secondary, or increased compensation claim. Trust...
How to Complete VA Form 21-4138 for a Disability Claim
To complete U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim) for a disability claim, fill out the identification section, write a narrative to describe your condition and its symptoms (including information about your daily functional limitations) in the “Remarks” box, and sign and date the document. Meet with a Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claims lawyer...
Marc Whitehead & Associates Announces 2024 Frances & Earl Perry Memorial Veterans Scholarship Winner: Gabrielle Villarin
What Is the Wait Time for SSD Decisions?
If you’ve filed a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim, you’ve probably wondered, “How long will it take to get a decision?” While there’s no exact timeline for every case, understanding typical wait times can help set realistic expectations. Initial Applications For first-time SSD claims in Texas, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that the average wait time for a decision...
Medicare vs. Medicaid: Understanding the Difference
If you're navigating the world of government health insurance, you've probably heard the terms "Medicare" and "Medicaid" used interchangeably. While these programs sound similar and both provide health coverage to millions of Americans, they're quite different. Understanding the distinction between Medicare and Medicaid is crucial, especially if you or a loved one may need to rely on these programs for...
Social Security Disability (SSD) Eligibility Guidelines
When a serious health condition prevents you from working, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can provide crucial financial support. Qualifying for these benefits requires meeting specific criteria established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This comprehensive guide will help you understand the eligibility guidelines for Social Security Disability programs and determine whether you might qualify for assistance. Understanding the Two...
Texas Probate Process: What Families Need to Know
When a loved one passes away, families are often left to navigate complex legal matters while coping with grief. One of the most common and often misunderstood steps is probate. Understanding how the Texas probate process works can help you avoid unnecessary delays, stress, and expense. What Is Probate? Probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death. In...
Mental Health and Long-Term Disability Claims: Overcoming Bias
As a society, we have increasingly recognized that mental health conditions are just as serious and disabling as physical illnesses. This understanding is long overdue. The brain and central nervous system control how we think, feel, and function—and when mental health conditions interfere with those processes, they can make it impossible to maintain consistent employment. Long-term disability (LTD) benefits may be available...