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Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes bipolar disorder as a legitimate disability and approves benefits for those whose condition is severe enough to meet the program’s requirements. Living with bipolar disorder means dealing with extreme mood swings that can make holding down a job feel impossible. When depressive episodes drain your energy and motivation

Being out of work and dealing with a serious health condition creates a stress and uncertainty. You need income to survive, but your medical issues prevent you from holding down a job. Many people assume that unemployment disqualifies them from receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, but this isn’t true. The reality is more

Your group’s disability benefits may be completely tax-free or fully taxable depending on who paid the premiums and how those payments were structured. At The Keener Law Firm, we’ve helped countless clients understand the complex intersection between disability benefits and tax obligations over our decades of practice. Many people discover too late that their disability

The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) took effect the day it was enacted, on January 5, 2025. However, the law covers 2024 retroactively. The new law immediately began changing how public sector workers receive their Social Security benefits. Starting February 25, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began adjusting monthly benefit payments to people whose

When your Social Security disability hearing approaches, should your attorney prepare you for what to expect? The answer should be an emphatic yes. Proper preparation for your disability hearing isn’t just helpful; it’s essential to present your case effectively before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Understanding Legal Preparation vs. Coaching The word “coaching” sometimes carries

Getting Social Security disability benefits for heart conditions can be complex, but it’s absolutely possible when you have the right medical evidence and legal representation. Heart problems rank among the most common reasons people file for disability benefits, affecting millions of Americans who can no longer maintain steady work due to cardiovascular limitations. The Keener

When Social Security denies your disability claim, filing an appeal becomes a top priority. Using a lawyer to prepare and file your appeal can have a significant impact on how quickly your case is resolved. The disability appeals process involves multiple levels, each with specific deadlines and waiting periods that affect when you finally receive

Working while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can lead to serious legal consequences if you fail to notify the Social Security Administration of your work activities. The Social Security Administration takes fraud investigations seriously, and violations can result in hefty fines, benefit overpayments, and yes, even jail time

Your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit amount depends on your work history and the amount you’ve paid into Social Security over your working career. Unlike other government assistance programs that provide fixed amounts, SSDI benefits are calculated based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). This article explains