How to Apply for Disability Benefits from the Social Security Administration

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You’ve worked hard your whole life, but now you’re unable to find work due to a disability. The federal disability compensation programs exist to help people who are unable to sustain themselves and their families due to a catastrophic medical condition.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a government program for the elderly, blind, and disabled persons who have little or no income or resources. Adults who are unable to work due to a disability are eligible for SSDI. In many aspects, the application procedure for both programs is identical, but there are significant differences that will be discussed in the next section.

Applying over the Internet

If you’re at least 18 years old, haven’t had an application denial in the last 60 days, and are unable to work due to a medical condition that will last at least a year or result in death, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) online. The SSI application can be completed in part online, but the rest must be completed at the agency’s facility.

Filling out application in Person

You’ll have to meet with an SSA agent for an interview if you’re applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Because this form of help is based on your actual financial need, the representative will ask about your current financial situation, as well as any other sources of income you may have. Although an applicant for SSDI is not required to submit an application in person, doing so may shorten the time it takes to process a claim. To schedule an interview, call 1-800-772-1213 or go to your local Social Security Administration office.

To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance over the phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is critical to understand that in order to get through, you may have to wait a long time.

What You’ll Need If You Want to Apply for Disability Benefits

Regardless of how you apply, the Social Security Administration will require specific documents before reaching a decision. They could include (but aren’t required to):

  • A birth certificate or other form of identification can be used to prove your identity.
  • To verify US citizenship or permanent residency,
  • You’ll need last year’s W-2 and/or self-employment tax filings.
  • Medical documentation might include reports from doctors, treatment records, and recent test results.
  • An Adult Disability Report includes a work history as well as medical issues such as illness or injury.

Use the SSA’s adult disability application checklist to double-check your materials.

Submit an Aid Request

Many people misunderstand how difficult it is to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits (SSI). The process is extensive and time-consuming, and an inaccuracy on the application form could result in denial.

Contact a Social Security Disability attorney for help filling out the application and disability report forms, as well as any potential appeals. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation form to speak with a lawyer who can assist you in putting together a strong benefits case.

How To Prevent An Accident While Riding A Motorcycle In Orange County?

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Any type of motor vehicle accident could cause serious damages and precipitate significant bodily injury. However, motorcycle accidents have the potential to pose even more danger than auto accidents can. Traffic safety experts opine that motorcyclists may face a greater degree of peril because motorcycles provide less natural protection in a collision than a vehicle does, cycles possess less braking power than do cars and cyclists have less control over their crafts than motorists do over cars.

Despite the previous facts, Orange County motorcyclists may be able to prevent or reduce their chances of becoming embroiled in an accident by observing specific the following specific tips.

Wear Proper Headgear

Numerous serious or fatal injuries involving motorcyclists involve head trauma. California State law mandates that all motorcycle operators and passengers don helmets while riding. However, some individuals might try and circumvent this regulation. However, doing so could place said individuals at a much higher risk of sustaining permanent of life-ending brain injuries. Furthermore, riders are encouraged to don the appropriate leg coverings and eye guards.

Obey Speed Limits

Riding at excessive speeds might be enjoyable but can be dangerous. Operating a motorcycle at speeds above state limits could render the craft more difficult to stop when necessary and the impact of collisions occurring at higher speeds could lead to far more serious injuries.

Stay Sober

Operating any type of motor vehicle or craft under the influence of alcohol or illicit substance is in direct violation of State law. That said, such chemicals additionally weaken a cycle operator’s senses and slow their reflexes. Such occurrences could render said operators less capable of properly controlling their craft and more likely to cause an accident.

Avoid Bad Weather

While Southern California might be immune to dangerous conditions like snow and ice, the region still must deal with rain and wind. Either of those weather phenomena could make operating a motorcycle more challenging.

Be Seen

Because motorcycles are smaller than most cars and other vehicles that typically traverse roadways, other drivers might have difficulties seeing them from time to time (especially at night). A motorcycle operator can avoid this potential hazard by ensuring that they and their bike are outfitted with reflective clothing and markings.

Contacting A Personal Injury Attorney

Individuals injured in Orange County motorcycle accidents are encouraged to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Such professionals can review the accident victim’s case and might be able to help said individual recover financial damages. Personal injury lawyers can also help arrange treatment with chiropractors, physical therapists, and other doctors to help you recover after a serious accident.

What is a Tiny Home and How Does it Impact The Environment?

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A new trend in home building is the tiny house movement. There are many homeowners and prospective home buyers who do not entirely understand what a tiny house is. However, these active homes can be a great way to save money on your mortgage payments while also building an eco-friendly home. Just like a bigger car takes up more resources and spews more emissions into the atmosphere, a large home makes a more significant impact on the environment every day. When you heat and cool a tiny home, you are using fewer resources than when you heat and cool a mansion. The same is true for powering a tiny home.

A smaller size equals a smaller eco-footprint

The average size of a modern-day home is right around 2,500 square feet. However, the average size of a tiny home is right around 200 square feet. It takes around seven logging trucks worth of lumber to build an average home while it only takes around a half of one logging truck worth of lumber to construct a tiny home. The average home has around 45 light bulbs while a tiny home as right around 6. The amount of energy it takes to keep these lights on is much more considerable in an average sized home.

Tiny homes create tiny carbon outputs

While many individuals think the main culprits of global warming are trucks and SUVs, large homes have a big part to play in the problem. Each year, an average sized home produces 4,000 pounds per year of CO2 for cooling alone. When you tack on the 8,000 pounds per year for heating and, 16,000 pounds per year due to electricity, your average sized home will have an output of 28,000 pounds of CO2 per year. However, a tiny home creates just a fraction of that carbon footprint at only 300 pounds per year for cooling the home, 500 pounds a year for heating the home, and 1,000 pounds for the electricity usage in the home. This results in a carbon output that is just under 2,000 pounds per year for a tiny home.

If you are considering ways in which you can help the environment, you should look into tiny home living. You will be using fewer resources each year with a smaller home. You will be able to create a much lower output as well if you invest in solar panels and natural ways of heating and cooling your home.