The Legal Tech Blog

Social Security Administration Updates Disability Evaluation Process for Fairness

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated the criteria for evidence admissible in hearings for Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. This welcome and much-needed revision will allow more applicants to qualify for disability benefits, particularly at the fifth step of the evaluation process. The SSA Disability Evaluation Process…

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Even College Age Kids Need Estate Planning Documents

Published on: May 31, 2024

When our kids go off to college, we don't usually think about them needing estate planning documents. We might have them for ourselves, but not for our kids. But here's the deal, once our kids turn 18, even though we still see them as our babies, legally, they're adults. That…

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Social Security Overpayments – Making the Process Fairer

The Social Security Administration recently announced dramatic revisions to its system for addressing overpayments. For the first time, it is recognizing that the system as it stood was often unfair. It’s about time. For forever, the system has been arbitrary and unfair, and we have seen clients seriously impacted even…

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Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Severance Pay?

Published on: March 11, 2024

Suppose you receive workers’ compensation wage loss benefits and were hurt in Pennsylvania. In that case, your Employer is generally entitled to credit for any severance or separation payments it makes to you. However, the Employer is only entitled to a credit for the net amount you receive—not the gross amount…

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Social Security Compassionate Allowances – The Disorders That Fast-Track Your Disability Application

Published on: January 29, 2024

The application process for Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income is incredibly long—taking approximately two years until you actually receive benefits. We are often asked if there is anything we can do to expedite the process. Other than responding promptly to any requests for information and attending physical…

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Voters Should Vote YES to Retain Delaware County & Superior Judges on November 7th

Published on: November 2, 2023

I am a lifelong registered Democrat. I am also proud that I rarely vote for a straight-party ticket because I believe in voting for the best person regardless of party. When I was an elected Commissioner in Haverford, I ruffled feathers because I did not always vote the “party line”…

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Is Your Power of Attorney Valid?

People fall in and out of favor with one another all the time. Families can be complicated and do not always get along. These relationships and their changes often affect your estate planning and to whom you give authority over your affairs. This makes it essential that your estate documents…

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Are Social Security Judges Getting Disability & SSI Applications Wrong? Yes – In 6 Out of 10 Cases, According to One Report.

According to a Washington Post Report, Federal Judges Have Found Fault With 60 Percent of the Social Security Disability Appeals They Review The process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income is a very long one and can take two years from the time you apply until you…

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Attorney Daniel J. Siegel Appointed Co-Chair of New Pennsylvania Bar Technology Committee

Attorney Daniel J. Siegel, principal of the Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel, LLC and founder of technology/workflow consulting firm Integrated Technology Services, LLC, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Technology Committee, a newly-created committee of Pennsylvania's largest association of attorneys. PBA President Michael McDonald created the…

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Social Security Disability – What Are The Most Common Causes of Disability?

Published on: April 28, 2023

Our office handles numerous Social Security Disability and SSI benefits claims. We always were aware that the majority of clients seeking benefits had neck, back and joint problems that caused their disabilities. Now we know for sure. According to the Social Security Administration, the five leading diagnostic groups (the categories…

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