Manring & FarrellManring & Farrell2026-10-09T09:32:37Zhttps://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504602/2025/06/cropped-siteIconA-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[VA C&P exams explained: How to prepare and protect your claim]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=491222026-10-09T09:32:37Z2026-10-09T09:32:37ZWhy this exam is important when seeking VA benefits
That report has a direct impact on your disability rating. The VA assigns ratings in steps of 10 percent, from 0 to 100 percent. A higher rating means greater monthly compensation for you and your family. Ohio veterans can seek support from county veterans service offices during this process.
What happens during the exam
On exam day, the VA typically conducts the evaluation at a VA facility or an approved clinic. The examiner will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your everyday life. The appointment may feel brief, but the findings from that visit can shape your entire claim. Arriving on time and staying fully honest during the exam give the examiner the information needed to write an accurate report.
How to get ready for the exam
Federal law requires the VA to notify you of what evidence is needed to support your claim. However, preparing your own symptom records and medical evidence before the exam gives the examiner a more complete picture of your condition. Consider the following steps:
Gather all relevant medical records tied to your condition
Write a detailed account of your current symptoms
Document how your condition affects your daily life and routine
Collect written statements from family members or close friends who witness your struggles
Contact your local county veterans service office for additional support
These steps help give the examiner a full and accurate picture of your condition. Walking in with this information ready also strengthens the overall support behind your claim.
Mistakes that can harm your claim
One common mistake veterans make is understating how severe their symptoms are during the exam. This often leads to a lower rating than the condition deserves. Missing the exam without good cause also means the VA decides your claim on existing evidence alone, which often leads to a denial.
Protecting your right to VA benefits
The VA relies heavily on the C&P exam to make decisions about your veterans’ disability benefits. Arriving informed and fully prepared gives the examiner everything needed to assess your condition accurately. This can help support a fair evaluation of your claim and the benefits you may be entitled to receive.]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[Social Security policy changes and earnings thresholds in Ohio]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490982026-09-16T10:10:39Z2026-09-16T10:05:18ZIf you receive or plan to apply for Social Security disability benefits in Ohio, your earnings can affect your eligibility. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your work activity under specific income limits. Because these rules stem from federal law, the same thresholds apply across all states, including Ohio.
For 2026, those limits have increased, so knowing which threshold applies to you can help you see how your work income may affect your claim or benefits.
What do the 2026 SGA limits mean for you?
The SSA uses Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) when it evaluates disability claims and, in some situations, continued eligibility. In 2026, the monthly SGA limitation is $1,690 for a person with a disability who is not blind. The limitation is $2,830 for a person who meets the SSA definition of blindness.These figures can have a direct effect on your disability claim. If your earnings average above the applicable SGA amount, the SSA generally may find that you are performing substantial work. Federal law defines disability in part through your ability to engage in SGA.Certain work expenses related to your disability may affect how the SSA evaluates your earnings. As a result, the listed dollar amount may not tell the entire story in every claim.
How does SGA differ from the Trial Work Period?
The SGA limit and Trial Work Period (TWP) limit serve different purposes. The TWP generally applies after you begin receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and gives you a period to analyze your work ability.In 2026, $1,210 in monthly earnings generally counts as a TWP service month. You can have up to nine TWP service months within a 60-month window. There is no earnings cap during those nine months under the TWP rules.The difference matters because the TWP threshold is lower than the SGA threshold. Earning $1,210 or more may use one of your TWP months. Once you complete your nine TWP service months, the SGA limit generally becomes more important during your Extended Period of Eligibility to determine whether the benefits continue.
What do earnings near these limits mean?
Earning near or above either threshold may affect how the SSA assesses your disability benefits. Keeping accurate income records and reporting your work activity to the SSA can help reduce confusion about how your earnings affect your benefits.
Keeping your disability benefits in perspective
The 2026 earnings limits can affect your disability claim or benefits, but the rules differ depending on your benefit type and work history. Knowing the difference between SGA and the TWP can give you a clearer picture of how returning to work may affect your Social Security disability benefits.]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[What if you miss the deadline to appeal an SSD or SSI denial?]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490972026-09-10T10:55:58Z2026-09-10T10:55:58ZYou can ask the SSA for more time
To request an extension, explain in writing why you missed the deadline. For reconsideration of an initial denial, you can appeal online or use Form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration, and include your explanation for filing late.
Reasons it may consider include:
A serious illness that made it hard to manage your affairs
A death or serious illness in your immediate family
Physical or mental limitations that affected your ability to appeal
A notice you did not receive on time
Incorrect or incomplete information from the SSA
The SSA considers your overall circumstances when deciding whether you have good cause.
What happens if the SSA does not extend the deadline?
If the SSA does not accept your reason for filing late, you may lose the ability to continue that appeal. Your next options depend on the stage of your claim.
Further review may be possible, or you may need to file a new application. A new application can affect benefits tied to your earlier claim. SSI generally cannot be paid for months before the new application date. For SSD, a new claim may also become more complicated if your insured status has expired because the SSA generally must find that your disability began on or before your date last insured.
A late appeal may still have a path forward
Missing the deadline can put your appeal at risk, but it does not always end your options. Acting promptly and explaining what prevented you from filing on time gives the SSA the information it needs to consider whether good cause exists.
If you are unsure what to file or what options remain, an attorney can review your denial notice, identify the applicable deadline and help you understand how to address the missed deadline.]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[Can you still get VA disability benefits years later?]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490892026-07-31T16:11:47Z2026-07-31T16:11:47ZThere is no deadline to apply
You generally do not lose your right to apply simply because years have passed since your military service. Unlike some legal claims, VA disability compensation does not have a standard filing deadline. If you have a service-connected condition, you can still submit a claim even if you left the military decades ago.
That does not mean every claim is approved, but the VA does not reject an application simply because you waited. Instead, it focuses on whether you meet the eligibility requirements for disability benefits.
You may still qualify after a delayed diagnosis
A condition diagnosed years after your military service may still qualify for VA disability benefits. Some health problems take time to develop, while others may not receive a diagnosis until symptoms become more severe. This can happen with certain physical injuries as well as conditions such as PTSD or hearing loss.
A later diagnosis does not automatically prevent you from qualifying. If your military service caused or contributed to your condition, you may still have a valid claim even if many years have passed since you left the armed forces.
You still need to prove a service connection
Even after many years, you must show that your military service caused or worsened your disability. The VA calls this a service-connected disability, meaning your illness or injury began during your service or your military duties caused or worsened it.
Medical records, military records and other supporting information can help establish that connection. The stronger the link between your condition and your service, the better the VA can evaluate your claim.
Don't let time keep you from exploring your options
Waiting years to file does not automatically prevent you from receiving VA disability benefits. If you believe your condition is related to your military service, it is worth learning whether you may still qualify.
Reviewing your medical history and military records with an attorney can help you understand how your circumstances fit the VA's requirements. They can also identify information that could strengthen your claim before you apply.]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[Can you lose disability benefits for missing an appointment?]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490882026-07-18T15:37:53Z2026-07-18T15:37:53ZWhen your health keeps you from working, every disability check matters. A single missed appointment can put that support at risk. Here is what a missed appointment can mean for your Social Security case in Ohio and how to respond.
Appointments the SSA expects you to attend
Yes, you can lose benefits or have your application denied after a missed appointment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may read a no-show as a failure to cooperate. Several types of appointments carry this risk:
Consultative exams: The SSA may schedule an exam with an independent doctor when your medical records fall short.
Application interviews: Phone or in-person interviews help the SSA verify details about your claim.
Continuing disability reviews: These periodic check-ins decide whether your benefits continue.
Skipping any of these can stall or end your case.
How missed appointments work in Ohio
SSDI and SSI are federal programs. In Ohio, however, a state agency makes the initial medical decisions. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities handles that review through its disability determination division. The agency follows strict scheduling and payment rules under Ohio Admin. Code 3304-2-52 for medical and vocational evaluations.If you miss an exam or interview, the SSA will often send a Notice of Planned Action. That notice may propose a denial or a cutoff of benefits. Without the exam, the agency lacks the evidence it needs to confirm your disability.
What to do if you already missed one
Act quickly. Call your local SSA office or your disability examiner and explain what happened. The SSA may excuse a missed appointment when you show good cause for the absence. A medical emergency, severe weather or a notice that never arrived could all qualify. Ask to reschedule at the same time. A prompt request shows the agency that you want to cooperate.
Keeping your claim on track
A missed appointment does not have to end your Social Security disability claim. Ohio's evaluation rules, the good cause exception and a fast reschedule request all give you a path forward. Knowing these steps can protect months of benefits you might otherwise lose. If you missed an appointment and your case grows contested, having an SSDI lawyer on your side can make the process easier to manage. ]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[Can a disabled widow collect benefits on a late spouse?]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490872026-07-01T02:58:17Z2026-07-01T02:58:17ZLosing your spouse is already very difficult, and it can be even harder if you also have a health problem that prevents you from working. When money is tight and the bills keep coming, it can feel like every option depends on work you can no longer do. Social Security may offer another path through survivor benefits, even if you never earned much on your own.
What disabled widow's and widower's benefits are
Disabled widow's and widower's benefits are monthly payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that come from your late spouse's work record, not your own. To qualify, your spouse must have worked long enough and paid into Social Security before passing away. This is one of the survivor benefits for spouses whose health now stands between them and steady work. So even if you spent years at home with little or no earnings history, you may still have a real path to support.
The age and timing rules that decide eligibility
A surviving spouse can usually claim survivor benefits at 60. If you have a disability, you may qualify as early as 50. Your condition also has to meet the SSA's definition of disability, which generally means it prevents steady work and will likely last at least a year.The timeline is just as important. In most cases, your disability must have begun before your spouse died or within seven years after, though caring for their child can extend that window. The federal survivor rules also include limits tied to age, disability and remarriage.
How marriage and remarriage affect your claim
Social Security usually looks at whether you were married for at least nine months before your spouse died. Some exceptions may apply, such as when the death happened because of an accident.Remarriage can affect your claim. If you remarry before age 50, you usually cannot receive disabled widow’s or widower’s benefits from your first spouse’s record while the new marriage continues. If you remarry at 50 or older, you may still qualify as long as you meet the disability rules.
Steps to take before the window closes
That seven-year window is easy to overlook while you are grieving, and missing it can quietly cost you. Because you cannot apply for these benefits online, plan to call Social Security or visit a local office in person. Gather your late spouse's Social Security number, your marriage certificate and your medical records before you start. Reaching out soon protects support you might not be able to recover later.]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[How many times can you appeal a Social Security Disability denial?]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490852026-06-22T11:55:33Z2026-06-22T11:47:07ZThe first step: Reconsideration
The first appeal involves a request for reconsideration. This asks the SSA to have a different examiner review your entire file and the evidence from the initial decision. The SSA does not require you to submit new information. However, this is an opportunity to add any new medical records or documents that support your case.
Applicants have a strict 60-day deadline from the receipt of their denial letter to submit this appeal. If the SSA rejects the reconsideration request, the applicant's next avenue is to seek a proceeding before an Administrative Law Judge.
The second level: The ALJ hearing
A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is often the most important stage of the appeals process. This is your first and only opportunity to explain your case in person to the decision-maker. You can present new evidence, bring witnesses such as medical or vocational experts, and answer the judge's questions directly. The hearing provides a chance to create a detailed record of how your condition limits your ability to work. You can challenge an unfavorable decision from the judge at the Appeals Council.
The third stage: Appeals Council review
Following an unfavorable ruling from the ALJ, you have the option to petition the Appeals Council for a review of that decision. The Council primarily looks for significant errors of law or procedure that the ALJ made during the hearing. However, it may consider new evidence that is material and relates to the period on or before the date of the hearing decision. The Appeals Council has several options:
Deny the request for review, which upholds the ALJ's decision.
Send the case back to the ALJ for another hearing.
Make its own decision on your case.
The Appeals Council's decision is a significant point in the process; if it declines review or upholds the denial, the final step is federal court.
The final option: Federal Court
The last level of appeal is filing a civil action in a U.S. District Court. This step moves your claim from the SSA's administrative system into the federal judicial system. The court reviews the record to see if the SSA followed its own rules. It also checks if substantial evidence supported the ALJ's decision. This multi-level process, culminating in federal court review, shows the importance of making strategic decisions at each stage of your claim.
Making the right choice for your claim
The four-level appeal process means you can have a single claim reviewed multiple times. But appealing is not always the only choice. In some situations, filing a new application might be a better strategy, especially if your medical condition has worsened or you have new disabling conditions. Deadlines are strict, and the rules at each stage are different. Understanding whether to appeal or reapply requires careful thought. A Social Security Disability attorney can explain your options and help you determine an appropriate course of action.]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[Can a child qualify for SSI because of severe asthma?]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490842026-06-11T14:08:05Z2026-06-11T14:08:05ZSevere asthma may qualify a child for SSI
A diagnosis of severe asthma does not automatically qualify a child for SSI, but it can support a claim when the condition causes ongoing difficulties. Social Security looks at how asthma affects your child over time rather than focusing only on the diagnosis itself. If symptoms continue despite treatment, the condition may be serious enough to warrant a closer review.
The severity of the condition matters
The more asthma affects your child's daily life, the stronger the claim may be. Frequent asthma attacks, repeated emergency room visits, hospital stays and ongoing breathing difficulties may all help show that the condition goes beyond occasional flare-ups. Social Security generally wants to understand how much the condition limits your child on a regular basis.
Medical records can help show the full picture
Medical records can help show how often your child experiences symptoms and how much treatment the condition requires. Records from doctors, hospitals and specialists may help document the challenges your child faces and whether those challenges continue despite medication and other care. Keeping up with treatment can also help create a clearer picture of the condition over time.
Seeking support
If your child's asthma continues to interfere with daily life despite ongoing treatment, it may be worth taking a closer look at whether SSI benefits are available. An attorney can help you understand what information may support a claim and whether additional documentation could strengthen your application. The right guidance can help you decide what to do next.]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[How many times can you appeal a denied SSD claim in Ohio]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490832026-05-19T05:47:37Z2026-05-19T05:47:37ZA denial letter from the Social Security Administration does not end your right to benefits. Ohio claimants can pursue disability benefits through a structured appeals process and may also file a new application after exhausting every stage.
The four-stage appeals process
Under20 CFR § 404.900, the SSA requires you to complete four stages in order before you may seek federal court review. You have 60 days from the date you receive each denial to move to the next stage. The four stages are:
Reconsideration: A different SSA examiner reviews your full file. You may submit new medical records at this stage.
ALJ hearing: An Administrative Law Judge reviews your case in person or by video. You may bring witnesses and have legal representation.
Appeals Council review: The council can approve your claim, deny the review or send the case back to the ALJ with instructions.
Federal District Court: You file a civil lawsuit in either the Northern or Southern District of Ohio depending on your location.
Each stage has a strict 60-day deadline. Missing a deadline may cost you the right to appeal at that level.
Should you appeal or file a new claim?
Appealing is usually the better choice because it preserves your original protective filing date. That date determines how far back any approved back pay can reach. Filing a new application resets that date and may reduce the benefits you could receive.A new application may make more sense if your medical condition has worsened since your original filing. It can also help if you have developed a new diagnosis or have significant evidence that was not available before. An attorney can review your specific situation and help you decide which path fits your case.
Talk to an attorney about your next steps
The appeals process involves firm deadlines and detailed medical documentation requirements at every stage. One missed filing can eliminate an entire level of review. Our Social Security Disability attorneys can review your denial and help you understand your options. Speaking with a lawyer may clarify how these rules apply to your situation.]]>On Behalf of Manring & Farrell<![CDATA[How long does it take to receive your first SSDI payment after approval?]]>https://www.manringfarrell-socialsecuritylaw.com/?p=490722026-04-21T18:10:04Z2026-04-21T18:10:04Z who receive approval for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits often wonder how long it will take before they begin to receive payments. Unfortunately, approval does not equal immediate payment. Many claimants receive a first monthly SSDI payment within a few months after they get an approval letter, but longer wait times are common. The following will provide information on what impacts timing of SSDI benefit payments and tips to help better ensure the process moves forward smoothly.
Key factors that affect timing
After the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves a claim, they send a letter that provides information about the amount of the monthly benefits and effective date. There is generally a five month waiting period before the agency begins sending payment. This means applicants receive the first payment the sixth month after the date the agency has determined the disability began. Several items can delay payment even after a fully favorable decision. Examples can include:
Administrative backlog
Issues with direct deposit or banking paperwork
Missing medical exhibits
Make sure to provide accurate paperwork and all required documentation to reduce the risk of delays.
Back pay release schedules
Back pay does not always arrive with the first monthly benefit. SSA often issues back pay in a separate deposit at a later date. Cases with large past due amounts frequently take longer due to quality review and fee payment processing.
What to do if payment is delayed
First, review the notice of award for information about the onset date and first payable month. If the payment has not arrived by the stated date, it can help to call SSA for a status update and request the expected release date. Prompt action can reduce the risk of prolonged nonpayment, incorrect offsets and improper withholding.Most approved claimants see an initial SSDI payment within a few months, with back pay often arriving later. The final timeline depends on legally required verification, benefit computation accuracy and payment routing compliance. When delays extend, targeted follow up can help applicants to get their payments. ]]>