Do you qualify for SS benefits as a “worn out worker”?

The Social Security Administration has a little-known opening for benefits often described as the “worn out worker” rule. Along with the ability to meet other requirements, you may qualify if you have a work history of 35 years or more performing arduous physical labor. Arduous and unskilled work “Arduous work” means physical effort that…

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How debilitating is schizophrenia?

If there’s such a thing as a minor mental health disorder then schizophrenia is not one of them. This condition is included in publications such as the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Listing of Impairments largely because it’s a chronic and serious mental disorder. Individuals who suffer from schizophrenia often appear to others as if…

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Don’t lie about how bad your disability is

A Georgia woman who had long received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for her apparent debilitating depression and anxiety agreed to plea guilty to Social Security fraud this week. Court filings in her case highlight how the woman had long told doctors that her mental health concerns were so crippling that she was barely able…

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The 11 categories of mental conditions

Mental conditions can be categorized in a number of different ways, but, for the sake of seeking benefits, it is important to know that the Social Security Administration puts them into 11 general categories. These help to give structure to the process, and they also categorize other types of ailments. For mental conditions, the…

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Your fibromyalgia doesn’t have to be a barrier to employment

Fibromyalgia is a serious illness that can cause individuals to experience significant fatigue and chronic pain. Some people can work either part- or full-time while suffering from this debilitating condition. Many individuals can do this because their employers make modifications to their employee’s job tasks, work schedule or their workplace to better accommodate them….

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