A Brief History of Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability as it is known today was established in 1954 when the Social Security Act was amended to offer benefits to disabled workers in the 50-64 age range and also disabled adult children. In 1960 the law was amended again to allow workers of any age and their dependents to receive disability payments. In 1960, over 500,000 people received disability benefits that averaged about $80 per month.

The Social Security Administration manages the Disability program. Contacting the agency is the first step when an individual feels that he or she will no longer be able to work due to an injury or illness. The Disability Determination Service in the state where an applicant resides is responsible for reviewing medical records and determining if an individual is too disabled or ill to return to work.

Eligibility

Individuals who suffer from conditions that render them unable to be gainfully employed may be eligible for Social Security Disability. An applicant must have a disability or illness that has been diagnosed and treated by a healthcare provider. The applicant’s doctor must provide documentation that clearly outlines the scope of the disability and why it prevents an individual from working. To receive benefits, there must be medical proof that the applicant’s condition will prevent him or her from returning to work.

How to Apply

A Social Security Disability claim is not difficult to initiate. Persons who feel that they might qualify for disability can start the application online, over the telephone, or by visiting a Social Security office. The purpose of the application is for the Social Security Administration to collect identifying information such as age, proof of identity, work history, and medical history regarding the disabling condition. Once that information has been collected, the applicant will need to make sure that his or her health care providers send medical records that include treatments, lab test results, x-rays, and any other pertinent information.

The Approval Process

Several months may pass before an applicant receives notification regarding approval or denial of disability benefits. If the application is approved, an applicant may receive back pay that covers the months he or she would have been eligible for payments while awaiting a decision.

Approval for Social Security Disability is not automatic. In fact, if the Disability Determination Service finds that an applicant does not qualify for benefits, the application will be denied. If an applicant’s initial application is denied, there is an appeals process. Like the initial application, an appeal can be started online, by telephone, or by visiting a Social Security Office. Many people find that hiring an attorney can help them be successful when appealing a denial.

Where to Find More Information

The Social Security Administration is the best source of information regarding the disability program. An individual whose injury or illnesses may prevent him or her from initiating an application may ask a family member, friend, helping professional, or an attorney to assist with the process. Visit social security offices near me to find your local Social Security office near you.

Pros of Green Environment-Friendly Homes in Portland, OR

There are environment-friendly home builders in Portland that specialize in outstanding custom homes that are energy efficient, comfortable, safe for the family and pets, and built to the highest standards.

What are the eco-friendly materials that are being used?

They are described as products that increase energy efficiency and reduce the impact on human well-being and the environment. Many different materials can be used for foundations, insulation, exterior and interior walls, flooring, and countertops. Such materials come from rapidly renewable sources, ones that reuse waste that would otherwise have landed in landfills, have low VOC emissions, are exceptionally durable, require little maintenance, have a longer life of material so has fewer requirements for replacing and thus reduces the quantity needed to produce, and other benefits. Eco-friendly materials are good for the earth and the wallet.

Some conventional eco-friendly materials are the following:

* Faswall is an alternative to traditional foundation and wall materials and cinder blocks by using waste materials from wood that is mixed with cement to create a durable and robust material that is also wind and fire and sound resistant and has excellent insulating factors.

* Cotton insulation is an alternative to fiberglass. Cotton insulation is derived from natural cotton fibers that are recycled into a similar shape as traditional insulation, is easy and safe to install, has sound-insulating qualities, and a high fire rating.

* Great choices for eco-friendly flooring: recycled wood taken from demolition sites or trees that were torn down but were never used. Bamboo is a grass that fully matures in only three years and is durable and robust and has an attractive appearance that is similar to wood flooring and cork flooring that uses only the renewable bark of the tree and does not kill the tree.

Prehab green housing and tiny homes have become a significant and growing lure.

Many prefab houses have advantages such as speedy building, solar energy shingles, built with toxin-free materials, have energy-efficient windows and doors, spray-in airtight insulation, a healthy indoor environment, an air-filtration system that removes allergens, energy-efficient appliances, low-flow water systems, paints and other finishes which are VOC-free: radiant heat flooring, Energy Star windows, and other energy-savers.

Tiny houses fit into that category and can range from perhaps 500 square feet to over 3,600 square feet. They are popular because you can pick a zero-energy or LEED platinum house directly from a website and have it installed on your lot as a full-time home or a secondary structure. You can also take it with you pulled by a proper vehicle when you go on a short-term getaway.

You can get more details and advice from environment-friendly home builders in Portland who would be happy to discuss the whole concept with you.