Blogs

Temporary Protected Status Announced for Ukrainians
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. A country may be

Legal resources for Ukrainians fleeing to Romania, Poland and the United States
A child protesting the war in Ukraine

Why doesn’t the Social Security Administration answer the phone?
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and you have tried to call a Social Security field office, it is likely that you

If I apply for DACA, will USCIS share my information with immigration enforcement?
It is often troublesome to apply for immigration benefits if you have had contact with any law enforcement agency. It is especially worrisome when applying

The best evidence to support your Social Security Disability Claim
The Social Security Administration does not tell you what the best evidence is that you can submit to support your case. In fact, they ask

Honduran Witness Protection and Its Shortcomings
I am proud to present an article by a guest blogger, Dr. Robert Kirkland. Dr. Robert Kirkland is a retired career army officer who is
Social Security’s plan to reduce its hearing backlog and prevent its reocurrence
The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) recently released its “Performance and Accountability Report” for Fiscal Year 2008. The report is quite detailed but what is of
Social Security will process disability cases faster for “compassionate” cases
Acknowledging the long backlog of disability cases, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) began a new program last month to process cases faster for people who
9th Circuit rules that claimant’s pain testimony is true absent ALJ providing specific clear and convincing reasons for rejection
On November 5th, 2008, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, CA, issued a new decision very helpful to claimants. In Vasquez v.
SL Bar Association offers continuing education credit to attorneys in real life
I am going to write a little off topic today about an upcoming event that will be taking place on the online virtual world of
Waiting times for a hearing in front of a Social Security Judge increase
The disability backlog at hearing offices across the United States is getting worse. According to a recent report released by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”),
How much money can I earn and still collect SSDI benefits?
I often am asked the question how much can I earn and still keep Social Security Disability Insurance benefits? (I am also asked the same

