Michael Armstrong Law

How Much Do SSI and SSDI Pay Together If You Receive Both?

Michael Armstrong Law — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 02:03:00 +0000

The Short Answer In 2026, a person who qualifies for both SSI and SSDI will usually receive about $1,014 per month in total. That comes from the SSI federal benefit rate of $994 plus $20 of income the SSA does not count. SSI does not stack on top of SSDI....

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Does Your Lawyer Coach You Before a Disability Hearing?

Michael Armstrong Law — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 01:51:00 +0000

The Short Answer No. No ethical Social Security disability attorney coaches you, meaning tells you what to say or deliberately shapes your testimony. That is a firm line drawn by the rules of professional conduct and by the SSA’s own rules for representatives. A good attorney seeks to prepare you...

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Can I Switch SSDI Attorneys After an Appeals Council Denial?

Michael Armstrong Law — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:55:00 +0000

The Short Answer Absolutely. You can change attorneys at any stage, including after an Appeal Council denial. Your case belongs to you. Table of Contents What You Need To Know About Switching Attorneys After an Appeals Council Denial Your Two Options: Federal Court vs. New Application The Typical Process for...

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Do SSDI Requirements Vary by State?

Michael Armstrong Law — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:55:00 +0000

The Short Answer Requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) do not vary by state. SSDI is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration, meaning the eligibility rules are the same in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. Table of Contents The Requirements Are Federal, Which...

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SSDI Eligibility Changes in January 2026: What Claimants Need to Know

Michael Armstrong Law — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:55:00 +0000

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a payroll tax-funded program that provides monthly benefits to individuals who have a long-term disability that is expected to last at least 12 months. And while we enter a new year, there have been no fundamental changes to eligibility requirements. The main annual updates...

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How Much Do SSDI Lawyers Charge?

Michael Armstrong Law — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:02:58 +0000

The Short Answer As of 2026, the fee is the lower of these two figures: either 25% of back pay or a $9,200 cap, paid to the attorney only if you win your case. This cap is reviewed annually for the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which may or may...

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How Long Does an Expedited SSDI Claim Take?

Michael Armstrong Law — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:02:49 +0000

The Short Answer The SSDI approval process can face a large degree of variance. For standard initial SSDI decisions, you’re looking at between 180 to 240 days, and “expedited” is measured against that 6-8 month timespan. While two thirds of first-time SSDI applications are denied, a condition that allows you...

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Differences Between VA Disability Benefits and SSDI Benefits

Michael Armstrong Law — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:29:54 +0000

The Short Answer: VA disability benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit payments come from two separate and distinct entities. These programs operate independently and a decision from one does not affect the other. VA Disability vs. SSDI – Key Takeaways ✓Two Separate Programs: VA disability is administered by...

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Do Veterans Receive SSDI?

Michael Armstrong Law — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:51:16 +0000

Veterans do and can receive SSDI. Also, depending on eligibility, veterans can receive both SSDI and VA disability benefits simultaneously, as neither program conflicts with the other. With that being said, these programs are run by two separate government entities, have different eligibility requirements, and require separate applications. Veterans and...

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Are Social Security Disability Payments Tax-Free in 2026?

Michael Armstrong Law — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:00:39 +0000

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) brought many changes to our nation’s tax systems. However, Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits are still subject to federal income tax under current law. The ratification of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), signed July 4, 2025, does not make SSDI or any Social...

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