Bittersweet reflections
Remand from Appeals Council - substitution of party for deceased claimant
SSI RECIPIENTS - Stimulus payments
After weeks of being told that you will have to file an income tax return to get the $1200 stimulus payment, SSI recipients can now get the stimulus payment automatically if you are already set up for direct deposit. I have talked with clients who have now received their payments. If you have not...
Remote Witnessing of Tennessee Wills and Powers of Attorney
Remote Witnessing of Wills and Powers of Attorney in Tennessee
Economic Impact Payments available to Social Security Recipients without filing tax return
Economic Impact Payments to be sent without filing an IRS return.
COVID-19 Update for people currently receiving benefits
If you are already receiving Social Security disability or retirement benefits or SSI old age or disability benefits, your monthly benefits will continue. They will continue whether you are receiving them by check or direct deposit. If you are receiving benefits by check, you should consider send...
State Courts During COVID-19
State courts open - in-person hearing limited
COVID-19 update
COVID-19 update. DDS closed. OHO continues hearings by telephone through April 2020.
COVID-19
How the Law Office of Donna Simpson is responding to COVID-19 and what disability claimants can expect
What is a disability?
It is important to understand what the laws consider a disability to be, especially if you intend on applying for disability benefits such as Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income. Specific definitions do vary slightly between laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act uses t...
Some fast-track applicants may bypass the SSDI claims backlog
There are reports of a backlog at the Social Security Administration, and applicants in Tennessee and other states may experience delays in obtaining benefits. With an increasing number of applications for Social Security Disability Insurance, it could take up to 600 days for a hearing decision, ...
When SSDI and estate planning intersect
If you are like many of your Cookeville neighbors, you may think estate planning is only important for wealthy Tennesseans. After all, you may not think you have many assets to leave to your spouse, children or other heirs. If you or someone in your family receives Social Security Disability Insu...
Does carpal tunnel syndrome qualify for SSDI benefits?
You use your hands, fingers and wrists every day at work. Whether you type at a computer, assemble products on a line, fill orders in a warehouse or perform other repetitive tasks, you may develop a repetitive stress injury. If your injury turns into carpal tunnel syndrome, though, you may not be...
Understanding the difference between SSI and SSDI
SSI can provide needed financial assistance For those that do not qualify for SSDI, SSI can present a viable alternative. Where SSDI provides benefits for those who have worked for many years and paid into the system, SSI provides benefits for those who were unable to do so. SSI benefit payment...