By Jeffrey Freedman, Esq. Often, when workers look at their pay stubs and see “FICA taxes” they don’t realize these deductions go to a program that ensures both Social Security retirement and Social Security disability benefits. Payments to FICA are generally thought to go toward future retirement benefits. However, these…
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By Jeffrey Freedman Article appeared in The Buffalo News on September 12, 2025 The One Big Beautiful Bill contains a lot of numbers. The most significant is $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. Behind those numbers are Americans who need Medicaid coverage to maintain basic levels of health. As managing…
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Many people assume they cannot work while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While that is generally true, there are some exceptions. Individuals with disabilities can take on part-time or limited work under some of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) work incentive programs. These initiatives aim to help SSDI recipients…
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Receiving a denial letter after applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits feels frustrating, confusing, and deeply discouraging. However, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and this isn’t the end of the road. Between 2013 and 2022, the Social Security Administration (SSA) only approved between 19% and 21%…
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Arthritis is a leading cause of disability among adults in the United States. According to the CDC, more than 24 million Americans are impacted by this inflammatory condition. With more than 100 types of arthritis and arthritis-related conditions, symptoms like chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility can seriously interfere with…
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By Jeffrey Freedman Article appeared in The Buffalo News on July 16, 2025 The changes that occur when the federal government cuts support for Medicaid in December 2026 will be far-reaching and painful for a significant number of Americans, not just those on Medicaid. States depend on Medicaid funding to…
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two distinct programs that provide financial support to individuals with disabilities. While each program serves a different purpose and population, some individuals qualify for both benefits simultaneously. This is known as concurrent benefits. Understanding how SSI and SSDI concurrent…
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By Jeffrey Freedman Article appeared in The Buffalo News on June 11, 2025 In the past, unless you were in the military or a first responder, it was unlikely you would put yourself or your family at risk when you chose your profession. Today, federal and state judges face threats…
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By Jeffrey Freedman Article appeared in The Buffalo News on April 17, 2025 In the name of cost-effectiveness, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has applied a hatchet to government agencies without first establishing where the “inefficiencies” exist. This hurts Americans in many ways, but some of the worst are…
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In the name of cost-effectiveness, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has applied a hatchet to government agencies without first establishing where the “inefficiencies” exist. This hurts Americans in many ways, but some of the worst are cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Veterans Affairs (VA). These agencies…
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