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Disabled Widow(er)’s Benefits: How to Qualify for Social Security Disability
Posted at: 3/10/2026 9:00 AM
In addition to Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits, the Social Security Administration also has disability benefits for widows and widowers, but only if certain criteria are met. • The deceased spouse must have been getting Social Security Disability or insured for Social Security Disability at the time of their death. • The marriage must have lasted longer than 9 months.• The disabled widow(er) must be between 50 and 59 years old. • The wi
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Virtual vs. In-Person Social Security Disability Hearings: Which Is Better for Your Case?
Posted at: 3/6/2026 9:00 AM
Over the past few years, the way Social Security Disability hearings are conducted has changed significantly. What was once almost always an in-person proceeding is now often handled remotely by phone or video. According to federal data from the Social Security Administration, a large majority of disability hearings are now conducted virtually. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, appearing in person may still provide important advantages. Why Some Disability Hearings Are He
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What Is New York’s Serious Injury Threshold?
Posted at: 2/23/2026 9:00 AM
As of May 27th, 2026, New York has seen changes to motor vehicle and insurance law that eliminates the 90/180 Rule. Parts of this blog were removed to bring it up to date.After a car accident in New York, many people assume they can automatically sue the at-fault driver for their injuries. But New York law doesn’t work that way. Because New York follows a no-fault insurance system, most accident-related claims start — and often end — with your own insurance coverage. To step outside that syste
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What Is a Disability Onset Date — and Why Is It Important?
Posted at: 2/20/2026 9:00 AM
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must tell Social Security the date you became unable to work due to your medical condition or disability. This date is called your disability onset date. Your onset date is very important because it can significantly affect the amount of back benefits you may receive. How Social Security Determines Your Onset Date In some cases, establishing an onset date is straightforward—for example, if your disability resulted from an a
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Estate Planning for Pets: Protecting the Ones Who Depend on You
Posted at: 2/19/2026 9:00 AM
For many families, pets are more than animals; they’re companions, sources of comfort, and beloved members of the family. Yet when people think about estate planning, pets are often overlooked. Without clear planning in place, questions about a pet’s care, living arrangements, and financial support can create unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. Estate planning for pets is about ensuring that the animals who rely on you will continue to be cared for in the way you intend, no m