Free Legal Resources

As reported in the October 2022 issue of the Disability Law News, the Supreme Court has amended the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) to include new supplemental rules for Social Security Appeals. In addition to mandating the time allotted for filing briefs (30 days), the supplemental rules also instituted electronic service of process by […]

As reported in the October 2022 issue of this newsletter, this year’s cost-of-living (COLA) increase is at a historic level of 8.7%, the highest since 1981. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits Level Chart published by New York’s Office of Disability and Temporary Assistance (OTDA) has been updated for 2023 and is available here, reflecting […]

Advocates who represent claimants in disability claims before the Social Security Administration (SSA) know all too well the frustrations of dealing with the outdated Dictionary of Occupational Titles. The D.O.T., as it fondly called, is a compilation of job titles and requirements first published by the Department of Labor in 1938. Most entries have not […]

The Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB) is a bipartisan, independent federal government agency established in 1994 to advise the President, the Congress, and the Commissioner of Social Security on matters of policy and administration of the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income programs. The Board has seven members, appointed by the […]

A recent article in The New York Times highlighted the barriers many recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) face if they want to marry. The article features a couple that met on-line, fell in love, and became engaged, only to endlessly postpone their marriage because Lori receives Childhood Disability […]

The Supreme Court of the Unites States (SCOTUS) recently adopted amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) that will apply to appeals of Social Security claims. The new supplemental rules, which take effect on December 1, 2022, govern all stages of a federal court action under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and are meant to create a simplified, […]

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a record-breaking cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2023. Monthly benefits will increase an astonishing 8.7 percent, the largest since 1981. Last year’s COLA increase was also a record-breaker at 5.9 percent.   The monthly SSI benefit rate will increase $73, […]

The Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) is welcoming new faces this fall, including new Senior Statewide Support Attorney Jennifer (Jenna) Karr of Empire Justice Center (Empire Justice). Jenna started this September to replace Kate Callery.   As one of three Statewide Support Attorneys, Jenna will provide information, technical assistance, training, and support to advocates throughout New […]

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report finding fault with the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) implementation of its policies for the expediting critical cases at the hearing level. See GAO-22-104191. The GAO found that SSA flags appeals as critical after determining the claimant’s health or financial circumstances, such as terminal illness or dire […]