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If you recently received a notice about a class action settlement from Social Security, you may be eligible to have your prior denied claim reopened. If successful, this appeal could result in the payment of substantial retroactive payments and the possible approval of ongoing disability payments.

A recent study looked at the question of whether Social Security benefits are lower for mothers, resulting in a “motherhood penalty.” The study found that the lifetime earnings of mothers with one child are almost 30% lower than women who have no children.

Thousands of individuals denied Social Security disability benefits after submitting to a medical exam by Dr. Frank Chen may soon be given the opportunity to have their denied claims re-evaluated as a result of a recent legal settlement. These claimants include those who were examined between 2007 and 2013 by Dr. Frank Chen at one of Social Security’s clinics located in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Luis Obispo County, including Northstate, Health Analysis, Priority, Pacific Health Clinic, or any other clinic at which they were seen by Dr. Chen.

Politicians have made hay over the last several years claiming that Social Security is approaching “bankruptcy” with too many people receiving retirement and disability benefits for Social Security to have a sustainable future. These claims have been repeatedly shown to be exaggerated.

COPD, asthma and other respiratory disorders can cause significant limitations which can effectively prevent individuals from being able to sustain the requirements of full-time employment. Individuals who are seeking Disability benefits due to having severe breathing issues can be approved if their condition, symptoms and their effect in their daily life are well documented by objective medical evidence (such as breathing tests, scans, etc.

These days, we often hear from certain politicians and media that too many people are receiving Social Security benefits. Yet a recent study showed that in one specific area involving monies to parents with a child under 16, SSA wrongfully terminated benefits to rightfully eligible mothers and fathers.

Personal health diaries can help prove disability claims based on medical conditions that increase or decrease in their severity. For example, an individual with a pulmonary condition causing recurring “attacks” may have adequate control of their symptoms most days, but the severity and frequency of asthma attacks, recurring bronchitis or pulmonary infections or “flares,” are such that the person can’t hold a job.