Lauren Young, Attorney at Law

10/26/2025

2.8 percent Social Security COLA for 2026 announced. This applies to disability and retirement recipients.

07/03/2024

Long overdue...

We’re modernizing the list of occupations we use to decide whether a person is disabled and unable to work. Learn about our recent changes in today’s blog: https://ow.ly/n5xX50SoljU

07/03/2024

Effective June 22, 2024, Social Security will no longer use a 15 year work history in analyzing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Instead, they will use a 5 year work history. This is a big win for disability applicants, who for decades had their claims denied for the alleged ability to perform work they did in the remote past.

Need help with your Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income claim? Free 30 minute consultations available.

Call now to connect with business.

03/05/2024

If you currently receive Social Security benefits and you have a bank account, starting or changing your direct deposit is quick, secure, and easy with a per...

06/01/2023

In response to some recent inquiries, here is a link to a summary of tenant and landlord rights and obligations in California.

05/31/2023

my Social Security is a secure account that puts you in control with access to your information on any device. Verify your earnings, manage your benefits, request a replacement Social Security card, and much more. Open your account today! http://ow.ly/YqNC50LWw2W

05/31/2023

Do you have questions about Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Local Lodi, CA attorney with 30 years experience is now available for a free 30 minute consultation.

05/13/2023

The Listing of Impairments describes, for each major body system, impairments considered severe enough to prevent an individual from doing any gainful activity (or in the case of children under age 18 applying for SSI, severe enough to cause marked and severe functional limitations). Most of the listed impairments are permanent or expected to result in death, or the listing includes a specific statement of duration. For all other listings, the evidence must show that the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. The criteria in the Listing of Impairments are applicable to evaluation of claims for disability benefits under the Social Security disability insurance program or payments under the SSI program.

The criteria in the Listing of Impairments apply only to one step of the multi-step sequential evaluation process. At that step, the presence of an impairment that meets the criteria in the Listing of Impairments (or that is of equal severity) is usually sufficient to establish that an individual who is not working is disabled. However, the absence of a listing-level impairment does not mean the individual is not disabled. Rather, it merely requires the adjudicator to move on to the next step of the process and apply other rules in order to resolve the issue of disability.

Part III - Listing of Impairments (Overview)

05/03/2023

What is the income/resource limit for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility? SSI is a program for those who are over 65, disabled or blind. The first requirement for this program is the individual/family has limited income and resources; for example $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a married couple. Some assets are not included in the evaluation, such as a home that is a primary residence or one motor vehicle. If the individual/family's assets exceed these limits, they are ineligible for SSI. If your assets are below these levels and you have a medical condition that limits your ability to work, you might consider applying for Supplemental Security Income at your local Social Security Office.

04/23/2023

Number one frequently asked Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Question. My doctor says I'm disabled, why was my Social Security Disability Claim denied?? Answer: There are many types of disability, all with different rules. Social Security Disability uses a 5 step sequential evaluation that considers 1) are you working, 2) is your medical condition "severe" (impacts your ability to work), 3) does it meet a special list of impairments that statistically result in disability? If not, the agency assigns you a residual functional capacity (considering your medical impairments, how much you can lift, carry, walk, stand, sit, bend, etc). It is only at this step does the agency consider opinions from your doctors, but only the opinions on those same abilities. By law, the decision (opinion) on whether or not you meet Social Security's rules is reserved to Social Security, so the agency cannot consider your doctor's conclusion that you are disabled. The last two steps are 4) can you perform your past work and 5) can you perform work in the National economy?

A qualified attorney representative can assist you in navigating the process, help obtain evidence, argue your case, and file timely appeals if necessary.

03/04/2023

The ABA will host the Law Day 2023 Launch Program on March 6. The program will provide suggestions and guidance to inspire people to plan and lead their own Law Day celebrations on May 1, the national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. http://ow.ly/lvjg50N8IrO