Blog

Often, people will call me about the disability application process, ask what Social Security requires, and how long the process takes. They are shocked at the number of steps involved in the Social Security Administration’s process. However, Mission Possible’s...

This blog post is designed to highlight the times in which it is possible to appeal a favorable decision and the risks associated with such an appeal. It is not uncommon for a judge to change an onset date or refuse to open a prior case when issuing an approval...

What is Subsidy & Special Conditions for Working SSDI Beneficiaries? Social Security (SSA) provides a number of work incentives in the Ticket to Work program for beneficiaries to test their ability to work. Social Security personnel use four important tools to...

When looking at your ability to work Social Security evaluates exertional levels. Exertional Level (Level of Exertion) is a work classification defining the functional requirements of work, in terms of the primary strength that activities require. The exertional...

There is so much you struggle with when it comes to getting approved for disability benefits. The system doesn't make it easy to access money when it's needed and living on what they give you can be challenging as well. To top it off, sometimes they even over pay you...

Social Security Uses a Grid of Medical & Vocational Rules to Decide Disability If you are 50 years or older when applying for Social Security disability, it may be easier for you to get approved for disability benefits than it is for a younger person, since you...

Update on the 2024 Cost of Living Adjustment from Social Security (https://choosework.ssa.gov/blog/2023-10-30-update-2024-cost-of-living-adjustment.html) (https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2023/#10-2023-2). To help people who receive benefits and payments keep...

Getting Your Disability Benefits Back Without Reapplying: Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits If you lost your disability benefits after trying to go back to work, Social Security will replace your benefits if you again find yourself unable to work. If your Social...

A specific process must be followed in order to receive disability benefits. The Social Security Administration has many requirements and avoiding mistakes can help you be successful in being approved for benefits. Here are some mistakes we see most often made, and...

The Student Earned Income Exclusion and SSI School & Work Incentives Education and job training may help you achieve your work goals, but they can also be expensive. This work Incentive is for students who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and want to...

How To Qualify for Social Security Disability & What To Know About Non-Exertional Limitations When determining eligibility for Social Security Disability, the Social Security Administration takes into account both exertional and non-exertional limitations. Such...

Bipolar disorder can often be a difficult condition to obtain an approval for disability benefits on. The reasons for experiencing such great difficulties are twofold. First, individuals often develop bipolar disorder in their twenties, but due to the various Social...

Did you know that receiving forgiveness on your student loan will not affect your SSDI or SSI benefits. If Social Security determines you are 100% disabled and schedules your next disability review within 5 to 7 years from your most recent disability determination...

Not long ago, I received a call from a person seeking disability. I asked her if she already had a representative or company she was currently working with. She said “I don’t know.” How, I asked did she not know? She told me she may have signed some paperwork with a...

We recently did a webinar about overpayments and how Ticketholders can find themselves in an overpayment status. Social Security offers work incentives and safety nets to those working so a portion of their gross earnings can be disregarded. This week we’re sharing a...

What is an Application Tracking System (ATS) Resume & How to Build an ATS-Proof Resume Have you been discouraged with zero response after submitting multiple job applications, and not sure why you have been sending resume after resume without hearing back? The...

A few weeks ago we shared a blog about Reasonable Accommodations. There is a lot involved with job accommodations and here are some specifics from the U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/jobaccommodations). ~ Stella A job...

 Many Social Security beneficiaries believe that their disability benefits end when they turn 65, but did you know that you can continue receiving your Social Security disability benefits after the age of 65? Some of the things you hear or read about disability...

This week we'd like to share a blog from SSA's Choose Work website. The blog is about reasonable accommodations for mental health supports on the job. Keep reading to learn more about some of the options available to you. ...

Every quarter we share a newsletter that includes articles with information to help clients and those on Social Security benefits. Our March newsletter is full of valuable information, on various topics, as you navigate the Social Security world. Click on the link or...

Why have a representative for your Social Security Disability Claim? This is a conversation I have almost daily with people who call to see if they need help. My standard answer is “If I need help with taxes, I go to the “tax man” because I’m not an expert. If I need...

 Getting Your Disability Benefits Back Without Reapplying: Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits If you lost your disability benefits after trying to go back to work, Social Security will replace your benefits if you again find yourself unable to work. If your Social...

PABBS stands for Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security. (https://choosework.ssa.gov/about/meet-your-employment-team/#PABSS). The services provided by PABBS are a resource through the Ticket to Work program for disability beneficiaries. These...

The Best Social Security Disability Arguments, Knowledge is Power (Part 3) SSR 96-8p The second Social Security Rule that will be discussed in the blog series is often considered the golden standard for Social Security Disability. SSR 96-8p outlines the definition of...

Travel is mind-expanding, for sure. I’ve traveled to several countries, and I always look at employment and jobs in different countries. Recently, my family and I traveled to Egypt with a group that included 9 children, 4 of whom were my grandchildren. I commented to...

Testing your ability to work is what the Ticket to Work Program is all about. In order to test your ability you have to search for jobs and find who is hiring. This week I'd like to share a blog from the Ticket to Work site about who is hiring and where to find job...

Certain Disability Payments and Workers’ Compensation May Affect Your Social Security Benefits I recently completed a refresher course that covered federal benefits that can affect Social Security disability and thought the information would be useful to share. Here...

The Best Social Security Disability Arguments, Knowledge is Power (part 2) SSR 85-15 The first Social Security Rule, and arguable one of the most important ones, is SSR 85-15. I include this rule on every single prehearing brief that I submit to a judge. This ruling...

We're sharing a blog from the Ticket to Work website (https://choosework.ssa.gov/) this week, check it out below for more details on working with a benefits counselor. Ask a Benefits Counselor Sep 24, 2019 As we've discussed before, benefits counseling is one of many...

Every quarter we share a newsletter that includes articles with information to help clients and those on Social Security benefits. Our December newsletter is full of valuable information, on various topics, as you navigate the Social Security world. Click on the link...

In the last few months, more than any other time in our practice, I’ve requested a Congressional Inquiry in the process of escalating a social security claim. Why? Because Social Security has been extremely slow at processing claims. We’ve had initial claims take up...

Setting goals helps you prepare for your future by having an idea, that becomes a plan, and turns into a commitment to attain. When you set goals, it’s important that they are SMART goals. Setting SMART goals helps provide focus and guides you to the path of success....

Mission Possible Employment Services (MPES) motto reveals our enduring desire to focus on what we “can do, not on what we can’t do”.  This motto was inspired by the tenacity and courage of so many who fight through life’s obstacles in pursuit of personal success.  Our...

The Best Social Security Disability Arguments: Knowledge is Power (part 1) Social Security has created or promulgated a large number of rules to determine whether an individual is or would have been considered disabled. These rules are known as the Social Security...

You may be aware that there are hybrid breeds of animals.  For example, if you cross a Labrador Retriever breed dog with a Poodle dog, you get a hybrid breed named “Labradoodle”.  The same goes for plants.  If you cross Broccoli with a type of Chinese Kale you get a...

Recently, I received a list of questions regarding being a supervisor. Here is that list with comments on what these questions mean to your case. What is your job? - Often Social Security will list what you put on your Work History form. Were you a supervisor or lead...

Proving that you are disabled is an arduous (difficult) task. Before you get an opportunity to tell the SSA how your conditions affect your ability to work, you must prove that you have what  is called a “medically determinable impairment.” When discussing physical...

Work History Reports are sent to individuals applying for disability who worked more than one job in the past 15 years. Social Security is looking to see if you have the ability to return to one of your former jobs or work at any job in the National Economy.  It is...

If you’ve tried to look for work in the recent past you likely have discovered how vital and universal the internet is for performing job searches.  Even more important is that most employers are using the internet to post job openings, applications and communicate...

Many beneficiaries have concerns that when they become eligible for Medicare or an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, they will lose eligibility for Medicaid. However, there are many options for individuals to maintain Medicaid and other insurance. Since it is...

This week we'd like to share a blog from Ticket to Work on how to deal with pain at work. Check out the four tips they shared! 4 Tips for Dealing with Pain at Work Sep 30, 2022 Experiencing pain can make everyday life difficult and can be especially hard to handle...

The biggest and most frequent mistake in applying for SSDI is to be denied on your own words.  This is why we ask you to complete the Adult Function Report.  We at Mission Possible will assist you when you complete this form. We don’t want you denied on your own...

You Have a Legal Right to Your Medical Records The process of requesting your medical records can be a difficult and lengthy one. In fact, it is one of the biggest causes of delays in the disability process, even though it seems it should not be. You have a legal...

Every quarter we share a newsletter that includes articles with information to help clients and those on Social Security benefits. Our September newsletter is full of valuable information, on various topics, as you navigate the Social Security world. Click on the link...

Every day I learn something new from my clients. I appreciate their willingness to explain the challenges of their particular disability.  Regularly I hear of new medical conditions that I’ve never heard of before, even after thirty years of working in the disability...

At one point or another, almost everyone who is searching for their next job, has experienced a time when everything seemed to go well. Your resume seemed to match the experience and qualifications outlined in qualifications for the position. The interviews were...

This week we're sharing a blog from Social Security's Ticket to Work site. There are many opportunities for work outside an office and the construction industry is one. Please contact us for more information the Ticket to Work program and working! ~Stella "Spotlight...

When you are in the process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits, you may hear the term medical source statement (MSS) or treating source statement. A MSS is a medical opinion from your treating doctor about the nature and severity of your functional...

Social Security requires disability claimants to follow medically prescribed treatment when it is reasonably expected to restore the ability to work. If a disability claimant does not follow this kind of medically prescribed treatment without a good or justified...

Social Security disability beneficiaries have a team of service providers to help them be successful in entering or re-entering the workforce. Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) projects and Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security...

Office jobs aren’t for everyone. There are so many other options and one of them could turn out to be the best choice for you! Non-office jobs involve both skilled and non-skilled labor. Some involve completing an apprenticeship program; others may require vocational...

Generally, it is the claimant’s duty to prove to Social Security that they are in fact disabled. This means that Social Security requires all known medical evidence that relates to the claimant’s medical conditions or potential disability to be submitted. All medical...

Whether you can qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits is generally based upon a work standard. The standard is whether you can perform work which exists in the national economy. This work needs to be able to be performed either full-time or at a level...

The process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is time-consuming and overwhelming process. Commonly, the initial application for benefits is denied and you must wait for the appeal hearing whilst gathering...

Improve your Interview Technique for your Best Success! In efforts to stay current in our ever changing, technology world we are always on the lookout for new tools to help our clients prepare for work. In this blog we would like to share a couple of very effective...

There are times when it is necessary to contact your local Social Security office to provide or ask for information regarding your Social Security Benefits.  Here are some tips to make the most out of your time and energy in contacting your local Social Security...

In this weeks blog we'd like to share tips on budgeting. If you're finding it challenging to take care of your needs with the money you have, take some time to work on implementing these tips. Then check out our website for more information on the Ticket to Work...

This week’s blog provides many opportunities for Career Fairs, both virtual and in person.  Check these out! One of them might be the perfect fit for you as you navigate the hiring process through the Ticket To Work Program. Discover Who's Hiring Now (from SSA TTW...

Do you struggle to afford internet access? Are you in need of the technology to access the internet? A program is available to provide assistance for those that meet specific requirements. Below is an article from the Federal Communications Commission on the...

Did you know that the Ticket to Work program did NOT exist in the 90’s but the “Trial Work Period” DID? At that time Vocational Rehabilitation & the Trial Work Period existed to provide a disabled beneficiary a better opportunity to test their ability to work...

You may or may not have heard about how “Schedule A” can help people with disabilities obtain employment, bypassing the usual application process.  Sounds good, right?  This week’s blog will explain what “Schedule A” is and how it can help people with disabilities to...

My name is Kayla, and I am new to the Mission Possible team. I am originally from Southern Minnesota and moved to Cincinnati in 2017. I hold a degree in paralegal studies and my paralegal career has involved working in law firms. The practice areas I have the most...

Is it time for you to start interviewing for that job you've been searching for? Are you unsure how to prepare for the interview? Do you have anxiety about the interview process? Check out the the below blog from Ticket to Work and SSA, who provide "Access to...

Self-employment is an increasingly popular employment objective for individuals with disabilities, because it offers both significant flexibility as well as earnings potential. In this blog we will help in understanding Net Earnings from Self Employment (NESE), how it...

Social Security offices around the country have resumed in-person services for those without an appointment since COVID-19 hit a few years ago. Following is an article from Kilolo Kijakazi with SSA, "Social Security Administration to Resume In-Person Services at Local...

SSI is an asset and income-based disability program. In this blog post I will focus on the income limitations of such a program. There are two types of income for SSI purposes; Earned Income and Unearned Income. Earned Income would be considered any income that you...

Every quarter we share a newsletter that includes articles with information to help clients and those on Social Security benefits. Our March newsletter is full of valuable information, on various topics, as you navigate the Social Security world. Click on the link or...

Steps to take when you find yourself in an overpayment In our last blog we covered how to avoid an overpayment. Now we will show what steps to take if you are in an overpayment. Appeal – If you were not actually overpaid, or if the amount is wrong You should file an...

For many of our clients, and anyone on Social Security Disability benefits, the Ticket to Work (TTW) Program offers resources and assistance to beneficiaries. The program is designed to help beneficiaries achieve employment, increase their income, and fulfill their...

A while back we posted a blog on ABLE accounts, you can check it out here https://mpes.net/achieving-a-better-life-experience/ for more details. Recently, Choose Work posted about ABLE accounts as well. Here are some additional tips from SSA on opening an ABLE...

Have you received a letter from Social Security saying something like – “Oops! We paid you your disability benefit check when we shouldn’t have over the last several months and now you need to pay it back and, in many cases, totaling thousands of dollars!” Well, you...

A common dilemma a lot of our clients face, after receiving SSA disability benefits, is “What do I do now?” It is common for new beneficiaries to take some time to recover from the challenge of obtaining SSA Disability status.  Many, after a few months, or sometimes...

There are three things I always ask a potential client. 1) What kind of work have you done in the past 15 years? 2) What is your age?  3) What training or education have you done and when?  In my next three blogs, I will cover all three of these questions and why they...

2022 Income Taxes and Medicare Enrollment Dates to Remember  The coming of a new year always brings important deadlines to remember. We are going to focus on two that are time sensitive and review some free online resources available to assist in the process. January...

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Social Security has begun doing many of their disability hearings via telephone. Before the pandemic, all of the disability hearings were conducted in person. Telephone hearings, however, are quite different from in person...

    Now that we have officially “rung in” the New Year, we can successfully turn the page on 2021 and look forward to what 2022 will bring.  While we can never forecast into the future with certainty, we can look at the opportunities presented to us and...

Are you an agency interested in helping disability beneficiaries test their ability to work? The Social Security Administration has a great program called Ticket to Work (TTW) that does just that. In order to offer the TTW program you have to become and Employment...

Every quarter we share a newsletter that includes articles with information to help clients and those on Social Security benefits. Our December newsletter is full of valuable information, on various topics, as you navigate the Social Security world. Click on the link...

We, at MPES, have noticed an uptick with the number of Disability Beneficiaries that are unaware of their responsibility to report their earnings to SSA on a regular basis. We’d like to take this opportunity to review  to whom, when what and how to report earnings....

“Time Management Skills” is a phrase used quite often in job listings from potential employers.  This week’s blog will discuss what those are, why they are important and how to develop them. When looking through job listings, you will often find the phrases,...

Did you know that people who collect Social Security are about to see bigger checks?  This bump will help beneficiaries keep up with the rising costs due to inflation. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2022 will be 5.9%, which is the largest increase in about 40...

Grateful, an adjective, meaning “feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful” (Oxford Dictionary). Thankful, an adjective, meaning “pleased and relieved, expressing gratitude and relief” (Oxford Dictionary). Blessed, an adjective, meaning “bringing...

Did You Know You Can Keep Your Medicaid Benefits While Working? If you could keep your Medicaid coverage AND earn enough income to get off SSI, would you? Many people don’t even know that’s an option. One of the biggest concerns SSI beneficiaries have about going to...

People often ask what the Ticket to Work Program is about and what it can do for them. In this week’s blog we are going to explore the Trial Work Period of the program and showcase some of the awesome benefits and incentives available to Social Security Disability...

When applying for Social Security Disability many areas are considered. Age, education, and work history are foundational to your case; along with medical records proving your disabling condition. In this week’s blog, we are discussing TRANSFERABLE  SKILLS.  Social...

Ensuring your identity and all your personal information is secure is important to the Mission Possible team and we do all we can to keep it protected. There are specific protocols Social Security puts into place for us to follow. Additionally, there are some useful...

There is often a lot of confusion surrounding Trusts when an individual applies for disability. There are many types of Disability benefits that an individual can apply for, but only one type of disability application takes Trusts and other financial assets into...

My standard statement for Social Security Disability applicants is “This is a legal process, with medical as evidence to prove whether you can work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week.  Without medical evidence, it is impossible or nearly impossible to prove you are...

For many who contact us wanting to learn more about the Ticket to Work program, one of the most misunderstood components is the use of the 9 months Trial Work Period. I believe the main reason for the confusion lies in the difference between Trial Work Period (TWP)...

Interview Preparation: The Dreaded “Behavioral Interview Questions” In another decade, I found myself in need of a job. I landed an interview for what seemed to be the “perfect” job. I was familiar with the industry and had a great deal of experience and expertise in...

Social Security uses a five step disability analysis to determine whether a claimant is disabled or not. The first step is relatively straightforward; is the claimant currently engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)? The dollar amount that SGA represents is...

Every quarter we share a newsletter that includes articles with information to help clients and those on social security benefits. Our July newsletter is full of valuable information, on various topics, as you navigate the Social Security world. Click on the link or...

With increasingly sophisticated technology, scammers are having an easier time obtaining your personal information. Once they obtain your Social Security information, it can take a lot of time and headaches to reverse the damage done by such scammers. With advancing...

For those receiving disability benefits that want to access training, equipment, services, or anything else that is needed to start work, PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) is incredibly valuable and the most flexible work incentive available. What is a PASS? A Plan...

Mission Possible has worked for and with individuals with disabilities for many years. We readily recognize that not all disabilities are “visible” and are aware of the challenges our clients face when thinking about going to or returning to work after achieving...

The Social Security Administration has identified three myths about the loss of disability benefits and working. Through the three phases of the Ticket to Work program supports and services are provided that debunk these myths and provide incentives when you are...

Social Security Disability is a legal proceeding that uses medical evidence like any other civil or criminal court would use evidence. While all forms of evidence relevant to the disability status of the claimant are admissible, only one type of evidence is...

SSI + Inheritance = Trust In my last two blogs we shared information on asset building accounts. This month, let’s take a look at a way you can provide for the future financial needs of your disabled child or family member receiving Supplemental Security Insurance...

…and why it matters to us in helping you with Ticket to Work The vast majority of our clients take the first step toward achieving their goal by placing a telephone call to one of our toll-free numbers. We also receive emails and texts requesting information....

Social Security has two types of disability cases: Supplemental Security Insurance, SSI or Title 16, and Social Security Disability Insurance, SSDI or Title II. How are the programs similar? Both programs require medical evidence to prove you have a disability. Both...

With four branches of Mission Possible there are many opportunities to help individuals obtain employment. There are many perks in the job searching process, and one that has proven most valuable is working with someone who can provide expert advice for beneficiaries...

In my last blog we explored Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts, now let’s explore Individual Development Accounts and how you might benefit from this type of asset building savings program. What are IDAs? IDAs are special accounts that allow members of...

In the world of Social Security Disability recipients, getting a notice of a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is nerve-wracking….at best. Fear and anxiety take hold of almost everyone holding a CDR announcement letter in their hands!  “Will I have to prove that I’m...

Social Security is a large trust fund that acts as both a retirement investment for most workers and a safety net for individuals who become too disabled to continue performing full time jobs. In recent years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) had adopted a...

Having a my Social Security account can be extremely helpful and important in obtaining information pertaining to your benefits. What is a my Social Security account? A my Social Security Account is your personal, online account for interactive and secure access to...

We all want to achieve a better life experience, but did you know that this  actually is an Act that was signed into law? In December of 2014, a new asset -building opportunity for certain individuals with disabilities was signed into law, called Achieving a Better...

In the world of Ticket to Work, we use the term “Safety Nets” to describe the series of protections that the Ticket to Work program provides for Social Security Disability beneficiaries.  I’d like to take you with me as we explore some of the safety nets of the Ticket...

Today I am at my son and daughter-in-laws home with my four granddaughters.  Their oldest daughter is 11 years old. She is a sweet, good natured girl who suffers with severe epilepsy. Her epilepsy has stolen most of her abilities that are normal for a child of 11. She...

We serve disabled individuals in three different platforms of Mission Possible Employment Services. Each branch of the company is designed to provide services to individuals with disabilities. The first branch is Disability Representative services, the second branch...

We have heard many on disability who are considering going to work ask How much can I earn without impacting my benefits? Will my monthly benefit change? Will it immediately stop when I begin working? Will I lose my Medicare or Medicaid? These are all valid concerns...

First of all, let me assure you, that almost EVERYONE has gaps in their employment history!  Just because you’re disabled does not mean you should approach your resume or your upcoming job interview any differently than anyone else.   Here are some tips that may...

As a child, I had never heard or knew anyone who had a disability. Growing up in a rural area, I didn’t recognize the term from anyone I knew, but in the “old days” it was called “crippled”. In fact, Seattle’s Children Hospital was called the Crippled Children’s...

After several years of being encouraged to become an Administrative Employment Network (AEN), Mission Possible decided it was time to start another branch of the company, and Mission Possible Administrative Services (MPAS) was formed. As an AEN we can work with more...

This past year of pandemic craziness reminded us, in a very real way, that life sometimes takes unexpected turns.  Each of us have been affected in different ways and we have had to all learn to be more comfortable in dealing with the unexpected.  Mission Possible...

You just started receiving disability benefits! That’s a VERY good question!  Why should you even think about entering a program that is designed to help you get off the very benefits you just started receiving?  Here are some answers to that question and why Ticket...

Years ago, we had a woman come into our office to announce she had chosen Mission Possible Employment Services to work with her autistic son. I explained that we did not know much about autism, to which she replied, “learn!” I loved her audacity and enthusiasm. She...

As a result of the 2020 COVID pandemic, Congress signed into law by President Donald Trump the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Several questions have come up of how the additional income from...

Mission Possible Administrative Services (MPAS) is a new LLC formed by the owner of Mission Possible Employment Services (MPES) and has been established to operate as an Administrative Employment Network (AEN). MPES was established in 1998 to provide services to help...

Welcome to the new website for Mission Possible Employment Services, Inc. We have three parts of our company. We began as an employment agency in 1992, contracting with vocational rehabilitation agencies in multiple states. We worked with County, Veterans, Mental...