Why hire an attorney when applying for Social Security disability benefits

Why hire an attorney when applying for Social Security disability benefits

Social Security disability benefits can help people with impairments become financially stable and independent. However, one has to complete a few formalities and submit specific documents while applying, which can take time and effort. While individuals can get through the process all by themselves, it is advised to contact a lawyer to get the job done. Here are a few advantages of hiring an attorney to help with the application. Understand the Blue Book better Social Security disability benefits are processed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The agency maintains a Blue Book, which mentions the criteria to qualify for the benefits. This book lists the impairments that make one eligible, the symptoms one should have, and the kind of test results and proof one must produce at the time of application. Since understanding the information written in the Blue Book can be challenging, hiring an experienced attorney for help makes sense. Avoid mistakes in the application Besides submitting proof of one’s imperilment, individuals must fill out lengthy forms, presenting information accurately. An attorney can guide applicants and help them avoid rookie mistakes and misunderstandings. This is crucial because any error in the submitted data can lead to the SSA rejecting the request. Apply to the right disability program The SSA offers two programs that pay benefits to people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Since both programs’ eligibility criteria and payouts differ, consulting an expert can help a person determine the right option for their needs. They can also help fill out the necessary forms and gather the documents for the respective program. Get the maximum monthly payouts An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help applicants get the maximum monthly benefit. According to the SSA Blue Book, one could get close to $3,345 each month if eligible.
4 common beard grooming mistakes to avoid

4 common beard grooming mistakes to avoid

A well-groomed and healthy beard requires more than just letting it grow wild. It demands attention, care, and the right grooming techniques. While some mistakes may seem harmless at first, they can lead to dry, itchy, and unruly facial hair that detracts from your overall appearance. So without further ado, here is a list of mistakes you must avoid to achieve the impressive and dapper beard you desire. Using regular shampoo People often use their hair shampoo as their beard cleanser. It is not as great a strategy as it sounds. Most regular shampoos are formulated to strip the oil from the scalp and degrease the hair. Your facial hair does not need the same treatment. Regular shampoos can leave your hair and skin dry. This will result in coarser, itchier, and drier hair. Instead, swap it for a beard wash or shampoo about twice or thrice weekly for better results. This will prevent over-drying and keep the area clean. Skipping oil Of all the tools in your arsenal, the most common mistake you can make is overlooking the beard oil bottle. It costs you in the form of increased itchiness and flaky skin on your cheeks and chin. It seals in moisture and provides the beard with a healthy sheen. Beard itch, wiry hair, dandruff, and sometimes split ends are consequences you might face when you skip over the beard oil. A small dab of this oil after your shower will keep you moisturized and your beard looking healthy. Ignoring the mustache Somehow, many people ignore their mustaches when caring for their beards. This can mean you end up with unruly and ungroomed mustaches that could be hiding your lips like the best-kept secret. It is important to regularly wash, trim, and shape the mustache and beard for a properly groomed look.
10 most valuable stamps worldwide

10 most valuable stamps worldwide

Philately, or stamp collecting, has been around for generations as a hobby. In fact, it started as soon as stamps first came into existence. Ever since nations began regulating and standardizing the post, enthusiasts have shown more interest in these little paper squares. While stamps may seem ordinary, some are expensive, especially the vintage and rare ones. Here are some of the most valuable stamps in the world that are one of a kind. British Guiana 1c Magenta, 1856 The British Guiana 1c Magenta is today’s most valuable rare stamp, priced at about $9.48 million. It has traded hands across the world multiple times since its creation. Treskilling Yellow, 1855 The Treskilling Yellow stamp resulted from a color error when printing one of Sweden’s first stamps. Its value stands at about $2.6 million today. The Sicilian Error of Color, 1859 The Sicilian Error of Color, 1859, which features the side profile of a bearded man, is so well-preserved that it looks as if it was printed just yesterday. The $2.6 million stamp was initially released in yellow but misprinted in stark blue. Baden 9 Kreuzer Error, 1851 Priced at about $1.3 million, the Baden 9 Kreuzer Error is one of the first stamps issued by the former German state of Baden. The Inverted Jenny, 1918 At a value of $1.35 million, this stamp features one of the Jenny biplanes first used by the US Post Office to carry mail but with the plane accidentally printed upside down. 1c Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, 1868 This stamp has a value of about $935,000. It was sold at an auction for the said price in 1998. 3c George Washington w/ B Grill, 1867 At about $900,000, this stamp is relatively affordable than the others on this list. The George Washington B Grill features a waffle-like pattern used to identify fraud.
3 mistakes to avoid when taking medicare coverage

3 mistakes to avoid when taking medicare coverage

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those aged 65 and above. Others who qualify for this plan include people with disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Given the complexities associated with these plans, some people may find it challenging to navigate the insurance landscape. To simplify this process, this article lists three mistakes people must avoid making when taking Medicare plan coverage. Missing the deadlines Missing the Medicare sign-up deadline is one of the biggest mistakes when taking Medicare plan coverage. Those receiving social benefits over 65 are automatically enrolled in the program. However, others need to enroll for Medicare in the initial enrollment period, which: Starts three months before one’s 65th birthday Includes the month one turns 65, and Ends three months after one turns 65. Failing to enroll in Medicare in this period could result in a coverage gap. It could also lead to a lifetime late enrollment penalty, increasing with age. Assuming spouse coverage Unlike employee insurance programs, Medicare does not automatically cover the entire family. It is meant to provide insurance at an individual level. Those with spouses under 65 may need to opt for alternative insurance plans for their partners, such as an employer-based plan, a COBRA plan, or an individual health insurance policy. Not having the right Medicare coverage One may be eligible for four parts of Medicare – parts A, B, C, and D. Part A (inpatient coverage) is usually free. However, the others require the payment of a monthly premium. Medicare Part B covers outpatient care and doctor’s visits. Private companies offer Part C (or Medicare Advantage) for improved coverage, with many plans including vision, hearing, and dental coverage. Medicare Part D offers prescription coverage as set by Medicare. Signing up for the right Medicare plans based on one’s medical needs and expenses can help reduce health-related expenses and save money.
3 things to look for when buying a new CUV

3 things to look for when buying a new CUV

Crossover Utility Vehicles, abbreviated as CUVs, occupy a unique spot in the vehicular hierarchy. These vehicles sit just below conventional trucks and compact SUVs and just above sedans, hatchbacks, and station wagons. As a result, these vehicles combine the best of both worlds: an SUV’s road presence and luxury mixed with the agility and urban mobility of sedans and hatchbacks. If one is looking to purchase these vehicles, here are some things to consider beforehand: Flexible seating Buyers may eschew purchasing an SUV to go for CUVs, but they usually tend to prioritize the seating flexibility that the larger vehicles provide while going through their CUV options. Buyers should always look for room for flexibility in the second and third rows of seats in their CUV. The CUV must have provisions for users to adjust their seats forward and backward. This helps expand the vehicle’s overall cargo space and also increases the legroom and headroom for the occupants. What’s more, flexibility in the second and third row of seating is an indicator of a vehicle’s versatility, as that puts the “Utility” in a CUV. Ease and comfort in driving CUVs must be just as effortless to drive around town as a hatchback. During test drives, one can check whether a given CUV’s center of gravity is low enough, whether the vehicle has responsive and direct steering, and whether the gearbox and brakes are snappy and quick enough. These elements make handling and driving a CUV simpler in crowded traffic and narrow lanes in cities. Ease of driving and comfort are the two biggest draws of CUVs in today’s market. Therefore, customers need to prioritize that while purchasing these vehicles. Fuel and maintenance costs CUVs tend to be priced competitively as there are so many options to choose from in the market.
4 common packaging mistakes to avoid

4 common packaging mistakes to avoid

Packaging is integral to any product-based business or industry, serving as both a protective shield and a marketing tool. A lot goes into making functional, reasonable packaging in terms of expenses, protecting the product, and being highly aesthetic and memorable. Many times, minor mistakes in packaging can end up costing a lot. These mistakes waste resources, may render the product useless, and may lead to business losses. Mistakes to avoid while packaging Avoid these seven common packaging mistakes to ensure that the last lap of the product life cycle is seamless: 1. Adding too many callouts Callouts are texts or notes that may include important product information, promotional messages, or usage instructions. Adding a laundry list of features to the packaging may overwhelm the customer and dilute the impact of key selling points. It’s best to stick to up to three relevant callouts that resonate with customers and let the product do the talking. 2. Adding misleading labels One can personalize boxes and pouches in many ways, but it’s important to let the packaging represent the brand and product well. Misleading labels can damage consumer trust and brand credibility, which requires much time and effort to rebuild. One should thoroughly check product labels and manuals. Ensure that they’re transparent and inform customers about the potential risks or allergies involved with the product. 3. Not leveraging eco-friendly packaging Sustainable or eco-friendly products and packaging have garnered significant appeal in recent times. Many customers study the brand’s eco-conscious efforts and prefer to purchase from environmentally responsible companies. Brands can leverage that and go for packaging that is organic, biodegradable, or made from recyclable materials. Conversely, a brand that promises eco-friendly products but sends them across in heavily non-recyclable or excessively packaged boxes may risk upsetting customers. 4. Overpackaging One should aim to make the unpacking experience pleasant for the customers.
3-step skincare regime and products for supple skin

3-step skincare regime and products for supple skin

Everyone wants to look their best. Being appreciated for your looks and beauty is something everyone enjoys. Beautiful, healthy skin is something that you’re often born with. But that said, with the right care you can alter your skin’s texture, look, and attractiveness. A skin care regime is of the utmost importance to improve and maintain your skin’s health. Skin is the largest organ of the body. It’s vital to take good care of your skin to ensure it stays healthy and timeless. Taking care of your skin- The skin being the outermost protective layer of tissue of the body is of great importance to the well being of the human body. It serves the following functions: It helps regulate your body temperature It protects your body from external elements and microbes It acts as a waterproof barrier for your internal tissues It provides a natural complexion to the person It is generally your skin that faces the brunt of harsh environmental elements like heat, cold, pollutants, and dirt. If you neglect proper skin care or other factors that are harmful, your skin can face several problems. Some commonly faced skin problems include: Rashes Disease Skin peeling or eczema Boils Pigmentation Acne or breakouts Blemishes Chronic skin problems To avoid this, it’s essential that you keep your skin clean and get rid of the of dirt and other pollutants you’re exposed to daily. Know the 3-step care for a good skincare regime- Taking care of your skin involves keeping it clean and maintaining its balance. Skin care experts stress that a basic 3-step skincare regime, that you should follow every day, can ensure supple, healthy skin for longer. The 3 essential steps are: Cleansing This mainly involves washing and cleaning the skin with a cleanser that rids the skin of pollutants, dirt, and makeup.
5 tips on smart use of tablets

5 tips on smart use of tablets

We are surrounded by the technology around us and are constantly finding ways to use smart gadgets. On that note, smart tablets can be a very useful addition to our daily life, and we are here to tell you about five ways to let you make the most of your tablet. Also, it is important to ensure you give yourself a break from the screen now and then to invest energy in productive work instead. Use the app for pets This may sound strange, but have you seen videos of kittens playing with fish on the screen, trying to grab them? How hilarious. Tablets have several pet apps, which can be fascinating. There are apps where the screen becomes a camera, and whenever your pet touches the screen, it takes a snapshot. There are some pet food companies, too, that have downloadable apps. Some teach simple tips and tricks to manage your furry friends. Remote control Did you know you can turn your tablet into an electronic remote control? If you own any smart devices like a TV, music system, or even air conditioners, they can all be controlled remotely through an app. You can use the tablet for this purpose. An app called TV side view can be used for both Apple and Android users, and you can use it for Sony smart TVs or their Blu-Ray player. Second screen This comes in handy during work or even otherwise. Having a second screen helps increase productivity as you don’t have to switch between browsers when working constantly. You can simply use your tablet to look up the information and continue working on your primary screen. You can also bookmark any important web page and return to it while doing your work. During a meeting, you can also quickly take notes on your tab.
Symptoms and causes of ADHD

Symptoms and causes of ADHD

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition mostly diagnosed in children, and its symptoms can continue well into adulthood. This disorder can result in hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, behavioral issues like frequent outbursts of anger and frustration, and inattentiveness. While this condition does not have a cure, the symptoms can be managed effectively with proper treatment. Read on to know more about this condition. Symptoms of ADHD The main symptoms of ADHD are impulsive behavior, inattention, and hyperactivity. The signs can appear from a young age and become apparent even before children turn 12 years old. Also, ADHD can manifest in different ways in boys and girls. While it is common for boys to be more hyperactive, girls with this disorder tend to be inattentive. Generally, children with ADHD will either be inattentive or hyperactive or have a combination of these symptoms. Inattention If a child shows some of the following signs for at least 6 months, they might be facing the problem of inattentiveness: Makes careless mistakes while doing homework or fails to pay attention to detail Cannot focus while playing or performing simple tasks May not listen carefully, even when someone is talking to them directly Cannot follow instructions Is unable to organize tasks Avoids any task that requires focus Loses things easily and frequently Can become distracted easily Impulsivity and hyperactivity The following is a list of the symptoms that indicate impulsivity or hyperactivity in children if they manifest for 6 months or longer: Tapping the hands or feet constantly Becoming restless easily and moving constantly; cannot be seated comfortably for long Running around even when it is inappropriate Performing any task with a lot of noise Interrupting others’ activities and conversations Causes of ADHD While the exact cause has not been known yet, studies have identified certain factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD:
Arthritis – Types, signs and risk factors

Arthritis – Types, signs and risk factors

Arthritis is a medical condition that is marked by inflammation in the joints. It can affect a single joint or several joints in the body. There are different types of arthritis. Each one can be traced to a different cause, with various methods to treat them. Types Primarily, there are two main kinds of arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These can be broken down into several categories. Osteoarthritis This is the most commonly diagnosed form of arthritis. When a person is suffering from osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the joints gets severely damaged. The cartilage is the tough, coarse protective coating found at the end points where the bones come together to form a joint. Cartilage acts as a cushion to this part of the bones and facilitates the frictionless movement of the joints. When the cartilage gets damaged, the bones grind against each other, causing severe pain and restrictive movements. This damage can take place over a few years or in a short time. Rheumatoid arthritis In this type of arthritis, the immune system adversely affects the outer covering or the lining around the joint capsule. The joint capsule is a hard membrane that surrounds parts of the joints. When a person is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis , the outer covering swells up or suffers from inflammation. This results in destroyed cartilage and bone present inside the joint. Signs and symptoms Since arthritis affects joints, all the symptoms of this condition are found in joint areas, like knees, ankles, elbows, and more. Some of the most commonly found symptoms of arthritis in the joints are listed below. Stiffness Pain Swelling Redness Immobility Risk factors Age As a person gets older, the risk of suffering from arthritis increases. If you are young and are suffering from pain in your joints, you must get it checked by a doctor immediately.
5 best contact lenses to buy in 2021

5 best contact lenses to buy in 2021

Contact lenses have evolved. Initially, they were meant only for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or some other type of vision impairment. They could do what glasses did, only in a more sophisticated and appealing way. Today, however, contact lenses can be used by anyone to enhance their vision or just for fashion. Regardless, here’s a definitive list featuring the best contact lenses of 2021 that you can buy today. Biotrue ONEday contact lens This lens by Bausch & Lomb is an excellent choice if you put in long screen hours. It comes with Surface Active Technology that keeps your eyes 98% moisturized for up to 16 hours a day. This prevents itching and reduces the risk of long-term vision loss. Thanks to its unique peri-ballast design, the lens is a great option for patients with astigmatism. Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus contact lenses Comfort is a big thing when it comes to contact lenses. The Acuvue Oasys, which was released in 2005, doesn’t just lay great emphasis on comfort but delivers as well. In 20 clinical studies, seven out of 10 patients said that the Acuvue Oasys was the most comfortable contact lens they had ever worn! It works on the patented Hydraclear Plus that makes you feel like you’ve just put the lenses on even after hours. Precision1 This lens is made by Alcon, a Geneva-based American-Swiss company. After various studies, Alcon concluded that poor vision, poor comfort, and handling issues trigger users into switching lenses. Precision1 addresses these problems, with nine out of 10 patients in a trial reporting that the lens was comfortable, corrected vision, and was easy to handle. Dailies AquaComfort Plus Another one of the best contact lenses of 2021 is the Dailies AquaComfort Plus. The AquaComfort PLUS technology used in this lens releases a moisturizing agent every time you blink.
4 tactical boots you can buy in 2021

4 tactical boots you can buy in 2021

Tactical boots are designed for professionals who need to move fast and be light on their feet. They are not just used by military personnel. And while out to buy a pair of shoes, everyone knows what size or color of boots they’re looking for, but do you know which brand will meet all your needs? To help you, here are some of the best tactical boots you can buy in 2021. Bates Men’s 8″ Ultra-Lites Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boots Bates Men’s Ultra Lites are one of the best lightweight tactical boots you can buy in 2021. The side zipper makes them easy and incredibly comfortable to put on or pull off, and that sure comes in handy if you’re in a rush. The soles are slip-resistant, so you’re safe on smooth and slippery surfaces. Additionally, these military boots have removable inserts to adjust the cushioning and comfort according to your preference. Under Armour Valsetz RTS Under Armour’s UA Valsetz RTS Tactical Boots are lightweight, durable, and slip-resistant. The textile upper and synthetic leather make them comfortable and offer great support. The Ultralight Micro G™ EVA midsole offers excellent cushioning for the feet. Under Armour has been a star in the world of athletes, so you can rest assured that their tactical boots are comfortable and reliable. Oakley Light Assault 2 The Oakley Light Assault Boots are made to impress, and the newest version of the military boots is built with the aim to provide better mobility and protection. If you’re looking for agile, safe, and comfortable boots that will help you stay comfortable on long working days, this is the one for you. The Oakley assault boots offer superior stability and are available in four colors. Plus, you can just as easily and comfortably wear them outside of work.