Reitan Law Office, PLLC Workers' Comp - Personal Injury Attorney | Chaska, Mankato, Minneapolis2026-04-29T19:29:04Zhttps://www.reitanlawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1605219/2022/10/cropped-favicon-reitan512-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[The “Age 50 rule”: How SSA grid rules work for you]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=508222026-01-20T17:47:44Z2026-01-20T17:47:44Zclosely approaching advanced age” category. At this point, this institution recognizes that it is more difficult for an older worker to move into a new line of work or learn new skills.
Grid rules and how they work
The SSA uses a series of tables called the Medical-Vocational Guidelines, also known as the "Grid rules". This means that if you are 50 or older and can no longer perform the heavy labor required by your previous jobs, the "Grid" may still support a finding of disability even if you remain able to do “sedentary” or “light” work.
For instance, if a 52-year-old North Dakotan with a high school diploma and a background in manual labor suffers a back injury that restricts them to desk duties, the SSA may award disability benefits because, at this point in life, they are generally not expected to retrain for an entirely different line of work.
Transferability of skills
A key part of the age 50 evaluation is whether you have “transferable skills.” The SSA will examine your work history from the past 15 years. If your prior jobs were “unskilled,” it is generally easier to qualify for benefits. If your work was “skilled” or “semi-skilled,” the SSA may claim you can apply those abilities in a job that is less physically demanding. Handling this issue effectively is often the difference between an approval and a denial.
Medical requirements still apply
Although the age guidelines offer a major benefit, you still need to show that your medical condition is serious and expected to last at least 12 months. In North Dakota, your medical records are reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS), so it is important that these records clearly describe your physical or mental limitations.
Turning 50 can open a key “window” for disability approval. Knowing how the SSA weighs your age alongside your work history helps you submit a claim that can reflect your particular context. Reach out to a lawyer if you need help with these claims.]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[The Impact of a Criminal Record on Your Social Security Disability Claim]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=507542025-11-25T15:55:04Z2025-11-25T15:55:04Zbut it can hurt eligibility when it causes employment gaps or includes incarceration. Understanding the rules can ease your anxiety and help you focus on your health and recovery.
How does the SSA review applicant records?
The SSA examines how your criminal history relates to your disability. Your conviction may matter because:
It shows periods in jail or prison that create gaps in work history and earnings used to qualify for benefits.
It can change or worsen mental or physical conditions (for example, trauma, untreated illness or substance problems) that relate to your claim.
The SSA may also want statements describing your condition during and after incarceration.
A conviction does not automatically block benefits, but it can slow processing and mean you must provide more evidence. You can start with clear, accurate medical records and any records from incarceration up front. This should allow the SSA to focus on your disability instead of spending too much time tracking down missing evidence.
How to strengthen your claim
Keep organized records of your medical treatments, medications and daily limitations. Showing any rehab, therapy or support programs you participate in can demonstrate your commitment to stability. Document your work history and note any unemployment periods caused by incarceration to help the SSA see the full picture.
Consider professional guidance
A SSD versed lawyer can review your case and make sure a criminal record does not unnecessarily hurt your claim. They can explain how Minnesota law affects SSD rules, help gather evidence and guide you through appeals.
Applying with a criminal record can feel overwhelming, but careful preparation and good records improve your chances of success. Do not forget, your past should not stop you from getting the help you need.]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[Social Security Disability Benefits for Children: What Parents Need to Know]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=506462025-09-17T08:42:55Z2025-09-17T08:42:55ZParents in South Dakota often ask how Social Security can help a child with serious medical needs. Knowing what benefits exist and how to apply may reduce stress and protect your child’s care.
Who may qualify
A child may receive benefits in two ways tied to Social Security. Here’s how to receive them:
Child benefits on a parent’s record: Your child can receive up to 50% of a parent’s retirement or disability benefit or up to 75% if the parent is deceased. Payments stop when the child turns 18 or 19 if still in high school.
SSI for children: Your child may qualify if a severe physical or mental impairment causes marked and severe functional limitations for at least 12 months. Family income and resources count for most applicants.
In December 2023, South Dakota reported 13,771 SSI recipients including 2,002 children under 18.
How SSI works with health coverage
When your child receives SSI, Medicaid coverage often follows. South Dakota also runs CHIP for children under 19 based on income, regardless of insurance status and disability-focused waivers for medically fragile children. These programs can cover checkups, therapies, equipment and in-home supports if your child meets program rules and cost limits.
What you need to apply
You can start by calling 800-772-1213 for child benefits or by applying online for child SSI. Gather documents before you apply:
Identity and SSNs: Birth certificate and Social Security number.
Medical evidence: Records from doctors, therapists, hospitals and schools.
Functional details: Notes describing daily limitations at home and school.
Income and resources: Pay stubs, benefits letters and bank statements.
These records help the Social Security Administration decide if your child meets disability and financial rules. Some serious conditions may qualify for faster review.
Questions to clarify before you file
Write brief answers to these points to keep your filing consistent. Take note of the following:
Onset and duration: When symptoms started and whether they last 12 months.
Daily impact: Activities your child cannot do without help.
School effects: IEPs, services or frequent absences tied to the condition.
Treatment plan: Medications, therapies and specialist referrals.
These details give the Social Security Administration a clearer picture of your child’s condition and strengthen your application.
What you can do next
Rules can be technical and small details may change results. You may consult an attorney to review eligibility, evidence and timelines for your child’s situation. ]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[Questions you should ask witnesses right after an accident]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=506452025-08-01T11:05:22Z2025-08-01T11:05:22ZA car crash can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do first. Sirens, traffic and adrenaline make it difficult to focus. In those moments, details slip away. Witnesses, however, may have noticed things you did not, such as a driver running a light or holding a phone. If you remember a few key questions, you can gather valuable information before the scene clears.
Can I get your name and contact information?
Start here, because nothing else matters if you cannot reach the witness later. Ask them to slowly spell their full name, and request both a phone number and an email address. If your hands are shaking, open your phone’s notes app and hand it to them to type their own information. When the witness agrees, a quick photo of a driver’s license, business card or work badge ensures accuracy. Always repeat the phone number back to confirm you copied it correctly.
What did you see before, during and after the crash?
Guide the witness step by step through what they saw. Before the impact, ask whether they noticed the other driver glancing at a screen, tailgating or weaving in traffic. During the crash, focus on clear actions such as rolling through a stop sign or failing to yield on a turn. After the impact, ask what stood out, such as the other driver apologizing or trying to leave the scene. A complete sequence helps paint a reliable timeline.
Did you notice traffic, road or weather conditions?
Conditions often explain why an accident happened. Ask whether traffic was heavy or light, and if they saw hazards such as potholes, standing water or debris. Weather can matter too; icy pavement, snow or blinding sun glare often play a role. Lighting is also important, so check whether the area is dark or well lit. Small details, such as a branch blocking a stop sign, can become important later.
Have you spoken to anyone else about the accident?
This question helps you understand where their story has already been shared. Ask whether they gave a statement to police, firefighters or paramedics. If they spoke with another driver, passenger or tow truck operator, note it clearly. Consistent accounts across witnesses and official reports are usually treated as stronger than conflicting ones. Knowing this early helps you track information and avoid surprises later.
Why preparation pays off
Accidents happen in seconds, but the impact lasts much longer. When drivers give different stories, a clear witness statement can tip the balance. Asking a few focused questions at the scene helps preserve details that might otherwise fade away. Taking those steps keeps you steady in a stressful moment and makes sure key facts are remembered. Preparation gives you a clearer picture of what happened and a stronger foundation for what follows.]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[How can work history affect SSDI benefits eligibility?]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=506382025-05-02T12:40:05Z2025-05-02T12:40:05ZHow long must people work to qualify?
The age of the SSDI applicant determines what work history rules apply. For applicants over the age of 31, the standard is to have accumulated at least 40 credits. Additionally, the workers should have at least 20 credits from within the last 10 years. These are the recent work test and duration work test.
In 2025, the SSA grants workers one credit per $1,810 they earn. Anyone who earns $7,240 or more should receive four credits for the year, which is the maximum number people can earn annually. Even part-time and seasonal workers can typically accrue the four credits available annually. Provided that they continue working for a decade or longer, they can meet the work history requirements for SSDI benefits as an adult at or past the age of 31.
For younger applicants, a sliding scale applies. Applicants between the ages of 24 and 31 can qualify with documentation of working half of the time since they turned 21. For younger workers, SSDI benefits may be available with as little as six credits accrued with the SSA in the three years leading up to their application.
Applicants may need to review their work history in addition to discussing their medical challenges with a skilled legal team as they prepare to apply for SSDI benefits. Learning more about eligibility criteria can help people when they need disability benefits.]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[What medical conditions qualify for SSDI benefits?]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=506362025-02-02T20:28:14Z2025-02-02T20:28:14ZBy reviewing the mandatory criteria
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides clear information about when people qualify for SSDI benefits. Not only does the SSA provide a relatively thorough list of medical conditions that can qualify, but the organization also provides an explanation of the standards used to analyze individual applications.
There are 14 different categories of qualifying conditions, ranging from endocrine disorders and mental health challenges to respiratory disorders. Not everyone with a listed condition necessarily qualifies, and people can qualify for benefits with medical issues not included on the list.
What matters most is not necessarily a specific diagnosis but instead the duration of an individual's symptoms and the overall severity of the condition. Generally speaking, applicants need to have conditions that are so debilitating they can no longer work at all.
People who have to transfer to different jobs may not be eligible for benefits because they can still work. There are some exceptions to this rule if the worker has performed arduous manual labor for decades and has a marginal education. For most people, however, there must be proof that a condition prevents them from maintaining any kind of gainful employment.
The condition also needs to last for 12 months or longer for an applicant to be eligible for SSDI coverage. Completely debilitating medical conditions that resolve in less than a year typically do not qualify individuals for benefits unless they are terminal conditions.
People looking for ways to support themselves when dealing with medical challenges may need help reviewing the SSA's policies and objectively analyzing their current circumstances. Learning more about the rules that govern SSDI benefits may help people determine whether applying is a worthwhile endeavor.]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[Is an SSDI appeal worth pursuing after a denied claim?]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=506012024-10-30T13:10:33Z2024-10-30T13:10:33ZAppeals are successful for many applicants
It can take a year or longer to finish an SSDI benefits appeal, and applicants may struggle financially while waiting. However, the alternative may be to either give up on obtaining benefits or to reapply both of which can deny people the support they deserve. For many people with seriously disabling medical conditions, appealing is a smart choice.
Determining the value of an SSDI appeal requires looking at application and approval statistics. According to the SSA, an average of 21% of SSDI applicants received approval when they initially applied between 2010 and 2019. A substantial portion of those denied benefits decided to appeal.
Approximately 2% of applicants each year get benefits through a reconsideration. Another 8% obtain approval after a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Roughly 10% of SSDI applicants receive their benefits after an appeal, raising the final average approval rate to approximately 31%. Those who successfully appeal can receive backdated benefits in a lump sum. Those funds can help them catch up on past-due bills. People who reapply may lose out on those backdated benefits.
Understanding what happens during the SSDI application and appeals processes can help people understand if an appeal is worthwhile. Applicants who have the right support may have a better chance of getting benefits when they initially apply or of prevailing when they appeal.]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[3 costs people often forget about when negotiating a crash settlement]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=505912024-08-03T16:02:36Z2024-08-03T16:02:36ZFuture medical expenses
Obviously, people rely on insurance or the personal resources of the driver who caused the crash to cover their current medical expenses. However, people sometimes forget that they may have continued medical care needs for years after a significant injury. They may require thousands of dollars in additional support over the years. Physical therapy, pain management and care related to how injuries affect aging are all important considerations when estimating the medical cost of a crash injury.
Diminished vehicle value
People dealing with a damaged vehicle understand that the other driver is probably responsible for their actual repair costs. What they may overlook is the impact the collision has on the vehicle's resale value. With online vehicle reports available to most buyers, a prior collision can diminish resale value on the secondary market or trade-in value at a dealership. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, that diminished value could potentially be thousands of dollars.
Reduced earning potential
Seeking compensation for lost wages is commonplace. Fewer people recognize the potential loss related to their diminished earning potential. Missing work can have a chilling effect on someone's career advancement that lasts for years. Injuries that cause functional limitations can affect job performance. Disfiguring scars can also reduce someone's long-term earning potential in many careers. People have to think about not just the income they didn't earn while in the hospital but also how a crash might affect their career advancement for years to come.
When injuries are serious enough to put someone in the hospital, a thorough review of financial losses is often necessary. Otherwise, people might settle for far less than the long-term financial impacts of a car crash warrant. Having assistance while calculating the economic consequences of a collision can be beneficial for those worried about limiting crash-related losses.]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[Can you afford an SSDI attorney?]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=505742024-07-08T20:07:20Z2024-07-08T20:06:52Zone 2017 report found that applicants were around three times as likely to receive benefits if they had help from a representative like an attorney. However, many people are hesitant to seek legal help in Fargo due to concerns about costs. What should you know about how hiring an attorney could impact your finances?
Contingency fees mean that you pay nothing unless you receive benefits.
The most common payment structure for SSDI attorneys is the contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney only gets paid if you win your case. If your application for SSDI benefits is successful, the attorney’s pay is a portion of the retroactive benefits you receive. All attorney fees are contingent upon winning your case, which can provide significant relief if you are already struggling financially due to your disability.
The government limits fees for disability attorneys.
It's important to note that the fees SSDI attorneys can charge are regulated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The standard fee agreement usually allows the attorney to receive 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200. These caps are in place to protect applicants from excessive legal fees and to make legal services accessible to those who need them.
Free initial consultations allow you to discuss your case at no cost.
Many SSDI attorneys offer a free initial consultation. This meeting allows you to have a conversation with an attorney without any financial commitment. It’s an opportunity for you to understand more about the SSDI process, gauge the strength of your case and decide whether the attorney is the right fit for you.
When you cannot work, you may wonder how you will provide for your family and pay for the assistance of an SSDI attorney in Fargo, North Dakota. Thankfully, it is possible for many people to afford this support, helping them get the financial support they need.]]>On Behalf of Reitan Law Office, PLLC<![CDATA[When dementia strikes before one’s retirement years, SSDI can help]]>https://www.reitanlawoffice.com/?p=505732024-05-07T23:46:03Z2024-05-07T23:46:03ZSocial Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can make a big difference to your financial well-being.
What is the CAL initiative?
While getting approved for SSDI is often a long and difficult process, the Social Security Administration (SSA) expedites it for people who have an irreversible condition that clearly prevents them from earning a living. It’s called the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative.
In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, the CAL initiative can be used for those suffering from other conditions involving dementia. These include:
Adult-onset Huntington disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
Lewy body dementia
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA)
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
While the CAL initiative is an expedited process, that doesn’t mean that all applications are easily approved. It’s critical not just to complete the application correctly and thoroughly, but to provide the necessary evidence regarding your diagnosis, your prognosis and how the condition affects your ability to work.
By providing an accurate, complete and persuasive initial application, you can improve your chances of getting approved the first time around and without an undue wait time. That’s why it’s often worthwhile to have experienced legal guidance. This can help you get the benefits you need as soon as possible.]]>