Myatt and Associates

09/03/2026

⚠️ DON’T IGNORE FORMS FROM DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES (DDS)

If you are applying for Social Security Disability and receive a form or questionnaire from DDS, it is important to complete it and return it by the requested deadline.

You may receive forms such as:

• Function Report
• Pain Questionnaire
• Work History Report
• Disability Report
• Or other questionnaires related to your medical conditions

These forms give you an opportunity to explain how your medical conditions affect your everyday life and your ability to function.

For example, a Function Report may ask about things such as your daily activities, personal care, household tasks, social activities, and how your conditions affect your ability to perform these activities.

A Pain Questionnaire may ask about the location, frequency, intensity, and effects of your pain, as well as treatment and medications.

These forms should not be treated as unimportant paperwork.

Take your time. Answer the questions honestly and completely. Don't simply write “see medical records” or give one-word answers when the form is asking you to explain how your condition affects you.

09/02/2026

⚠️ SSDI RETROACTIVITY: The 12-Month Rule You Need to Know

Did you know that SSDI benefits may be paid retroactively for up to 12 months from the date you file your application?

Here’s an important point that is sometimes misunderstood:

The 12-month retroactivity period is based on your file date, not your disability onset date.

For example, if SSA determines that your disability began on January 1, 2022, but you filed your SSDI application on July 1, 2024, the fact that your disability began in 2022 does not automatically mean you can receive benefits all the way back to 2022.

Generally, the maximum retroactive period is 12 months from the filing date, assuming all other requirements for entitlement are met.

The date you file your application can have a direct impact on how far back your benefits may be paid. Waiting to file could potentially mean losing months of benefits.

Bottom line: Your disability onset date and your filing date are two different things—and both matter.

08/31/2026

⭐ When You're Applying for SSDI, Experience Matters.

Applying for Social Security Disability can be overwhelming. There are forms to complete, medical records to gather, questions to answer, and a process that can be difficult to navigate.

That's where experience matters.

Our office brings a unique perspective to the Social Security Disability process.

Our team has over 30 years of experience working within the Social Security Administration, combined with 20 years of experience serving clients with their disability claims.

That experience gives us insight into the disability process from both sides of the desk.

We understand how disability claims move through the system, what information is important, and what issues can arise along the way.

We can help you:

✔️ Understand the disability process
✔️ Identify important evidence and information
✔️ Navigate the application and appeals process
✔️ Prepare for the questions you may be asked
✔️ Understand what to expect at each stage of your claim
✔️ Prepare for a disability hearing, if your claim reaches that level

Every disability claim is different, and no one can guarantee an approval. But when you're dealing with something as important as your disability benefits, having an experienced team on your side can make a difference.

Over 30 years of experience working within SSA.
20 years of serving clients.
Experience matters.

If you have questions about the Social Security Disability process, we're here to help.

08/27/2026

⚕️ Disabled Surviving Spouse Benefits: Did You Know?

Many people know that a surviving spouse may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits at age 60.

But did you know that a surviving spouse who has a qualifying disability may be able to receive survivor benefits as early as age 50?

Social Security calls these Disabled Widow(er)'s Benefits.

Generally, a surviving spouse may qualify if they:

✔️ Are age 50–59 and have a qualifying disability
✔️ Were married to the deceased worker for at least 9 months in most cases
✔️ Meet Social Security's definition of disability
✔️ The disability began before or within 7 years of the worker's death

A surviving divorced spouse may also qualify under certain circumstances, including generally having been married for at least 10 years.

One important point: Disabled surviving spouse benefits are not the same as SSDI based on your own work record. The benefit is based on the deceased spouse's Social Security earnings record.

For disabled surviving spouses who qualify between ages 50 and 59, the benefit is generally 71.5% of the deceased worker's primary insurance amount, subject to the applicable rules.

Have questions? Contact us today.

08/25/2026

📢 Kentucky Medicaid Work Requirements Are Coming

Starting January 1, 2027, some Kentucky Medicaid recipients will have new work or community engagement requirements to maintain their Medicaid coverage.

If you're subject to the requirement, you'll generally need to complete at least 80 hours per month through qualifying activities.

These activities can include:

✔️ Working
✔️ Community service or volunteering
✔️ Job training
✔️ Education
✔️ Certain other approved activities

Not everyone on Medicaid will be subject to the new requirement. Certain individuals may qualify for an exemption based on their circumstances.

It's important to understand whether the requirement applies to you and what you need to do to maintain your coverage.

📅 The changes begin in 2027, so now is a good time to learn the rules and determine whether you may be exempt.

We'll be sharing more information about the new Medicaid requirements, including who may qualify for an exemption and what activities may count toward the 80-hour requirement.

Information is for educational purposes and is based on current Kentucky and federal guidance. Medicaid rules can change.

08/21/2026

🏛️ Did You Know Your Disability Decision Is Made at DDS?

When you apply for Social Security Disability, you may assume that the Social Security office where you filed your application is the office that decides whether you're disabled.

That's not usually the case.

After Social Security reviews your application for the basic non-medical requirements, your claim is generally sent to your state's Disability Determination Services (DDS) for the disability evaluation.

DDS is responsible for:

✔️ Reviewing your medical evidence
✔️ Requesting medical records from your doctors and other treatment sources
✔️ Evaluating your medical conditions and limitations
✔️ Determining whether additional medical information is needed
✔️ Arranging a Consultative Examination (CE) when necessary
✔️ Making the initial determination of whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability

A DDS determination is based on the evidence in your file—including medical and other relevant information. DDS may also use medical or psychological consultants as part of the evaluation process.

So why does this matter?

Because the medical evidence in your file is extremely important.

Your medical records need to provide DDS with a clear picture of your conditions, treatment, symptoms, and how your impairments affect your ability to function.

📋 The stronger and more complete the evidence, the better DDS can evaluate your claim.

And remember: if your claim is denied, that is not necessarily the end of the process. You have appeal rights, and a later appeal may be decided through DDS reconsideration or, at the hearing level, by an Administrative Law Judge.

08/19/2026

📋 Need Proof of Your Social Security or SSI Benefits?

Here's a helpful tip from Social Security that can save you a trip to the Social Security office.

If you need proof of your Social Security or SSI benefits, you can use your personal my Social Security account to get an official benefit verification letter online.

You can view, print, or save the letter right away. The letter can be used as proof of your benefits, income, or other information about your Social Security or SSI status.

This can be helpful when you need documentation for things such as:

✔️ Housing assistance
✔️ Loan applications
✔️ Other programs that require proof of income or benefits

It's a convenient service that's available directly through Social Security.

Sometimes the easiest way to get what you need is right at your fingertips!

📌 We're sharing SSA's post below so you can learn more about getting your benefit verification letter online.

Need proof of your Social Security or SSI benefits?

Your official my Social Security account lets eligible individuals access a benefit verification letter online, often without waiting for mail or visiting an office.

Start here: https://ow.ly/wUCU50ZyYgp

08/18/2026

📋 What Is an SSI Redetermination?

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may receive a notice from Social Security asking you to complete a redetermination.

So, what does that mean?

An SSI redetermination is a review to make sure you still meet the financial and other non-medical requirements for SSI.

During a redetermination, Social Security may ask about things such as:

✔️ Your income
✔️ Your resources
✔️ Your living arrangements
✔️ Help you receive with food or housing
✔️ Changes in your household
✔️ Other changes that could affect your SSI eligibility or payment amount

A redetermination is not the same thing as a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).

A redetermination generally focuses on your financial and living circumstances, while a CDR focuses on whether you continue to meet Social Security's disability requirements.

📬 If Social Security sends you a redetermination notice, don't ignore it. Be sure to provide the requested information by the deadline.

Keeping Social Security informed about changes in your circumstances can help prevent unnecessary problems with your SSI benefits.

08/13/2026

⚖️ What Should You Expect at Your Disability Hearing?

If you've never been through a Social Security Disability hearing before, you may have a lot of questions about what to expect.

A disability hearing is not a courtroom trial, and it is generally less formal than many people imagine.

During your hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may:

✔️ Ask you questions about your medical conditions and symptoms
✔️ Ask how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily activities
✔️ Ask about your past work and job duties
✔️ Review information contained in your medical records
✔️ Ask questions of a Vocational Expert about your ability to perform your past work or other jobs in the national economy
✔️ Ask questions of a Medical Expert when one is participating in the hearing

Your hearing is an opportunity for the ALJ to learn more about your circumstances and consider the evidence in your case.

Being prepared can help you feel more comfortable and confident when your hearing day arrives.

Have questions about what happens at a disability hearing? Contact us today!

08/12/2026

⚕️ Why Would a Medical Expert Be at Your Disability Hearing?

If you're preparing for a Social Security Disability hearing, you may be surprised to see a Medical Expert (ME) listed as a participant.

So, what does a Medical Expert do?

A Medical Expert is a doctor or other qualified medical professional who may be asked by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to provide an opinion about the medical evidence in your case.

The ALJ may ask a Medical Expert to:

✔️ Review your medical records
✔️ Explain the medical evidence to the judge
✔️ Discuss the severity of your medical conditions
✔️ Give an opinion about whether your condition meets or medically equals a Social Security listing
✔️ Clarify medical issues that may not be clear from the records

It's important to remember that the Medical Expert does not decide whether you receive disability benefits. The ALJ makes the final decision after considering all of the evidence, including medical records, your testimony, and any expert testimony.

A Medical Expert's appearance at your hearing doesn't automatically mean your claim will be approved or denied. It simply means the judge has determined that medical expert testimony may be helpful in evaluating the evidence in your case.