Chicago Social Security Disability Law Blog

People living in Chicago and beyond might take their health for granted. People get up every day and go to work. However, in an instant, an illness or serious injury can turn a person's life upside down and leave them unable to work and make a living for themselves.

When that happens, many people rely on Social Security disability benefits. Through the SSDI program, those who have been or are expected to be unable to work for 12 months may be eligible to collect disability benefits. For some, the financial support allows them to afford basic necessities.

Being an inmate brings many changes, the majority of which involve restrictions of some sort. The most devastating of these restrictions is likely that of an inmate's freedom. In Illinois and elsewhere, this transition can be a challenge. Illinois residents concerned with this issue will therefore be interested to learn about a new potential restriction facing inmates: a federal program whereby individuals spending at least one month in jail who receive Social Security benefits would have their benefits suspended.

Recently, inmates in one county in North Carolina have begun to experience this new change. According to the sheriff, the program is voluntary and was put into practice by Cleveland County in July 2011.

People in Chicago likely begin their day and take for granted that they are able to get out of bed, travel to work and complete the daily tasks that they are required to complete in their job. In an instant, an illness or injury can leave a person disabled and unable to work again.

Currently, about 8.5 million Americans rely on Social Security disability benefits. However, it can often be a long road before a person is approved. Even when they are approved, the average monthly payment of $1,072 may not be enough. It is for that reason why it is important for people, especially those who have been diagnosed with a potentially debilitating illness, to have money in savings in case they find themselves unable to work.

Headache sufferers in Chicago know how unbearable the pain can be. Severe headaches can make it almost impossible to do anything, and people may be unable to work. A new study suggests that headache sufferers may even be more prone to suicide. In fact, people who suffer migraines and severe headaches are four to six times more likely to commit suicide.

The study was completed at Michigan State University at East Lansing. The study consisted of 1,200 people. Of those 1,200 people, 500 were migraine sufferers, 151 suffered severe headaches and the rest of the group suffered no debilitating headaches.