Attorney Eric L. Pines introduces Courtney Bolton, a Social Security disability advocate with 23 years of experience at the Social Security Administration. The episode explores the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility requirements, benefit calculations, and common misconceptions, providing essential guidance for navigating the complex disability benefits process.

00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome

01:30 - Introduction to Courtney Bolton

03:00 - Differences Between SSDI and SSI

07:00 - Work History and SSDI Eligibility

10:00 - Resource Limits for SSI

13:00 - Medical Standards for SSDI and SSI

16:00 - Applying for SSDI, SSI, or Both

20:00 - Benefit Calculations for SSDI and SSI

24:00 - Common Misconceptions About Disability Programs

28:00 - How Pines Federal Assists Clients

32:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Empowering Workers is a podcast dedicated to guiding federal employees and others through disability and employment rights issues, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Featuring attorney Eric L. Pines, the show offers practical insights to navigate complex legal processes with clarity and confidence.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Eric L. Pines discusses the complexities of settlement negotiations for federal employees. He shares insights on evaluating settlement offers, understanding the risks of rejecting settlements, and knowing when to negotiate for more. Eric emphasizes his passion for helping federal employees reach settlements that provide both peace of mind and practical benefits.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 - Show Introduction

00:40 - Types of settlement offers and evaluating fairness

02:42 - Risks of rejecting settlements

04:19 - When to negotiate for more

06:09 - Settlement finality and contract status

06:55 - Attorney's role in settlement negotiations

08:31 - Balancing justice vs. practical outcomes

13:20 - Real-world success story: Disability accommodation case

About the Show:

"Empowering Workers: Federal Employees' Disability and Employment Rights and Social Security Disability for All" features Eric L. Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, mediator, and attorney business coach. The show provides valuable insights for federal employees navigating workplace challenges and disability rights.

Episode Summary:

In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric Pines discusses crucial financial strategies for federal employees waiting for their OPM disability retirement claims. He covers essential topics including health insurance continuation, financial management options, and the interplay between different benefit programs like workers' compensation and unemployment.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 - Show Introduction

00:35 - Episode topic introduction: Financial strategies during OPM disability claims

00:57 - Common financial challenges during claim processing

02:21 - FMLA leave and health insurance coverage options

05:34 - Attorney's role in educating clients about available benefits

08:02 - Impact of unemployment and workers' compensation on disability claims

11:58 - Important documentation and retirement planning considerations

14:36 - How the firm provides personal support to clients

About the Show:

Empowering Workers features Eric Pines, a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, mediator, and attorney business coach. The show focuses on providing valuable information about federal employees' disability and employment rights, as well as Social Security disability benefits.