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Blog

Our blogs provide helpful information and updates about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program. We write articles to guide you through these complex processes and help you understand how they can support your financial and healthcare needs.

Blog Items

Social Security Disability

  • Determination Disability Social Security

    Who is DDS, or Disability Determination Services? What You Should Know.

    Lauren Brizzi

    September 3, 2025

    Disability Determination Services (DDS) are state agencies that work with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to decide if someone applying for disability benefits qualifies due to a disability. They assess medical evidence to determine if an applicant is eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Here’s how DDS works:

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  • Man holding two pieces of paper and looking at one of them while sitting on a beige couch

    What You Should Know About Function Reports For Disability

    Matt Rice

    August 26, 2025

    Once a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim has been filed and forwarded to the disability office for review, it is typical for applicants to receive questionnaires to complete. The most common questionnaire issued to applicants during the SSDI process is the Function Report, also known as the Activities of Daily Living.

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  • Senior women reading a list of Medicare penalties on a sheet of paper

    Understanding 3 Medicare Penalties: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

    Cat DeFazio Smith

    August 18, 2025

    Don’t let Medicare penalties drain your wallet. Enrolling in Medicare isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about timing. And if you miss that window, the consequences can be costly.  At Advocator Advantage, new enrollees are often surprised by penalties that could have been avoided with just a little foresight. Here’s a quick breakdown to

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  • SSDI Hearing Questions Preparation

    SSDI Hearing: How to Prepare

    Gina Schreiber

    August 12, 2025

    It can be stressful getting ready for a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) hearing. Here’s what you should know: The SSDI hearing is a key step in appealing a denied Social Security disability claim, and doing well is important because it’s often the last chance to get your benefits approved. The purpose of the hearing is

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  • Common Medicare scams and how to avoid them

    Understanding the Risks of Scams Targeting SSDI and Medicare Beneficiaries

    Lauren Brizzi

    August 5, 2025

    Every day, scammers are finding new ways to steal your hard-earned benefits. Are you protected? In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever for scammers to target Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare fraud and identity theft. They’re after your personal information, and if they get it, you could face huge

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  • Medicare Advantage: Expanding Available Medicare Options

    Cat DeFazio Smith

    July 29, 2025

    In July 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Social Security Amendments of 1965 into law, creating the Medicare and Medicaid programs. For the first time, individuals over the age of 65 would be eligible for health insurance, regardless of their income, medical history, or employment status. Since its inception nearly 60 years ago, Medicare

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  • How to Get Your Social Security Benefit Verification Letter

    What Is a Social Security Benefit Verification Letter, and How Do You Get Yours?

    Lauren Brizzi

    July 15, 2025

    A benefit verification letter is an official document from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that shows how much money you get each month from Social Security. Think of it as a summary of your monthly benefits or a Social Security letter of your awards. It’s different from your Notice of Award (NOA), which you get

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  • Everything you need to know about the Ticket to Work program

    Returning to Work: Understanding the Ticket to Work Program

    Greg Bell

    June 17, 2025

    Social Security provides a steady income and financial stability for millions of Americans. This is an important lifeline for people who can’t work due to injury or illness, and for those who have retired after years on the job.  Surprisingly, many individuals don’t realize there are extra benefits available for the 7.2 million disabled workers

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Need Help?

At Advocator Advantage, a Brown & Brown Company, we are committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program.

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Have Questions?

At Advocator Advantage, we understand that navigating SSDI, Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to address any questions or concerns you may have along your journey.