Clarksville, TN – The Law Office of Daniel Martin, a leading advocate for disability rights in Tennessee, is excited about recent changes to state and federal disability law that will positively impact thousands of individuals. Founded in 2017 by fourth-generation Clarksville native Daniel Martin, the firm is known for its personalized approach to disability cases, particularly in Social Security and Veterans Affairs Disability claims. These legislative updates provide new opportunities for disabled individuals across the state to seek fairer and more accessible benefits.
New Social Security Disability Guidelines
Effective June 22, 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has revised its criteria for determining Past Relevant Work in disability claims. The timeframe for relevant work has been reduced from 15 years to 5 years, with jobs lasting less than 30 calendar days no longer being considered. This change offers hope for those who were previously denied benefits under the old guidelines.
Daniel Martin, who is VA-accredited and a passionate advocate for disability rights, believes these changes mark a significant improvement for individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits.
“This is a positive shift,” said Martin. “It will give people who have been unfairly denied in the past a fresh opportunity to prove their case. The SSA has also shown that they are equipped to handle these changes, ensuring that financial resources remain available to those in need.”
The Tennessee Disability and Aging Act
In another major update, Tennessee has merged its Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with the Commission on Aging and Disability to create the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). This new department will streamline services for individuals who qualify for assistance under both disability and aging-related programs, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that have long hindered many from receiving prompt services.
Services provided by the new department will include the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), Medicaid Waivers, and Medicare Benefits Counseling, among others. Martin sees this as a great opportunity to assist both elderly and disabled clients more efficiently.
“The creation of the Department of Disability and Aging will help us serve clients faster and more effectively,” said Martin. “However, we must remain vigilant against potential cases of fraud, as this law may leave vulnerable individuals open to exploitation. We must work closely with state authorities to ensure that protections are in place for those who may not fully understand their rights.”
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