Federal Court Blocks ACA Transgender Healthcare Protections: What It Means for People With Disabilities and SSDI Applicants
In October 2025, a federal court decision in Mississippi struck down the Biden-era rule expanding transgender healthcare protections under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. The ruling redefines how “sex discrimination” is interpreted in healthcare law—raising serious concerns about access, equity, and how transgender and disabled Americans document care in SSDI disability claims.
What Is the Federal Register (And Why It Matters for Disability Applicants)
The Federal Register is the official daily record where the U.S. government publishes proposed and final rules. For Social Security disability applicants, it’s the first place to see updates to SSA policies, Blue Book listings, and application procedures — before they take effect.
What Is the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and How Does It Apply to SSDI?
Ever wonder where the Social Security Administration (SSA) gets its rules for deciding who qualifies for disability benefits? It all comes from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) — the detailed federal rulebook that guides every SSDI decision. Inside Title 20 of the CFR, you’ll find the legal definition of disability (§404.1505), the five-step evaluation process, and the Blue Book of medical listings. Together, these regulations show exactly how SSA reviews your medical evidence, determines if you meet the definition of disability, and explains your right to appeal. Understanding the CFR can help applicants, advocates, and medical providers see how the SSDI system really works.
Learn how the CFR, Blue Book, and POMS connect to shape your SSDI claim.
2025 Federal Rule Changes and What They Mean for Transgender SSDI Applicants
Federal rule changes in 2025 reshaped how transgender Americans are identified across government systems — but SSDI eligibility itself has not changed. This in-depth guide explains how new policies on gender markers, healthcare access, and documentation can affect disability claims. Learn how to navigate SSA procedures, maintain consistent medical evidence, and avoid administrative delays as policies continue to evolve.
Written Notice for a Consultative Exam (CE): What It Means and What to Expect
Before you attend a Social Security Consultative Exam, you’ll receive an official written notice explaining the appointment. This guide walks through what the notice includes, how you’ll receive it, the official SSA form (NL 00705.745), and why it’s a key step in your disability review.
Understanding the SSA’s 5-Step Disability Evaluation Process for SSDI claims
The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to decide who qualifies for disability benefits. Each step builds on the last — from checking your work activity to reviewing your medical evidence and ability to work. Learn what each step means and how the SSA applies these federal rules.
Understanding the SSDI Grid: A Simple Guide to a Complex System
The SSDI Grid is more than paperwork—it’s the chart Social Security uses to weigh age, education, work history, and physical limits when deciding disability claims. This guide breaks down the Grid in plain language and shows why it matters most for applicants over 50.
Start Disability the Smart Way: Inside SSA’s POMS Manual and 5-Step SSDI Process: A Claimant’s Guide
Most SSDI applicants don’t realize SSA uses a step-by-step internal manual to review disability claims. This guide breaks down each of the five evaluation steps using the actual SSA POMS instructions to help you prepare a stronger, more accurate application.
Major Federal Acts That Guide SSDI
Understanding the major federal acts that guide Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be the key to unlocking the benefits you deserve. From the foundational Social Security Act of 1935 to the empowering Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), these cornerstone laws not only created SSDI but also protect your rights during the application process. Whether you're starting your claim, fighting an appeal, or exploring work opportunities, knowing your rights under these acts can make all the difference.
Learn how these laws help you navigate the SSDI process, how they are used in appeals, and why recent changes—like the Supreme Court's overturning of Chevron deference—could impact your claim.
How to Use SSA DI Numbers in POMS and the Blue Book to Start Your Disability Claim
Understanding SSA DI Numbers when starting your disability claim can be your secret weapon. These unique identifiers are mapped within the Program Operations Manual System (POMS) and cross-referenced with the SSA Blue Book, making it easier to locate critical information about your condition's eligibility. In this guide, we break down what DI Numbers are, how they're assigned, and how you can use them—alongside Blue Book listings and Compassionate Allowances—to strengthen your SSDI application and speed up the process.
Mastering the SSDI POMS: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Using Social Security's Operating Manual
This guide breaks down how POMS (Social Security's internal handbook) affects disability decisions and how you can use it to strengthen your SSDI claim. Learn how POMS is structured, where to find it, and how to leverage it for Compassionate Allowances, cancer claims, and stronger appeals.
Unlocking the SSA Blue Book: A Practical Guide to Disability Listings
Confused by how the SSA evaluates disability claims? The SSA Blue Book outlines which conditions may qualify. This guide walks you through how to use the Listing of Impairments, find your condition, and understand fast-track options like Compassionate Allowances.