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Brighter Days Are Ahead Why This Season Has Been Harder Than Ever for Disability Applicants
This past winter has been especially difficult for many of our clients. The freezing temperatures and long months indoors have been challenging enough, but the added frustration of historically slow-moving Social Security disability cases has made it even harder. We know how exhausting it is to wait, feeling like nothing is moving forward, especially when every update seems to bring more delays. On top of that, there’s been growing uncertainty surrounding the Social Security system itself, leaving many people feeling anxious about what the future holds. It’s been a season of frustration, fear, and uncertainty. And we want you to know that we hear you, we see you, and we’re fighting for you.
You don’t need to take long walks or do anything strenuous. Just sitting in the sun for a few minutes, breathing in fresh air, and letting yourself be present in the moment can make a real difference. It’s something we all forget, yet the moment we sit under those sun rays, we think, “Why didn’t I do this earlier?” After months spent indoors, that first moment of feeling the warmth of the sun can remind you just how much even a small shift in your routine can impact how you feel. For many of our clients, mobility challenges make it difficult to get around, but even something as simple as sitting in a chair outside your home for a little while can help reset your mind and lift your spirits. The stress and frustration of waiting for a case decision won’t disappear overnight, but finding small ways to take care of yourself, even in the midst of uncertainty, can help make the process feel a little more manageable. We know this wait is hard. We know it’s frustrating. And we know the uncertainty surrounding Social Security is scary. But we want to reassure you that we are here, we are fighting for you, and we are doing everything in our power to push your case forward. While so much about this process feels out of your control, your well-being is something you can focus on right now. While you wait, concentrate on what you can do
to take care of yourself. Take that moment for yourself, even if it’s as simple as stepping outside for a few minutes, enjoying a warm breeze, or sitting in your backyard with a cup of coffee. You’ve endured a long, hard winter, but just know that brighter days are ahead.
With the arrival of spring and with summer just around the corner, the seasons are finally shifting, and that change can serve as a small reminder to take care of yourself in whatever way you can. While we may not be able to speed up the Social Security system, there are things you can do to take back some control over your day-to-day well-being. One of the simplest and most effective ways? Step outside. With the sun shining and the temperatures warming up, I encourage you to get outside in whatever way you can.
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YOUR MIDLIFE MOLECULES ARE REVOLTING: TIME TO TAKE CONTROL
No matter what we do, we can’t stop time. We grow a little older as every minute, hour, and day passes. We might not feel older mentally, but our bodies don’t move as well as they used to. It seems like it would happen as a slow, natural progression, but many people report feeling an onset of aging once they cross certain thresholds. A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that our bodies age faster when we enter our mid-40s and early 60s than at any other point in life.
fluctuations when subjects reached their mid- 40s and early 60s. Both age groups sustained molecule changes related to cardiovascular disease, caffeine metabolism, and skin and muscle groups. Those in their mid-40s saw changes related to alcohol metabolism, and those in their early 60s had changes in immune regulation and kidney function. The results of the study may make you feel powerless to stop these molecular changes once you reach these specific ages. However, like most health-related scenarios, you can take action to help offset age-related changes.
to improve and maintain your heart health. Eggs, chicken breast, and salmon can help strengthen your muscles. Citrus, leafy greens, and ginger are great for immune support. If you’re already committed to a healthy diet and are still worried about these changes, incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. Also, remember to get quality sleep. A regular and sound sleep schedule benefits our health in more ways than one.
The study reviewed data from 108 people who donated blood and other biological samples throughout several years. Through their efforts, researchers found that nearly 81% of the studied molecules demonstrated age-related Aging doesn’t have to be stressful or scary. Knowing what to expect and countering potential obstacles will help you enjoy a long life full of happy moments! Don’t Risk Denial: WHAT YOUR FUTURE SELF WISHES YOU KNEW BEFORE APPLYING FOR SSDI Maintaining a balanced diet is one of the best ways to do this. You can eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins
Picture this: You’ve waited months for a decision on your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application, only to receive a denial letter in the mail. The frustration, the uncertainty — it all could have been avoided. If only you had known then what you know now. Consider this your wake-up call from your future self. Here’s what you need to know before you submit your SSDI application so you don’t repeat my mistakes. Know the basics before you apply. I rushed into my SSDI application without fully understanding the requirements. Don’t do the same. Make sure you meet these key criteria before applying: • Work History: You need enough recent work credits to qualify. Don’t assume — verify. • Income Limits: You may not qualify if you earn more than a certain amount ($1,550 per month in 2024 for non-blind individuals). • Medical Condition: Your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months.
The Keefe Disability Law team can help you review your situation and flag potential issues before you waste time on an application that isn’t ready. Avoid costly mistakes on your application. I wish I had double-checked every detail before submitting my claim. The SSA scrutinizes every application for accuracy and consistency. A small error like a missing doctor’s visit or an incomplete work history can lead to a denial. Ensure that you list every health condition, provide an accurate timeline, and include a complete job history detailing part-time or seasonal work. Gather strong medical evidence. I assumed my doctor’s diagnosis was enough. It wasn’t. The SSA needs more than a diagnosis — it needs proof of how your condition affects your daily life.
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Document how medications and treatments impact your ability to function. If you have multiple conditions, remember their combined effect may qualify you.
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Make sure your doctors’ statements carry weight.
Not all medical evidence is treated equally. I learned this too late. The SSA only accepts medical opinions from approved professionals, such as licensed physicians and psychologists. That helpful note from my chiropractor? It’s useless in the SSA’s eyes. Don’t go it alone. Keefe Disability Law has helped clients win retroactive benefits and build strong cases — even when their initial applications didn’t meet SSA’s strict criteria. Don’t wait for a denial to seek help. Work with experienced professionals from the start. Your future self will thank you.
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Collect medical records from every specialist, not just your primary doctor.
• 1-800-776-2929 • KeefeLaw.com
CREAMY CHICKEN CARBONARA
Where Legal Admin Meets Musical Genius How Paul Hits All the Right Notes 6 Years and Counting!
INGREDIENTS
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12 oz spaghetti or linguine 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
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4 large eggs
3 oz Parmesan cheese 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup pasta water 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
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Salt and pepper 1 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the scenes making sure Keefe Disability Law’s marketing materials are prepped and ready to go, meet Paul — our remote right-hand man with a serious creative streak. Paul has been part of the KDL family for six years, starting at our Natick, Massachusetts, office and continuing to support us remotely since moving out of state two years ago.
Though he’s no longer just down the hall, Paul is very much central to KDL’s operations. He handles everything, from preparing and mailing marketing materials to maintaining our ever-growing database. Before going remote, he also provided crucial support to our intake and case management teams. To put it simply, Paul is the kind of teammate every workplace dreams of — dedicated, dependable, and always ready to lend a hand (or a spreadsheet). But Paul isn’t just a legal administrative pro — he’s also a talented composer and songwriter with a passion for theater and sacred music. His musical, “The Odyssey” (2021), continues to be one of his proudest creative achievements. Most recently, he’s returned to voice and organ lessons, proving that even with a packed schedule, there’s always room for learning and growth. Creativity runs deep in Paul’s family. He’s the youngest of 11 children (yes, 11!) and has 37 nieces and nephews — so he’s no stranger to a full house and a little joyful chaos. His father, attorney John Keefe, founded our firm, and we’re honored to continue the family tradition of dedication and service with Paul still on board. Paul recently celebrated his 30th birthday and launched a brand-new website to showcase his original music. You can explore his inspiring work at PaulWilliamKeefe.com . Here at KDL, we’re incredibly grateful to have Paul on our team. He blends diligence with creativity, and even from miles away, he brings warmth and purpose to everything he does. Here’s to many more years of teamwork, new skills, and beautiful music!
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
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Share Your Story! Do you want to share a story about your disability claim, experience with Keefe Disability Law, or just a funny story in general? Contact Andrea at 1-800-776-2929 or via email at Patrick@KeefeLaw.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter!
inside this issue 385 Court St., Suite 210 • Plymouth, MA 02360 1-800-776-2929 • KeefeLaw.com
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A Long Winter, A Tough Wait — But You’re Not Alone
You Can’t Stop Time, But You Can Slow the Damage
Avoid Common SSDI Mistakes and Get Approved Faster
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Behind the Scenes and the Keyboard With Paul
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
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Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances
Budget Smarter, Not Harder The Best Budget Apps to Keep Your Finances in Check
Honeydue: For Couples Honeydue is for couples looking to manage their finances together. Partners can link their bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments while choosing how much financial information to share. The app automatically categorizes expenses, sets spending limits, and sends alerts when nearing a budget cap. It even includes a chat feature for discussing transactions. Best of all, it’s completely free. PocketGuard: For Overspenders If you tend to overspend, PocketGuard is an excellent solution. The app tracks your bills, savings goals, and spending habits to show how much money you have left for daily expenses. The “In My Pocket” feature helps prevent overspending by giving you a real-time look at available funds. Alerts notify you when you’re approaching or exceeding your limits. Take Control of Your Finances Whether you need a structured system like YNAB or an app to rein in spending like PocketGuard, there’s an option for everyone. Choose the app that fits your needs and start making smarter financial decisions today.
Budgeting isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s vital if you want to reach your financial goals. Whether trying to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, saving for a dream vacation, or keeping yourself from impulse-buying, the right app can make all the difference. Thankfully, budgeting apps have come a long way, and in 2025, these top picks will help you take control of your money.
YNAB: For Serious Budgeters YNAB (You Need a Budget) is ideal for those who want complete control over their finances. Using a zero-based budgeting system — income minus spending and savings should equal zero every month — this app ensures every dollar has a purpose before you spend it. Unlike traditional apps that focus on past transactions, YNAB helps users break the paycheck-to- paycheck cycle by planning ahead. You can sync bank accounts, credit cards, and loans and access the app across multiple devices.
• 1-800-776-2929 • KeefeLaw.com
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