The Law Offices of Steven R. Dolson, PLLC

04/30/2026

The Social Security Disabilty/SSI appeal process can be long and complex. In the past if a claimant was initially denied the next step would be to request review by an Administrative Law Judge. Within this system was a process known as reconsideration, which, allowed for a second look at the claim. It was principally used for non-medical denials as a way to speed up review and correct mistakes made at the initial level. Several years ago Social Security mandated reconsideration on all initial denials. The agency believed this would reduce wait times and offer an quicker alternative to resolve obvious errors. Time has proven that this approach has not worked. Currently around 84 percent of reconsiderations are denied again and require a review by an Administrative Law Judge anyway. The wait times vary dramatically. In the past few years this stage took many months with some cases taking over a year. Recently we’ve noticed that the reconsideration process seems to have sped up with decisions in weeks, raising the question of if there is any meaningful review taking place. A bill was just introduced in Congress to eliminate the requirement that claimants undergo the reconsideration process. Below is the press release.

The Official U.S. Congressional website of Congresswoman Valerie Foushee

01/14/2026

Luxury retailer Saks has filed a Chapter 11 re-organization. The luxury goods market has been strained recently as inflation and economic factors have cooled spending. Large companies often use Chapter 11 to break unprofitable leases. I would suspect that some stores will be closing. They currently operate around 200 stores across the country. Saks is the parent company of NiemanMarcus.

Answers to this and other questions about the financial crisis in America’s biggest luxury department store.

12/17/2025

Social Security uses a 5 step process to determine eligibility for the disability programs it administers. At the final step the burden of proof shifts to the agency to show that there are a significant number of jobs that a claimant could do given their functional status. Historically there have been two ways that the agency addresses this question. The first is known as the medical vocational guidelines or grids. These are found in Appendix 2 to Subpart P of 404 the Code of Federal Regulations. The grids factor in the ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift. They use age, educational level, and past work skills to determine if a significant number of jobs are available. The grids do not factor in non-exertional functional limitations, such as, reaching, handling, concentration deficits, or memory deficits. Where non-exertional limits significantly impact occupations the agency will rely on the second method, which, is vocational expert testimony. These experts rely upon a Department of Labor publication called the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, which, was first published in 1932 and last partially updated in 1991. The agency has long recognized that this information is outdated and has been working to replace it with its own system. Recently rumors were circulating that as part of the overhaul the agency was seeking to reform the grids as well by eliminating the age and education factors. This would potentially significantly reduce eligibility for benefits. In interviews the Commissioner stated earlier this month that the agency is abandoning this change, however, nothing formal has been announced. If it does go forward it would be the most dramatic shift in eligibility in the 25 years I’ve been working in this type of law.

11/12/2025

This weekend a hotel chain (Sonder) abruptly shutdown and told all guests to vacate rooms by 9am Mondday. The sudden collapse immediately followed a decision by Marriott to end its agreement with them. The company annouced the intention to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A company is not eligible for a Chapter 7 discharge, however, there are several reasons a company may still file. The filing activates an automatic stay, which, may prevent a fire sale of valuable assets. It also allows for an orderly sale of assets, which, can maximize funds. This can be important to officers and shareholders particularly if there are unpaid taxes or wages that may have pass through liability. For non-profits it may allow for an orderly dissolution with the Secretary of State. An article on the hotel is below:

Patrick M. D’Aoust probably didn’t expect his anniversary trip to end early, but he definitely didn’t think he’d have just 15 minutes to vacate his room.

10/22/2025

The Social Security COLA (cost of living adjustment) for 2026 has not yet been officially announced. It is due by November 1, 2025 and is based on the consumer price index. It is currently looking like the increase will be set at 2.7 percent. Although a sizeable increase it is generally less than recent inflation numbers. Further it is anticipated that medicare premiums are going to increase next year, which, will significantly cut into the increase for those beneficiaries. A local story on the subject is below:

Social Security recipients can expect to see a higher-than-average COLA raise in 2026.

10/09/2025

As the government shutdown drags on there is an unexpected potential impact on Social Security benefits. Although Social Security payments continue during government shutdowns the work of other agencies can directly impact payments. For instance, the annual cost of living increase is typically announced by November 1st. This calculation is tied to the consumer price index. Because of the shutdown the data needed to calculate the index is not being gathered. This can lead to a delay in the calculation and payment of the cost of living adjustment in benefits that is supposed to take effect every January 1st. Below is a more detailed story on the issue.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is calling some staff back to work to prepare its closely watched inflation gauge, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, despite the government shutdown, a Trump administration official told CNN.

09/16/2025

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if Publisher’s Clearing House knocked on your door with an oversized check? For decades the company ran various sweepstakes and often filmed notifying the winners with a surprise visit and oversized check. Many of the payments were slated to be paid over an extended period of time. Unfortunately the company’s finances have been in trouble for some time and it recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A separate company has bought a portion of the sweepstakes and has indicated it will not pay the prior winners any longer. A story on the subject is below.

For decades, Publishers Clearing House doled out hefty checks on the doorsteps of hopeful consumers across the U.S., including prizes that boasted lifetime payouts.

09/03/2025

The Syracuse Catholic Diocese chapter 11 case has a confirmed plan, which, will distribute $176 million to abuse survivors. Chief Bankruptcy Judge Wendy Kinsella has confirmed the diocese plan of re-organization. The case established a fund to pay survivors of alleged clergy abuse. The approval is the first of several diocese cases filed across New York State. Several abuse victims testified in the proceedings about the ordeals they faced. The case also had a key ruling of national significance regarding what constitutes consent in bankruptcy proceedings.

A top official has said the plan — which ends 5 years of legal wrangling — would create "financial hardships" for the diocese.

08/17/2025

The US Attorney’s office has announced the arrest of an Upstate New York man who allegedly filed a variety of bankruptcies on Courts across the country targeting a local judge and non-profit. Crimes related to bankruptcy are a serious matter and the penalties associated with these crimes are rather harsh. Anyone filing a bankruptcy petition should take extra caution to ensure that the paperwork is as complete and accurate as possible. The press release is below:

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08/15/2025

According to multiple media reports the 2026 COLA for Social Security benefits will likely be set at 2.7%. This is a slight increase from the 2025 COLA that was set at 2.5%.

One advocacy group estimates that Social Security recipients will get a 2.7% cost-of-living increase in 2026.