In today’s fast-paced digital world, accessing financial assistance online has Become increasingly convenient. From quick loans to instant cash, the internet is flooded with promises of easy money.

However, among these offerings lurk predatory lenders, ready to take advantage of those in need. Falling victim to these unscrupulous practices can lead to a cycle of debt and financial turmoil that is difficult to escape.

Understanding the signs of predatory lending, the risks associated with online borrowing, and what to do if you find yourself entangled in such a situation is crucial for safeguarding your financial wellness.

Signs of Predatory Lending

Predatory lending comes cloaked in appealing offers that target vulnerable individuals. Recognizing the warning signs can help you avoid potential traps:

1. High-Interest rates: Predatory lenders often advertise loans with exorbitant interest rates that far exceed those of traditional lending institutions. These rates can reach triple digits, making repayment nearly impossible for borrowers.

2. Hidden Fees and Charges: Read the fine print carefully. Predatory lenders may bury excessive fees, penalties, and charges in the loan terms, making it challenging to understand the total cost of borrowing.

3. Unreasonable Terms: Be wary of lenders who pressure you to sign quickly without fully understanding the terms and conditions. Predatory lenders may include unfair clauses that trap borrowers into a cycle of debt.

4. No Credit Check Required: While it may sound appealing to skip a credit check, it can be a red flag. Predatory lenders often target individuals with poor credit histories, offering quick cash without assessing the borrower’s ability to repay.

Be Careful Where You Borrow From

The convenience of online lending platforms can be alluring, but it also opens the door to predatory practices:

1. Lack of Regulation: Online lenders may operate across state or national borders, evading Local regulations. This lack of oversight increases the risk of falling victim to predatory schemes.

2. Data Privacy Concerns: Providing personal and financial information online can expose you to the risk of identity theft or misuse of sensitive data by fraudulent lenders.

3. Rapid Debt Accumulation: Quick and easy access to funds might seem appealing initially, but high-interest rates and hidden fees can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt, exacerbating financial distress.

4. Limited Recourse: Resolving disputes with online lenders can be challenging, especially if they operate from overseas or have vague contact information.

Stuck in a Predatory Loan?

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a predatory lending scheme or are struggling with an online loan, take these steps to protect yourself:

1. Talk to Canopy’s financial coaches: If you or someone you know is stuck in a defeating cycle with predatory loans, follow the link to make an appointment with one of Canopy’s financial coaches: canopycu.com/coach. They will talk you through the following steps and give you guidance on your journey to freedom.

2. Review Loan Terms: Understand the terms of the loan, including interest rates, fees, and repayment schedules.

3. Contact the Lender: Try negotiating with the lender to modify the terms or explore repayment options that suit your financial situation.

4. Report Predatory Practices: File a complaint with relevant consumer protection agencies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

5. Consider Legal Aid: In extreme cases of predatory lending, seek legal assistance to explore potential legal remedies available to you.

While the convenience of quick cash through online lending platforms can be enticing, it often comes with significant risks. Being aware of the signs of predatory lending, understanding the pitfalls of online borrowing, and knowing how to navigate through such situations are essential steps in protecting yourself from financial exploitation.

Canopy Credit Union | Your trusted lender

Being unable to work due to medical conditions can be very stressful, worrying about how to maintain your life and pay the bills, as well as medical costs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is there to ensure people do need to find themselves in those situations, but what conditions qualify for SSDI Benefits?

While there is no set and firm answers regarding what conditions are covered by social security disability or not, there are guides and a baseline definition that can act as a rule of thumb:

SSDI recognizes an illness or injury that prevents a person from working for at least a year or that will likely cause death.

Social Security Disability & the Administration Blue Book

As mentioned, there is a Guide the Social Security Administration uses and people can look through to know whether they qualify for SSDI benefits: The Social Security Blue Book. Officially known as the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, it lists the medical impairments the SSA considers severe enough to prevent someone from working and lists the medical criteria for determining if a person can receive disability benefits.

You can find the Social Security Blue Book here:

Disability Evaluation Under Social Security

Medical Conditions that Qualify for Social Security Disability

If a condition is listed in the Blue Book, it automatically meets the definition set by the SSA and qualifies a person for social security disability insurance. Here are some of the impairments and conditions listed that automatically qualify someone:

1. Musculoskeletal System: Conditions that affect the bones and muscles, such as back injuries and other dysfunctions of the joints and bones.
2. Special Senses and Speech: Conditions affecting vision, hearing, and speech.
3. Respiratory Disorders: Such as asthma, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, and cystic fibrosis.
4. Cardiovascular System: Including chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and recurrent arrhythmias.
5. Digestive System: Conditions like liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal hemorrhaging.
6. Genitourinary Disorders: Kidney diseases and other conditions related to the reproductive and urinary systems.
7. Hematological Disorders: Disorders of the blood, such as anemia, hemophilia, and bone marrow failures.
8. Skin Disorders: Eczema, burns, and other dermatological conditions.
9. Endocrine Disorders: Conditions related to hormone-producing glands, such as thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary gland disorders.
10. Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems: For instance, Down syndrome.
11. Neurological: Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy, among others.
12. Mental Disorders: Such as schizophrenia, autism, depression, anxiety, and intellectual disorders.
13. Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases).
14. Immune System Disorders: Including lupus, HIV/AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis.

It’s important to remember that only being diagnosed doesn’t guarantee approval for disability benefits and that the SSA requires specific medical evidence, and documentation before benefits are approved.

Secure Your Medical Benefits 

The application process for SSDI is complex, and many applications are denied the first time. When that happens, a person can pursue the appeals process, which many find success with, especially if legal representation has been secured.

Here at Marken Law Group, we understand how stressful getting your rightful SSI benefits can be and don’t want to add to your plate during such an uneasy time. We have represented hundreds of claimants in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and California to obtain what is rightfully theirs. We focus on your individual needs rather than treat all cases as the same, bringing our extensive experience to help guide you through.

If you want to better ensure you get the SSDI benefits you’re owed, contact us below and work with social security attorneys who know how to navigate the system and fight for you.

Marken Law | Medical Conditions That Qualify For Social Security Disability