While many people opt to handle the process of applying for Social Security benefits by themselves, there are many instances wherein hiring a Social Security lawyer can make things a lot easier. Since errors made at the start of the application process results are a common occurrence, many claims for disability benefits are often denied. The good news is that these decisions can often be reversed in favor of the applicant, once he or she hires an experienced Social security lawyer to assist in the appeal process. See also here.
How long will it take before you are covered for Medicare?
Most people who are already receiving Social Security disability benefits will receive Medicare coverage automatically. A few months before you turn 65, or before you reach the 24th month of your disability, you will receive information about your Medicare benefits, as well as your Medicare card. If you do not currently receive Medicare benefits however, you may not be enrolled in the program automatically. You will then have to arrange for an appointment with the Social Security Administration. Upon receiving your application, the Social Security office will decide whether or not you are eligible for the program.
What does it mean if you are short one credit for disability insurance?
One of the requirements for being eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is that you should have received a certain number of credits for the work you have done during a specific period and you should have earned a specified amount during the ten years prior to your disability. A credit is equivalent to a quarter of the calendar year. According to Social Security regulations, you should have earned a specified amount in dollars during a quarter. To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, applicants need to have credits equivalent to at least 20 quarters or 5 years’ worth, over the past 40 quarters or the ten years previous to becoming disabled.
Working while you have a Social Security claim pending
A common misconception that many people have is that they cannot apply for Social Security disability benefits while they are working. The fact is that you CAN actually apply for benefits, make an appeal, and even receive social benefits while you are currently working. Keep in mind however that your monthly income cannot be higher than your SGA or substantial gainful activity amount, which is $900.00. The reason behind this restriction is that the Social Security Administration assumes that if you are able to work and earn more than the SGA, you are not legally considered disabled.
March 9th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Any social security lawyer or advocate can tell you to expect this to happen if you haven’t worked enough. But it also can happen due to delays in application, or a “disability onset date” which is adjusted by a judge or other official during the application process. If this happens, your first step should be to consult a social security lawyer or advocate to find out your options.
Q: If I have an SSD claim pending, can I still work?
A: A social security lawyer will define an SSD eligible disability as one that will prevent you from making a gainful income in your or any other field. This doesn’t necessarily mean, though, that you cannot work at all.
March 12th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
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March 16th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
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April 2nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
If you have children, have supporting documents that confirm their status as your dependents. If you served in the military, bring your separation documents. Sometimes, your time in the military can increase the amount of benefits. After the disability case manager has confirmed your personal details, he will move on to the details of your case. Make sure you bring copies of your medical records and treatments for your current injury.
April 14th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Q: Social Security says they paid me too much. What happens next?
A: If you have one, your social security lawyer will explain your options when you have received a notice of overpayment. The first thing you can do is request a reconsideration from Social Security. This is generally what you should do if you believe that the SSA is incorrect in defining you as overpaid. When requesting a reconsideration, you are essentially asking the SSA to give your file another look.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
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May 4th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
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June 29th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
While some feel like leaving the past behind them, so to speak, others do not even realize that there may be reason for them to receive benefits. Obtaining benefits from the VA can sometimes be a difficult and long process that sometimes does not seem worth the effort. If you are a veteran and you have a disability or injury this is something you should look into, you have earned these benefits.
Q: How do you know if you could be receiving benefits? Who, exactly, is qualified to receive them?
A: There are three key factors in determining if you might be eligible to obtain VA service connected disability benefits. The first is that you must have done service with either the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force, or the US Coast Guard.
July 1st, 2009 at 7:51 pm
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July 13th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
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August 5th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
A social security lawyer will even be able to guide you through the qualification process.
There are several benefits for disabled persons as provided by the Social Security System. A good social security lawyer can help you better understand the rules of each one, as they can be quite complex. A social security lawyer can help you differentiate between the various kinds so you can choose the one that is right for you. In this article however, we will focus on two major types: Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income or SSI.
August 15th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
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September 2nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Upon the processing of your application, the Social Security office will then determine if you are eligible for the Medicare program.
What does it mean if you are short one credit for disability insurance?
One of the requirements for being eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is that you should have received a certain number of credits for the work you have done during a specific period and you should have earned a specified amount during the ten years prior to your disability. Credits are earned every quarter of the calendar year. The Social Security Administration requires applicants to earn a specific amount in the course of a quarter. To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, applicants need to have credits equivalent to at least 20 quarters or 5 years’ worth, over the past 40 quarters or the ten years previous to becoming disabled.
September 4th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Q: What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
A: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are two different benefit programs that are offered to individuals who qualify as disabled. Those who have contributed to social security during their work history and have accumulated enough credits, are eligible for SSDI. How long you have been employed, your income record and accumulated work credits are all factored into your qualification to receive SSDI benefits. While in the workforce, an individual earns one work credit for every calendar quarter. You are usually eligible for SSDI if you have earned 20 credits out of the past 40 quarters.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
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October 15th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Some gas and electric companies have aid programs for those with limited income to help pay for winter heating bills. Refinancing a mortgage or other loan to free up funds can be an option. Some applicants are fortunate to have loved ones that can help them with financial support during the interim period. Look into aid programs to help with doctor bills and medication. It is important that you do not stop your medical care.
November 9th, 2009 at 6:12 am
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November 21st, 2009 at 6:20 am
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December 20th, 2009 at 6:30 am
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January 28th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Even in what seems like obvious conditions, a claim is only as strong as the evidence provided to support it. For some claims the lack of evidence can be caused by inadequate supporting documentation from the primary doctor of the applicant. A social security disability application must demonstrate that the applicant is no longer able to perform any type of employment he previously engaged in and any similar employment for which he may be eligible. The claim examiner for your case will not be able to make a fair judgment if your file does not have current medical data or supporting documentation from your doctor, no matter what your injury. To give your claim the best chance, be certain that you have received current care for your condition and that Social Security has all the medical records and supporting data to provide a thorough understanding of your situation.
January 29th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Good stuff.