Jun 21

Q: When can I file for social security disability benefits?

A: You can apply for social security disability benefits when you can no longer work, due to your condition. To qualify, the condition must be expected to prevent you from working for at least a year. You should apply for social security disability as soon as possible, since it can take quite some time for the Social Security Administration to review your claim. You can apply for back payments for benefits, if you are approved for social security disability benefits. Regardless of how quickly your application is processed, you will not be able to receive benefits until 6 months after your date of onset. You cannot receive back payments for that waiting period.

Q: How do I apply for social security disability insurance?

A: To submit a claim for social security disability, first contact your local Social Security office or apply online via the main Social Security web site. An interview with your claims representative will be scheduled. That initial appointment can usually be conducted by phone or in person, dependent upon what is easiest for you. Your claims representative will be your point of contact through the application process and will assure that you fill out the appropriate paperwork. If you are unsure if you qualify for SSDI (social security disability insurance) or SSI (supplemental security income), your claims rep can help you. He or she will also walk you through any application for back payments of social security disability benefits.

Q: Is there anything I can do to increase the likelihood that my social security disability claim will be approved?

A: Many claims for social security disability are denied during the initial review process. You can, however, improve the likelihood that your application is approved. The most important thing to do is assure that you have submitted your paperwork correctly. By staying in touch with your claims representative, you can easily know if anything required is missing. Having a supportive doctor who is willing to be your advocate can also help bolster your social security disability case. A detailed letter about your condition written by your treating physician is an asset to your file. The third thing you can do is to make sure your most recent medical records have been submitted for your claim. The main reason most social security disability applications are postponed is because of a wait on medical records. Lastly, be cooperative, meet deadlines and check in on your file. Finally, make sure you do not miss deadlines for paperwork, keep in touch with your claim representative to know where your file is in the process and always be courteous (no matter how frustrated you may get at times.)

Jun 2

Q: If I get Supplemental Security Income benefits, will my children get them, too?

A: When applying for Social Security (whether you work with a social security lawyer or navigate the process on your own), you need to keep in mind the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplement Security Income, or SSI. While those that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits may be able to obtain benefits for their children (a social security lawyer can help with the process), those that apply only for SSI cannot. The reason for this is that SSI is given based only upon need, and so benefits are not offered to dependents.

With Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, however, you may be able to obtain benefits for your minor children. Your dependent children’s ability to get benefits will generally be based on your past earnings. Everybody who is approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is not necessarily approved for dependent benefits. Those without a sufficient earnings history might not be approved. For more information, speak with a social security lawyer.

Q: If I have money in my bank account, can I be approved for SSI benefits?

A: Any social security lawyer will tell you: because SSI is a need based program, all resources and income will be counted towards qualification. Put simply, those that receive SSI benefits do not have much money or many assets. Every state in the U.S. has its own general rules about qualification for SSI, and a social security lawyer should be able to help you with the general rules behind what is considered a “resource” in your state.

In general, the following are considered “resources” that count towards your income:

• Cash
• Money in the Bank
• Stocks and other Investments
• Real Estate
• Life Insurance
• Automobiles
• Personal Property

While you may qualify for SSI benefits if you own a car or your own home, having too many resources or too much money in the bank will affect your eligibility. In order to be approved for SSI, you must generally have less than $2000 in a bank account for a single person, or less than $3000 for two people. But since rules and limits change from state to state, it is best to speak with a social security lawyer.

Q: If I sell my home and make a profit, will I lose my benefits?

A: The answer to this question will vary from case to case, and it is a good idea to speak with a social security lawyer in this situation. If you sell your home and make a profit, the amount of profit will determine your continued SSI benefits. If you make enough money from selling your house to go over your resources’ “allowable value,” you will become ineligible for SSI during that month. And if that money stays in your possession into future months, your approval to receive SSI benefits may be questioned. If this happens, it is important to speak to a social security lawyer in order to know your next steps.