Sep 24

The Social Security Administration is responsible for the payment of social security benefits under the social security system in the United States. Social security benefits come under various types depending upon the category of the respondent’s requirement. Benefits may be payable to persons who have attained the stated pension age, or may be sick pay benefits to employees who are unable to work owing to chronic illnesses. There are several other classes of social security benefits, which certain sections may be eligible to receive. For instance, the disability benefits are available for workers unable to continue their existing jobs, once they cross a required duration at work (calculated as credits). To address the differing requirements of different sections of the society, the Social security administration pays the social security benefits through two different programs; the Social Security disability insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

The main criteria for availing social security benefits is that the person claiming the benefit is unable to work or has to stop working due to a medical condition that may last up to an year or result in death. If an individual is employed with average monthly earnings exceeding a certain amount as decided by the administration, then the person will not be considered as disabled. The administration’s Update (Publication No. 05 10003) stipulates the cut off amount for the present year and this amount changes from year to year depending upon the economic conditions. There is no provision for partial disability under the Social Security Act. If the individual cannot perform the work he was able to in the past, the State agency looks to see if other alternative employment can be arranged. It evaluates the person’s medical condition, age, education, past work experience and any skills that may fit another role. Should such efforts prove fruitless, and the agency is unable to provide the person with an alternative to earn his livelihood, the status of the employee as disabled would still be considered by the agency. State rules are more lenient for persons over the age of 50 and some benefits may accrue if the person applies for such relaxations. The chances of getting social security benefits are also better with persons employed only part time with meagre wages and insufficient savings.

Sep 6

Q: Does everyone who files a social security disability claim have to do another medical examination?

A: Not everyone who applies for social security disability benefits has to undergo a consultative exam (CE.) A consultative examination is requested because of one of two things. If there is not enough information provided by medical files to allow the disability case manager to make a decision on an application, then an exam will be needed. The other reason an exam will be required is to provide current medical information regarding the condition of the claimant. If a CE is required for your claim, try not to worry. Your attendance is mandatory and your application cannot be approved or denied without the exam, once it has been requested. If you intentionally miss the consultative exam and do not try to reschedule, your social security disability claim could be denied due to your failure to cooperate. You will not have to cover the cost of the CE.

Q: Who will perform a CE requested by the Social Security Administration?

A: The disability manager for your case will typically not request that your physician conduct the CE. A doctor who has not previously treated you will most likely provide the scheduled exam. If you have any concerns regarding the particular physician scheduled to provide your exam, you can contact your social security disability examiner. If that doctor provided an exam for a previous case of yours that was not approved, for instance, you can request a different physician. The Social Security Administration does not necessarily have a staff of doctors on the payroll to handle consultative exams. Social Security has a contract with independent doctors who will perform the examinations.

Q: Is it possible to get retroactive benefit payments for social security disability?

A: A fair number of applicants approved for social security disability benefits receive back payments. The main reason for this is because the review process for claims can take a considerable amount of time. Applicants can accrue benefits retroactively from the date of application and, in some cases, up to a year prior. The 5 month waiting period after the date of onset will not be included in back pay.