Social security lawyer

Q: Who qualifies for social security benefits through the disability insurance program?

A: You are eligible to apply for social security benefits, if your injury will not allow you to work for 12 months or more. The condition can be mental or physical in nature. For your application for social security benefits to be approved, you cannot earn more than the limit set for such benefits. That limit right now is anything below $940 monthly pre tax. It also must be demonstrated that you cannot take on some other kind of employment. To determine “other work” eligibility, Social Security considers your education, age and the type of employment you had prior to your injury.

Q: Do disability social security benefits have a time limit?

A: You will collect social security benefits unless one of three things happen. Your social security benefits will be suspended, if your injury resolves completely or enough for you to become a part of the workforce again. Some people decide they would rather not depend on social security benefits and take on regular employment in a different type of work. Benefits would no longer continue in that case. The last scenario in which social security benefits would no longer continue would be if you reach retirement age. In that case, you would then begin receiving retirement benefits instead. Your file will be reevaluated from time to time. It is expected that you inform your case manager, should your injury improve or if you return to work.

Q: After I apply for social security benefits, how long does it take to be notified of a decision?

A: The standard estimate for a decision to be made regarding a social security benefits application is just under 4 months. That being said, it is very difficult to predict how long your particular case will take. Some claims for social security benefits can be awarded in as little as a month. And a decision may not be made on others for a couple years. To improve the chances that your application for social security benefits will not be delayed, make sure you have provided all the required information and filled out paperwork correctly. Most cases get hung up because the claims representative is waiting for current and complete medical information. A lawyer who specializes in social security benefits can be invaluable, if you have any concerns about the length of time your claim is taking.