All Disability Social Security Questions…Understanding The Answers
What can I do if the SSA finds that I am no longer disabled and wants to cut off my Social Security benefits?
All disability cases are subjected to regular reviews by the Social Security Administration. These review periods vary depending on the particular condition. If the member’s condition is expected to improve, he or she will be up for review in 6 to 30 months. If a possibility that the condition will improve remains, the review will be undertaken after 3 years. If the condition is deemed permanent, a review will be done in 5 to 7 years.
When the time for the review comes, the case will be forwarded to the Disability Determination Services department in order to determine the member’s continued eligibility for Social Security benefits. The member will go through an interview process and will be asked about his or her condition since being granted Social Security benefits. A medical examiner will then determine the present state of the member’s medical condition. If it is determined that the member is able to return to work, the Social Security benefits will stop.
If you disagree with the findings of this review process, an appeal may be filed with the office of the Social Security Administration. A hearing will then be done, in which your case will be subject to a reconsideration. If you are found to be ineligible for further Social Security benefits, you have the option of filing for an appeal with an administrative law judge, take your case to an Appeals Council, or file a lawsuit in the federal district court.
Can I receive any benefits for caring for my spouse who is disabled?
While the SSA does not pay caregivers of disabled spouses directly, they may be able to receive benefits of their own. These benefits are given monthly and can be equal to 50 percent of the disabled spouse’s benefits. It is important to note however that the SSA imposes a limit to the amount of social security benefits that a family can receive.
If the VA finds that I am disabled, should I expect to SSA to find me disabled as well?
Unfortunately, the SSA system does not gauge varying levels of disability, unlike the VA system. Therefore, while you may be eligible for benefits under the VA system even if you are only partially disabled, there is still a chance that you may be turned down by the SSA.
March 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
The decision of when to apply is entirely up to you and depends on your financial situation.
You should also realize that working while you receive social security retirement can reduce your benefits. If you are not yet at full retirement age, $1 in benefits is deducted for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. In the year that you will reach your full retirement age, $1 in benefits is deducted for every $3 you earn above the annual limit. When you reach full retirement, you are allowed to work as much as you would like with no reduction in benefits.
March 10th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I could have used this information a while a go.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
If you could make more money by switching to another job, you will be ineligible for disability benefits. The state agency will consider your training, experience, age, and medical condition when deciding whether you are able to do other work, so you will not be pushed into doing work for which you are untrained or which strains your physical capacity.
My doctors say there is no treatment that can help me, so why do I have to keep going to doctors?
When you first file for social security benefits, the state agency that manages your case will need a complete evaluation of your health, a process that may require repeated doctors’ visits. Your regular doctors may not be able to perform necessary tests or have equipment that is necessary to evaluate you, so you may need to visit another doctor to complete the evaluation. The state agency may help you to find the specialist you need.
March 12th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Awesome. Groovy blog.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I will certainly come back here. Very awesome.
March 14th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
SSI can be awarded, regardless of work history. SSI is awarded to those who make less than about $1400 monthly in income. All assets and earnings affect eligibility for SSI. If you have any questions about whether you qualify for SSI or SSDI, contact a social security lawyer.
Q: Should I hire a social security lawyer if my application for disability was not approved?
A: You do not need to have a social security lawyer in order to appeal your claim.
March 15th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
But, claimants are often advised to hire a social security lawyer for the appeals process. You will need to file for reconsideration first. Most cases that have been reconsidered are not approved. If you wish to appeal further, you will need to move on to the hearing process. A social security lawyer is extremely beneficial when a claim goes through a hearing.
March 16th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
The amount changes annually, so check the official Social Security web site or booklets to find out what the current limit is.
However, your current income is not the only number the state agency will consider when evaluating your case. If you are capable of earning a higher income by changing to another job, you will not be approved for disability benefits. The state agency will consider your training, experience, age, and medical condition when deciding whether you are able to do other work, so you will not be pushed into doing work for which you are untrained or which strains your physical capacity.
According to my doctors, there are no effective treatments for my condition, so why do I have to continue to make office visits?
In the beginning, the state agency that handles your social security benefits will request that you go to doctors several times in order to get a complete evaluation of your medical condition.
March 17th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
A child is automatically considered financially dependent on you, regardless of where he or she resides, in the following cases:
• He or she is your legitimate child
• He or she is your adopted child
• He or she is your natural but illegitimate child for whom a judge has issued a determination of support, or for whom you make regular financial contributions.
If you have a recognized, illegitimate child who does not reside in your home, and for whom a judge has not made an official determination of support, you can give evidence of that child’s financial dependence upon you by providing:
• Evidence that the child is eligible as your dependent under other programs (state and federal)
• Previous tax returns in which you claimed the child as a dependent
• Bank records, cancelled checks, etc. , showing that you made regular payments on behalf of or in support of your child
• Other evidence of the child’s dependence
Financial dependability (and eligibility for social security benefits) of a stepchild, on the other hand, will only determined when that child lives with you and shares with you a parent and child relationship. Generally, your spouse’s legitimate natural child, legally adopted child, or illegitimate natural child will be considered a step child. This step child will remain eligible for benefits after the death of or divorce from their natural parent (your spouse), as long as the child continues to live with you in a regular parent and child relationship.
March 24th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
If you wish to apply for Social Security benefits, it is key to be specific and forthright about your symptoms when you speak with your doctor; even if you’re not receiving treatment. During each visit, assure that your doctor documents your symptoms and your condition. The more supporting evidence found in your medical records, the greater your chance of being approved for Social Security benefits.
Q: I am able to work but not at what I used to nor can I earn the same money I used to. Can I still file for Social Security benefits?
A: Yes, you can still file for Social Security benefits.
March 25th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I could have used this info a while ago. I really like this blog.
March 26th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
That means one worker may have a high enough cap to collect full benefits, while another may not. If your combined workers compensation and social security benefits exceed that 80 percent maximum, your social security benefits will be reduced to meet that limit. For example, if before you were injured, your average monthly income was $5000, your 80 percent cap would be $4000 per month. If you are currently receiving $2500 per month in workers compensation, and are eligible for $2500 in Social Security benefits, you would be exceeding your 80 percent limit by $1000. The monthly disability benefit from Social Security would only be $1500, so as not to exceed the 80 percent cap of $4000.
March 28th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
But there are many things you can do to increase the chances that your claim is awarded. 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. The next step is to assure that your doctor is on your side and backs your decision to file for social security disability benefits. A detailed letter about your condition written by your treating physician is an asset to your file.
March 29th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Very cool. Helpful information.
March 30th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Specifically, a veteran who was enrolled for the fist time after (or on) Sept. 8, 1980 will need to have completed a minimum service period, which should amount to either twenty-four continuous months of active duty or the entire period that individual was called for to active duty. Additionally, the veteran must have active service that includes a total of ninety days during one or more periods of war; ninety or more consecutive days, one day of which is during a period of war; or at least one day of wartime service that results in a discharge for service-connected disability.
• Discharge- To qualify for VA benefits, you must have been discharged from military duty under non-dishonorable circumstances.
The Requirements for Service Connected Benefits
Unlike with non-service-connected benefits, veterans who receive service-connected benefits do not need to be fully disabled, have served during wartime, or meet an income or net worth requirement.
April 1st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
If you plan to go through the hearing process after your claim has been reconsidered and was not approved, it is wise to have a lawyer. Almost all cases going through the hearing process have legal representation. A hearing is your last chance to have your case considered. A social security attorney has the experience and knowledge to assure that your claim will be fairly and appropriately adjudicated during the hearing process. Most cases that are approved after a hearing have representation.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Glad I found this. Great stuff.
April 5th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Wonderful stuff here.
April 6th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Great info.
April 11th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
You must have been employed for five out of the previous ten years as a mimimum. It is required that your job was covered by Social Security. To be eligible for disability and receive social security benefits, you cannot be older than the Social Security Retirement age. Lastly, you must demonstrate that your injury will not allow you to work for at least a year. There are no benefits via social security for a worker who will only be out of work for a few months due to his injury.
April 13th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Keep on blogging.
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Keep it up. I’ll be back for sure.
May 23rd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Blog is great.
June 25th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
The experience a social security attorney can bring to your case will be invaluable during a hearing.
Q: When should I apply for social security disability benefits?
A: It is recommended that you submit your application for disability benefits as soon as possible after you are no longer able to work. It can often take 6 or more months for your application to be completed. That is why you should apply for benefits as soon as possible. If your application is denied, you will probably want to appeal, which adds more time to the process.
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
All good. Helpful information.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Thanks. I needed this very information a while ago.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Great information. Awesome post dude.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Q: Will a social security lawyer coordinate with representatives from Social Security on all official matters pertaining to your claim?
A: It is best to let your social security lawyer handle all communication with the agency. All communication from Social Security will be directed to your lawyer, rather than you. An attorney will sometimes let representatives speak with their clients for certain situations. If you are contacted by Social Security, it is important to let your attorney know. By doing so, you will keep your attorney in the loop and avoid possible errors.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:44 pm
This is a great blog dude. I will tell my friends about this blog.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
All good. I liked reading this blog.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:13 am
The member will go through an interview process and will be asked about his or her condition since being granted Social Security benefits. At this point, a medical examiner will determine whether or not the condition has improved. If the results show that the member can go back to work, the Social Security benefits will be discontinued.
If you feel that you are still disabled at this point, you may appeal the decision with the Social Security Administration office. A hearing will then be done, in which your case will be subject to a reconsideration.