Should You Be Concerned If Claims Representative Will Only Give Information to Social Security Lawyer?
Posted by admin on Apr 11, 2009
Q: If you become employed part time, do Supplemental Security Income payments continue?
A: SSI benefits are intended for those with limited resources and income. Your SSI payments could stop or simply be decreased, once you have employment income again. If you earn more than the amount Social Security deems as Substantial Gainful Activity, your SSI benefits may be in jeopardy. That amount for 2008, for example, was $940 per month before taxes. It is important that you report all your earnings to Social Security. You will have to pay back any over payments from Social Security. If you have the desire and ability to work in any capacity, you should not hesitate to pursue that. Purposefully keeping your hours low for the sole purpose of continuing SSI benefits can be considered fraudulent. If you have any reservations about returning to work because of loss of SSI benefits, you may wish to contact a social security lawyer.
Q: Should you be concerned if Social Security prefers to communicate with your social security lawyer instead of you?
A: The disability case manager will probably wish to deal with your social security lawyer. You should not be concerned if this is the case. The social security lawyer you hired is your advocate and works only on your behalf. Communicating with both you and your social security lawyer can result in miscommunication. You and your attorney are a team. You should be in frequent contact with your social security lawyer regarding your case. That is why you hired representation.
Q: Can an individual be awarded benefits through the VA and SSDI?
A: An individual is eligible to be awarded disability with the Veterans Administration and the Social Security Administration. Any veteran who became disabled after September 30, 2001 is entitled to expedite his application for social security disability benefits. Although the accelerated process should happen without any added paperwork, it is wise to make sure your case manager knows you expect it. If you have a social security lawyer, have him handle it for you.