Getting By While Awaiting Social Security Disability
Posted by admin on May 14, 2009
Q: If I cannot work, how am I supposed to support myself while applying for social security disability?
A: It can take quite some time for an application for social security disability to go through the review process. Supporting yourself while you wait can be quite stressful. Given the duration some claims take, it is vital to examine and adjust your budget when possible. Try to eliminate all spending that is not mandatory. Regardless of what you can afford now, resist temptation to spend. Try to put savings away for the sole purpose of supporting you through the long wait that may happen with your social security disability application. Mandatory expenditures can sometimes be adjusted to allow flexibility during the waiting period. Some gas and electric companies have aid programs for those with limited income to help pay for winter heating bills. Refinancing a mortgage or other loan to free up funds can be an option. Additionally, many individuals find that they can rely on friends and family for short term loans or other support. Look into aid programs to help with doctor bills and medication. It is important that you do not stop your medical care. Many charities offer assistance to pay for medications. Look into state health assistance programs. You can also go to a free clinic program for certain things. Talk to your doctor about restructuring payment plans. Knowing that you are applying for disability, billing departments are more willing to work with you. Filing for public assistance programs can also be helpful. Some states offer assistance loans that you must pay back once you receive a decision on your social security disability claim. Section 8 housing aid or food stamp programs may be helpful if your wait is long. If you are in financial dire straights, you might consider talking to a social security attorney. You may be eligible for dire need assistance with social security. Dire need status can grant you financial assistance and help your case be processed more quickly.
Q: Can you go to the Social Security office to submit your social security disability application?
A: The three methods for filing for social security disability benefits are in person, via the telephone or via the internet. Most people believe handling it in person is the most advantageous. Meeting with your claims representative will give you one on one communication. The meeting will be your first opportunity to provide background on your claim and medical condition, and the disability case manager will get to see how your condition currently affects your ability to function. This initial meeting sets the stage for the rest of process. Call the toll free number (800) 772.1213 for Social Security and ask for an appointment to submit your application for social security disability. Social Security will send you written notification of the appointment time and date.
Q: When should you expect notification of a decision on a social security disability case?
A: Decisions on some cases are reached within a few months, while others are not reached for years. The average time for a complete application to go through the initial review stage is 3 months.
Questions People Bring to a Social Security Lawyer
Posted by admin on May 12, 2009
Q: What should I do when Social Security says I’ve received overpayment?
A: A social security lawyer will tell you to expect to receive a Notice of Overpayment from the SSA if they feel they have paid you too much. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a failure to report a change in your lifestyle or status to the Social Security Administration. It can also happen when Social Security does not process your change in status quickly enough, and delays the change in your monthly check.
You may want to speak to a social security lawyer about your options, but in general, there are three different things you can do when you receive a notice of overpayment. First, if you believe the overpayment is incorrect, you can ask for a reconsideration. This means you will request that the SSA take another look at your case, and perhaps meet with you to speak with them (in which case you may want to speak with a social security lawyer).
Another option is to ask the SSA for a waiver. Requesting a waiver means that you admit that you were given overpayment, but you can’t pay the SSA back. A social security lawyer or advocate will likely suggest this if the overpayment wasn’t your fault. If, however, you believe that the overpayment was your responsibility, you can set up a payment arrangement with the SSA. Social Security will generally allow you to make repayment in installations. You may want to speak to a social security lawyer to learn more.
Q: I am legally blind. Am I eligible for Social Security Disability?
A: If you speak to a social security lawyer, he or she will give you this simple answer: maybe. If you are legally blind, you essentially follow the same rules as applicants with other disabilities. You will be considered legally blind if your sight cannot be corrected to 20/200. Even those that do not fall under the category of legal blindness can receive some benefits. You may want to speak with a social security lawyer about qualifying as legally blind.
The SSA has special guidelines when working with legally blind applicants. Because being blind is so debilitating, many legally blind applicants can receive higher benefits than those with other disabilities. As of the year 2008, the highest benefit for the blind was $1,570 monthly. You may want to speak to a social security lawyer to understand how this affects you.
Q: Do I have to wait 12 months before I file for SS benefits?
A: Here’s the simple answer: no, you don’t. A social security lawyer will tell you that the SSA defines disability as an inability to make a gainful income due to a disability that is either fatal, or has lasted 12 months, or is expected to last at least 12 months. You may take this to mean that you have to wait until you have been disabled a year to apply; but you should not. Any social security lawyer will tell you to apply for benefits from the first day of your disability.