Attorneys for social security disability

Q: What can you do to get by financially when your claim for social security disability is still being processed?

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. Do not make any unnecessary purchases, especially large ones. Regardless of what you can afford now, resist temptation to spend. Put any money you save by cutting discretionary spending aside to help you through the time it may take to reach a decision about your social security disability claim. 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. Some applicants are fortunate to have loved ones that can help them with financial support during the interim period. If you can no longer pay your medical bills, seek assistance. You need to continue to go to the doctor. Many charities offer assistance to pay for medications. Research any health benefits with the state for which you might qualify. Find free clinics, if need be, for routine visits. Many medical offices will help individuals in financial need by coming up with bill payment strategies. Knowing that you are applying for disability, billing departments are more willing to work with you. You may also consider applying for local, state and federal public benefit programs. General Assistance is a state program that can lend you money that will have to be repaid after your social security disability case has been processed. 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. It is possible that you qualify for dire need aid with the agency. 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. It is often recommended that doing it in person is the best method. A face to face appointment with the disability manager who will handle your case gives opportunities for real contact that applying online or via telephone will not. The claims representative will have a chance to observe you functioning with your current injury or condition, and you have a chance to introduce your case. 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: The duration can range anywhere from months to years. A decision for a normal case that has all the required materials is made within 90 days or so.

Which social security benefits are you eligible for? The regulations can be labyrinthine, and trying to puzzle them out can be an exercise in frustration. These frequently asked questions will clarify which disability benefits you are eligible for, and how far your benefits will stretch.

Is it possible to get partial disability through SSA?

No, Social Security does not offer disability benefits to people with partial or short term disabilities. You are eligible for social security benefits only if you are deemed completely disabled and your disability is likely to last a year or more. (Note that as long as your highest possible income is below an SSA determined level, you may work while collecting disability benefits.)

Although I am still working, I cannot work the same hours or skill level that I used to, and my income has dropped as a result. Can I still file for social security benefits?

Yes, you can file for disability benefits if you are making less than a certain amount per month, averaged over a full year. The amount changes annually, so check the official Social Security web site or booklets to find out what the current limit is.

However, be aware that your earnings in your current job are not the only earnings the state agency will take into account. If you can move to another line of work and in so doing raise your income above the approved level, you will not be considered eligible for disability benefits. The state agency will take into account your medical condition, education, skills, work experience, and age when determining whether you could move to another job, so you will not be required to do work that you are not well enough to do or that you have not been trained to do.

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. The doctors you usually go to may not be able to provide enough information; for example, you may need tests or equipment that your doctor does not have. The state agency may help you to find the specialist you need.

Once you are determined to be disabled, you will need regular examinations to determine the progress of your medical condition. Not all disabilities are permanent; you may improve enough to return to work, even if there is no medical treatment that can speed your improvement along.

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. Both physical and mental impairments qualify. For your application for social security benefits to be approved, you cannot earn more than the limit set for such benefits. Currently, that amount is just under $1000 per month before taxes. It also must be demonstrated that you cannot take on some other kind of employment. For this, what you did before the onset of your condition, how old you are and your education level are taken into consideration.

Q: How long can you collect social security benefits through the disability program?

A: Your social security benefits will continue until one of the following events occurs. If your condition improves to the point that it allows you to return to work, your social security benefits will be discontinued. If you choose to reenter the workforce, instead of relying on your social security benefits, your benefits would also discontinue. If you become old enough to retire, your social security benefits would also stop. In that case, you would then begin receiving retirement benefits instead. Social Security does conduct periodic reviews of all cases. 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 average time it takes for an initial social security benefits claim to be reviewed is a little over 3 months. That being said, it is very difficult to predict how long your particular case will take. A decision on an application for social security benefits can be made in 30 days. Other cases can take up to two 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. If you are having difficulty completing the necessary paperwork for your initial application for social security benefits, consider seeking the counsel of an attorney.