Attorneys for social security disability

Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) mails all workers over the age of twenty five a record of earnings that estimates the benefits they will be eligible for. Normally, the statement will arrive around three months before your birthday. However, if you do not receive your statement, you can visit your local SSA office or the SSA website and fill out a request to receive this information. Since it is not uncommon for there to be errors, be sure to review this statement to ensure that your earnings over the years have been reported accurately. This is extremely important since your future benefits are based on the information contained in this report.

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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.

Q: Who qualifies for social security benefits when on disability?

A: To receive social security benefits due to an injury, you must meet some requirements. When you were injured, you had to have been in the workforce and covered by insurance. 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. You must be younger than the retirement age in order to receive social security benefits via the disability program. Last, but not least, your injury needs to be such that you will not be able to join the workforce again for a minimum of 12 months. 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.

Q: When will social security benefits stop?

A: Until the injury has improved enough to allow a person to reenter the workforce, he will receive social security benefits. In that case, the benefits would continue until the second month after the medical condition had ended. If an individual surpasses the age of retirement, social security benefits under the disability program would end and retirement benefits would begin. Social Security will conduct reviews of your file periodically to determine if your medical condition has changed. You do not, however, need to reapply for disability benefits, if the status of your injury and employment has not changed.

If a person has been notified of approval, when will he receive his first payment for social security benefits?

A: A person must be out of the workforce due to the medical condition for a minimum of five months before social security benefits can begin. Payments will usually begin the sixth month. If you have applied, but have not yet received notification for approval, the processing time can vary. The thing that usually affects how long it takes to process an application is the wait for medical records. The disability examiner cannot make a decision about your case until he has reviewed your medical records. Most applications are reviewed and the claimant notified of a decision within four months.