Financial Tips While Waiting for Decision on Social Security Benefits
Posted by admin on Apr 22, 2009
Q: How do people care and feed for their families, while they wait for a social security disability benefits claim approval?
A: Waiting for a final decision about your social security benefits claim can range from months to years. Claimants are told to expect a 90 to 120 timeframe for an initial application to be reviewed. Most claims are denied during the initial review process. If an application is not approved, you can apply for reconsideration and, if you are denied again, appeal to have your case heard before an administrative judge. Appeals will make your wait even longer. Most estimates say cases that go through an administrative hearing take 2.5 years from initial application to final decision. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to anticipate the length of time it will take for a decision to be rendered on a claim for disability benefits. Many claimants struggle to support themselves and their families, while they are in limbo waiting for an answer about their particular social security benefits case. If you are able to work in a limited manner, you have to be aware of the impact it may have on your case. There are limits to the amount of income you can bring in. Unfortunately, no matter how small the workload, be aware that it could influence how your injury or condition is viewed by the reviewer. Regardless of whether you pick up work while awaiting a decision about your social security benefits, it is wise to take action now in case your claim takes longer than originally expected. Get rid of discretionary budget items and, instead, set aside the money. If you own your home, consider refinancing the original mortgage to free up funds. If you currently rent, look into finding a less expensive property. Contact family and friends who may be able to offer short term financial support. Apply for any and all state and federal aid programs for which you qualify. Many gas, water and electric companies provide assistance to their customers in need, as well. Speak with your doctor about billing plans that might be available to those awaiting benefits decisions. There are many non profit organizations that also provide assistance. Church groups, for example, may have food support programs.
Q: I live in Florida, currently collect disability social security benefits and am in danger of having my home foreclosed. What should I do?
A: The state of Florida offers special homestead tax exemptions for which you may qualify. An exemption will lower the assessed value on your home by up to $50,000. Apply for a disability exemption.
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To determine “other work” eligibility, Social Security considers your education, age and the type of employment you had prior to your injury.
Q: Do disability social security benefits have a time limit?
A: You will collect social security benefits unless one of three things happen. Your social security benefits will be suspended, if your injury resolves completely or enough for you to become a part of the workforce again. If you choose to reenter the workforce, instead of relying on your social security benefits, your benefits would also discontinue. The last scenario in which social security benefits would no longer continue would be if you reach retirement age.
The reason for this is that SSI is given based only upon need, and so benefits are not offered to dependents.
If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, on the other hand, it is possible to obtain benefits for minor children in some cases. Your dependent children’s ability to get benefits will generally be based on your past earnings. Everybody who is approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is not necessarily approved for dependent benefits. Those without a sufficient earnings history might not be approved.
There are many non profit organizations that also provide assistance. Some groups pay for prescriptions for those who qualify.
Q: I collect social security benefits and am worried about keeping up with my mortgage. Do you know of any program provided by Florida that will help me in this situation?
A: The state of Florida offers special homestead tax exemptions for which you may qualify. Such exemptions can reduce the taxable value of your property significantly.
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The biggest reason social security disability claims are delayed is due to absent medical records. Make sure your claim gets a fair judgment by cooperating with requests for CEs and assuring the claims examiner has everything he needs regarding your condition.
Q: Will you get another chance if you do not show up for a consultative exam?
A: You should not miss a consultative examination on purpose. The purpose of a consultative exam is to provide missing medical information regarding your social security disability case. Your claim cannot be fairly adjudicated without the results of the CE.