Social Security Benefits: Working While on Disability
Posted by admin on Jun 12, 2009
Because Social Security regulations are so complex, determining which social security benefits you qualify to receive can be a challenge. To help you, here are some answers to common questions about disability benefits received through Social Security.
You will not be able to get partial disability benefits through SSA. Disability social security benefits are available only to people who are completely disabled and have been so (or are expected to be so) for at least a year. If you need partial disability, you will have to apply through a state or local disability program. You will still be able to receive state and local disability benefits if SSA denies your application because you are not completely disabled.
However, even if you are deemed to be completely disabled, you can keep working while receiving disability social security benefits, provided you are sufficiently disabled that your work capacity is low. The state agency that handles your case will consider how much you can earn. If you can still work but your maximum possible income falls below a certain amount, you can still collect disability benefits. The agency will measure your total POTENTIAL earnings, not your total REAL earnings: You will not be eligible for social security benefits if there is another occupation that you have the training and physical ability to perform, and you would be able to earn above the minimum income level by switching to it. You will not be pushed beyond your limits and asked to do work you are not capable of doing. The state agency takes into account applicants’ health, age, experience, and education when evaluating which jobs they are suited to do. If you need help moving to a better job that would enable you to support yourself, assistance is available.
Many applicants are confused and annoyed by their social security agents’ request to continue seeing doctors even after they have doctors’ statements that there is no available medical treatment for the applicant’s condition. If you are in this position, there is an explanation! First, your regular doctors may not be able to provide all of the information the state agency needs to evaluate your case. The agency will arrange for you to see a doctor who has the specialized experience or equipment necessary to complete the examination. The examination is part of your case evaluation, not a part of your treatment plan.
Second, disability is not always permanent, and even untreatable conditions can improve. Regular examinations to chart the progress of your health are essential. Your health may improve enough that you can return to work, even without medical treatment.
And third, medical breakthroughs happen every year. Why miss out on a cure because you stopped going to the doctor out of resignation? Occasional doctors’ visits are a minor nuisance compared to the vast improvements you could someday see.
You Child and His or Her Social Security Benefits
Posted by admin on Jun 4, 2009
Q: But, will my children receive social security benefits even if they do not live with me?
Whether or not your children can receive benefits will depend on your specific relationship with them. For a child to be able to obtain benefits under your social security account, he or she must be financially dependent upon you. A child is automatically considered financially dependent on you, regardless of where he or she resides, in the following cases: Florida social security lawyer
• The child is your legitimate, natural child
• He or she is your adopted child
• He or she is your natural but illegitimate child for whom a judge has issued a determination of support, or for whom you make regular financial contributions.
If you have a recognized, illegitimate child who does not reside in your home, and for whom a judge has not made an official determination of support, you can give evidence of that child’s financial dependence upon you by providing:
• Paperwork showing that your child is qualifies as your dependant in other state and federal programs
• Previous tax returns in which you claimed the child as a dependent
• Bank records, cancelled checks, etc., showing that you made regular payments on behalf of or in support of your child
• Additional related proofs
