One of the lesser known Social Security benefits is that of benefits for either a widow or widower. As is the case with all Social Security survivor’s, retirement or disability programs, you must meet certain criteria to qualify and receive benefits. Social Security estimates there are about 5 million widows and widowers who are receiving… Read more »
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Social Security Disability and Dependent Children
Many people who learn they will be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are relieved to finally receive some good news, but then the disabled worker quickly realizes that disability payments may not be enough to cover their family’s needs. This is where dependent children’s benefits can makeup the difference. Dependent children of SSDI… Read more »
How Substance Abuse can Impact your Disability Claim
Attempting to prove a mental health disability to the Social Security Administration when an applicant has a substance abuse problem can be an uphill climb, especially if the applicant continues to abuse either drugs or alcohol while a claim is pending. This is accentuated when you consider the follow statement found in Social Security’s rules… Read more »
What to Do if Your Social Security Disability Benefits Stop
Sometimes when someone is receiving Social Security disability benefits, those benefits will stop for a variety of reasons. A major reason someone stops receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments is that they went back to work and are no longer considered disabled by the Social Security Administration. If… Read more »
Social Security Disability Recipients and a Continuing Disability Review
Our law office represents a lot of clients who used to receive Social Security disability payments, but for some reason are no longer found disabled by Social Security. This can and does happen and those who are currently receiving Social Security disability should know that Social Security may check-up with you in a few years… Read more »
Social Security Disability and Retirement Benefits
On occasion we will get a call from a person who is already receiving Social Security retirement benefits who wishes to file for Social Security disability benefits. These inquires have come from people who are well past the current retirement age of 66. Unfortunately what some people do not know is that you cannot collect… Read more »
What is Deemed Income by Social Security Administration for Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI)?
According to the Social Security website: Earned Income: are wages, net earnings from self–employment, certain royalties and honoraria, and sheltered workshop payments. Unearned Income: is all income that is not earned, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, state disability payments, unemployment benefits, interest income, and cash from friends and relatives. In–Kind Income: is food or shelter that you get for free… Read more »
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Living Arrangements
Most years the Supplemental Security Income maximum benefit increases. Supplemental Security Income benefits automatically increased in 2013 because there was an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2012. As of January 1, 2013, the federal benefit rate is $710 for an individual and… Read more »
Social Security Benefits for People who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Most years the Supplemental Security Income maximum benefit increases. Supplemental Security Income benefits automatically increased in 2013 because there was an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2012. As of January 1, 2013, the federal benefit rate is $710 for an individual and… Read more »
Social Security Benefits for People who are Blind or Have Low Vision
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to those who are blind and are unable to work. If you are blind and have worked in the past under the SSA’s rules you may qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB). If you are blind and do not qualify for DIB benefits, you may still be… Read more »
