FAQs – Social Security

A. Probably. You have an ongoing requirement to report any earned income while you draw SS disability checks. SS will not terminate your benefits unless your medical condition has improved. Most people who have their cases reviewed continue to get benefits. If Social Security proposes to end your benefits, you have the right to appeal…

A. Yes. The terms of your private disability checks are contractual and control whether these payments are pro-rated or changed by the receipt of Social Security checks. Federal law requires full payment of Social Security disability checks regardless of the receipt of private disability checks for the same disability. However, most private disability plans have…

A. Generally, No. You are required to report any earnings or substantial gainful activity to the SS office as a condition of receiving monthly disability checks. Congress has recognized the need for work incentives and has created several programs to encourage attempts to return to work without automatic loss of disability payments. You can review…

A. SS disability hearings are informal. The decisions are made by an Administrative Law Judge, most of whom live in Greenville, SC. The people likely to be present at the actual hearing are you, the Judge, a court reporter, and your lawyer. In some cases, the Administrative Law Judge has a medical doctor or vocational…

A. Not immediately. If you are receiving Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widows or Widowers Benefits or Disabled Adult Child Benefits, you must wait for twenty-four (24) months before qualifying for Medicare, which will pay most of your medical expenses. Medicare pays for doctors visits and for acute care in a hospital, among other things. You…

A. No waiting period at all. You can file for SS disability the day you become disabled. SS law requires that your disabling condition either result in death or last for a period of twelve (12) months or more. Since the appeals process generally takes a few years, you should apply for disability as soon…

A. Yes. If the child is under age eighteen (18) and you are poor enough, he may be able to qualify for SSI child’s disability benefits. If the child is over age eighteen (18), he may be able to qualify for SSI disability benefits without regard to your income. If you or your spouse get…

A. Most attorneys charge a contingent fee which is the lesser of $5300 or 25% percent of your back benefits. A contingent fee means that if your claim is denied, no attorneys fees are owed. The Administrative Law Judge must review and approve employment agreements before any legal fees can be charged. Most lawyers will…