For years and years people have been claiming that Disability and SS Retirement are going to end. They are actually separate funds, but at times, they have borrowed from one another to keep both programs afloat. Due to the aging of the baby … [Read more...]
Choosing Between waiting for Disability or Food Stamps
Earlier this year, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the program that oversees Food Stamps, found that the economy is improving enough to stop extending the time low income people could receive food stamps. The work-for-food … [Read more...]
SS Disability and Gun Control
SSA has issued a Notice of Proposed rule which would prohibit any individual from owning a gun if they have been adjudicated as, “a mental defective or who has been committed to a mental institution.” Mental defective sounds pretty not PC, it has … [Read more...]
How important is it that I see a doctor while applying for disability?
Extremely important! I often find myself repeating to my clients one of two phrases: “God helps those who help themselves” SSA feels the same way. You cannot refuse to try and get better and expect the government to pay you. The second phrase I catch … [Read more...]
When will my benefits begin once I establish that I am disabled?
Just like most areas of law, the answer is that it depends…. For SSI benefits, (need based) you are eligible to receive payments the first full month following the month you applied.* That means if you apply in January 2015, it does not matter if … [Read more...]
Disability and Student Loans
What happens to your student loan debt if you become unable to work? It depends on both the type of loan you have and what kind of disability benefit you receive. SSI benefits, which are paid as part of a need based disability program, cannot be … [Read more...]
Retirement Age
By Jennifer Scherf The earliest age at which (reduced) Social Security retirement benefits are payable is 62. When you are eligible for full retirement benefits depends on what year you were born. People born before 1938 have what most consider … [Read more...]
Working While Applying For Disability Benefits
by Jennifer Scherf Many people believe that you cannot work if you are trying to get disability benefits. On the contrary, the Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages people to attempt to achieve gainful employment both during the … [Read more...]
Who Receives SSA Benefits?
By Jennifer Scherf Social Security was created by FDR in 1935 as a part of the New Deal plan. This program was created to assist aging workers in the post-depression-era economy. After many revisions, the original act has been expanded to include … [Read more...]
Taking Care Of Those You Love = Dependent Benefits
by Jennifer Scherf There are special rules and additional benefits paid to your family if you pass away, but this article deals only with benefits paid to your family while you are still living. A spouse/ex-spouse can earn one-half of what the … [Read more...]