Oct 26

Q: If I get Supplemental Security Income benefits, will my children get them, too?

A: When applying for Social Security (whether you work with a social security lawyer or navigate the process on your own), you need to keep in mind the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplement Security Income, or SSI. While those that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits may be able to obtain benefits for their children (a social security lawyer can help with the process), those that apply only for SSI cannot. Because SSI is considered to be a need based program, dependant benefits are not offered.

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. Whether or not your children will receive benefits depends on your earnings records. Not all of those who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits qualify for dependents’ benefits. Those with a short work history may not qualify. Talk to a social security lawyer for details.

Q: Can I still get SSI benefits if I have money in the bank?

A: If you speak to a social security lawyer, he or she will explain to you the consequences of SSI being a need based program. Those that qualify for SSI must earn little money and have few assets. And while every state has a slightly different resource limit for qualifying for SSI, there are a few general guidelines that a social security lawyer will give you when looking over your application.

In general, the following are considered “resources” that count towards your income:

• Coins and Currency
• Bank Accounts
• Stocks and other Investments
• Real Estate
• Life Insurance Policies
• Automobiles
• Owned Property

While you may qualify for SSI benefits if you own a car or your own home, having too many resources or too much money in the bank will affect your eligibility. In general you must have less than $2000 in the bank for an individual, or $3000 for a couple, to qualify for SSI. However, you will want to talk to a social security lawyer about the specific requirements for your state.

Q: If I sell my home and make a profit, will I lose my benefits?

A: Like with most social security questions, the correct answer to this varies from person to person, and it is a good idea to consult a social security lawyer. If you do make money from the sale of a home, the amount of money you make will be the deciding factor in the effect on your SSI. If the profit from your home takes you over the “allowable value” of your resources at the beginning of the month, you will not be eligible for benefits for that month. If, however, you maintain those “over value” resources in a bank account into the next months, your eligibility for SSI benefits may come into question. If you are planning to sell a home, it is a good idea to consult a social security lawyer to understand how that sale may affect your benefits.

Oct 3

Do you qualify for social security benefits? The eligibility requirements are complex, and determining whether you qualify can be intensely frustrating. To work out which disability benefits you may be able to receive, and to find out whether you will be able to earn an income while receiving disability, read on.

Can I get partial disability through SSA?

No, people with partial or short term disabilities are not eligible for disability benefits through Social Security. You are eligible for social security benefits only if you are deemed completely disabled and your disability is likely to last a year or more. (Note that people who qualify for disability benefits may collect benefits while working as long as their maximum possible income is lower than a SSA determined income cap.)

Although I am still working, I cannot work the same hours or skill level that I used to, and my income has dropped as a result. Can I still file for social security benefits?

Yes, you can file for disability benefits if you are making less than a certain amount per month, averaged over a full year. Social Security changes the maximum income level yearly. You can find the current limit in the official SSA web site or in official SSA booklets.

However, your current income is not the only number the state agency will consider when evaluating your case. If you are capable of earning a higher income by changing to another job, you will not be approved for disability benefits. The state agency will take into account your medical condition, education, skills, work experience, and age when determining whether you could move to another job, so you will not be required to do work that you are not well enough to do or that you have not been trained to do.

According to my doctors, there are no effective treatments for my condition, so why do I have to continue to make office visits?

When you first file for social security benefits, the state agency that manages your case will need a complete evaluation of your health, a process that may require repeated doctors’ visits. Your regular doctors may not be able to perform necessary tests or have equipment that is necessary to evaluate you, so you may need to visit another doctor to complete the evaluation. In that case, the state agency may arrange for you to be examined by another doctor.

Once you are determined to be disabled, you will need regular examinations to determine the progress of your medical condition. Because not all disabling medical conditions are permanent, your health may improve enough for you to work even without active medical care.