When you decide it is time to file for Social Security disability benefits because you are unable to work it is important to know that the process can have impacts on other parts of your life, both good and bad.
On the negative side of things, the amount of income you and other members of your household receive can limit your eligibility to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program. There are strict income and asset limits for this program regardless of whether you are disabled, because the financial need must be there. If you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) your household income is not taken into account because this program is directly related what you paid into Social Security over the years.
If you lack health insurance and apply for Medicaid, or another government assisted health care program, chances are the agency in charge of administering the health-care program is going to require that you apply for Social Security disability. Your attorney or representative’s office can send proof of your filing of Social Security to this agency.
Many times the person who has been injured and is now unable to work has been paying, or been ordered to pay, child support. Once again, your attorney or representative can inform the legal authority, which has required you to pay child support, that you have filed for Social Security disability due to the inability to work. This may delay child support payments for a period of time. It is very important to note though, that if you are awarded Social Security disability benefits, the legal authority requiring you to pay child support can take a portion of your Social Security payments to satisfy any past-due or current child support payments you are required to make.
