For a long time now the Appeals Councils had remained a bit mysterious when it comes to the Social Security disability process. The lucky people who go through the Social Security disability process never have to deal with the Appeals Council, which can be extremely frustrating, but many more do. Previously we have talked at… Read more »
Blog
Is There Trouble With Representative Payees?
The Office of the Inspector General for Social Security recently released a report on representative payees. If you are unaware, Social Security uses representative payees to manage Social Security disability benefits for people the agency determines to be unable to manage their own finances due to impairments. Anytime private parties are used to handle finances… Read more »
It is Possible to Receive Both SSDI and SSI
Social Security offers two separate programs for people who are medically disabled. These two programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). With two different programs available a common question is: Can I receive both SSDI and SSI if I am found disabled. The quick answer is yes, but it will… Read more »
Social Security While in Prison or Jail
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments generally are not payable for months that an individual is confined to a jail, prison or certain other public institutions for commission of a crime and a person is not automatically eligible for Social Security or SSI payments when being released from prison or jail. If you are… Read more »
New Process for Wounded Veterans Applying for Social Security Disability
Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Social Security benefits are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The expedited process is for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. The Social… Read more »
I received a medical denial on my disability claim, how do I file an appeal?
It is common for applicants who file a claim for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to receive a medical denial, meaning the Social Security Administration (SSA) has determined their impairment(s) are not severe enough to keep them from working at a substantial level. At the Initial Application level approximately 75% of… Read more »
Can Social Security Disability Benefits Be Garnished?
Under certain circumstances, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may be garnished depending on what type of debt is owed, but Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may not be garnished under any circumstance. Because SSI is a needs-based program, it is determined that the recipient needs that income to survive and SSDI benefits are based… Read more »
Do You Pay Taxes On Your Social Security Benefits?
As the tax filing date rapidly approaches new Social Security beneficiaries might be wondering if they are required to pay taxes on their benefits. Although the answer is not quite cut and dry, usually you will not have to pay taxes on your benefits unless you have other sources of income that move you into… Read more »
Do You Think You Are Ready To Work?
The word disability can be a scary one. The majority of people who apply for Social Security disability would rather be working than applying for the program and many even experience a sense of shame. No matter that the program was setup for hard-working Americans who paid into the system, but are unable to work… Read more »
Is It Time To Raise The Retirement Age?
There is a never-ending battle to try and figure out ways Social Security can save money so it will continue to be able to pay retirement and disability benefits for generations to come. Whether the goal is to extend the life of Social Security or even increase benefits one consideration that does come up frequently… Read more »
