Q: If I return to work, will I immediately lose my Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?

A common question Social Security Disability benefits attorneys often hear from clients who are either applying for disability benefits or are already receiving benefits is “What will happen to my benefits if I return to work?”.

Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits is an income-based federal benefits program. In order to Read More

The Social Security Administration, a part of the federal government, not only oversees and administers retirement benefits to workers ready to kick back and enjoy their golden years, but it is also responsible for administering Social Security disability insurance (“SSDI”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits to disabled people.

At various points in history, citizens have questioned whether their Social Security retirement benefits will be there for them when they are finally old enough to retire. Small, periodic adjustments in the FICA tax rates and gradual pushing back of the minimum retirement age have previously been effective in thwarting threats to the solvency of the trust fund from which Social Security retirement benefits is paid.

Now more than ever, applicants for Social Security disability benefits (“SSDI”) may benefit from the assistance of attorneys who specialize in Social Security disability law during the benefits application and/or appeals process.

The process Read More

Q: If I receive Social Security disability benefits, will I be banned from gun ownership?

Social Security disability benefits, (“SSDI”) are be awarded to applicants under the age of 65 who satisfy the government’s definition of “disabled” and who have paid into the Social Security system and amassed the requisite number of work credits prior to becoming disabled. The qualifying disabilities may be physical or mental in nature. Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) is another government disability benefits program, but it is based on need and other qualifying factors.

Q: How can I expedite the Social Security disability (“SSDI”) benefits application process?

If you are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits in Arizona, you will need to assemble a variety of information and documentation to support the application. Failure to submit a complete application with all required information will result in a denial of your application.

Generally, applications may take weeks, months or even up to a year for a decision if not handled by an attorney.

Q: Can the government garnish social security benefits if I default on a federal student loan?

Are you racking up large federal student loan debt for your own education or for your children’s college educations? If so, your Social Security benefits could be in jeopardy if you fall behind in your loan payments.

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Q: Can I count on Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits alone to support me and my family or should I get private disability insurance?

They say the only sure things are death and taxes.

Maybe that kind of thinking is why most Americans have– or at least acknowledge– the importance of life insurance. Sadly, most people don’t place the same value on disability insurance. And the reality is you’re more likely to become disabled than you are to die before reaching retirement age. Just ask an experienced Social Security Disability law attorney.

Can I obtain social security benefits for my illness?

The media has been filled with reports of fraud in the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, but these cases are greatly overstated. In fact, qualifying for and obtaining SSDI or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits can be quite complicated and certain conditions must be met.

In short you must have an illness or injury that is expected to last at least a year or more or lead to death. Moreover, the Social Security Administration has a list of specific medical impairments that automatically qualify for disability benefits.

The SSA Blue Book

The list of impairments is maintained in the SSA blue book, and there are lists for both children and adults.

What are work credits and how do they affect Social Security benefits?

As you move through your working career, you earn work credits for each year during which you earn wages and pay FICA taxes into the Social Security system. These credits are being banked so that you will be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits should you become unable to continue earning a living. These credits are required for you to be entitled to receive SSDI, Social Security, Retirement, and Medicare benefits. Work credits, like other aspects of Social Security Disability, can be complicated and confusing, especially to those simultaneously dealing with the trauma of becoming disabled.

What should I do if my disability application is rejected?

For those who have severe ongoing disabilities that render them unable to work, the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) provides much-needed benefits; however, nearly two-thirds of disability applications are rejected. Let’s take a look at the leading reasons benefit claims are rejected.

The Social Security Administration considers a number of factors when determining benefit eligibility, including the applicant’s age, the number years worked – and paid into the social security system, and when you became disabled. You must have worked for a certain amount of time to qualify. Generally, you must have 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled.