Category: Social Security

by Steven Tregea I frequently talk, or trade emails, with people who are thinking about applying for Social Security disability but are still working (and earning more than the SGA amount of $1,000 per month). Sometimes people are surprised that they cannot still work and apply for disability benefits. Sometimes they want to discuss the … Continue reading If You Are Working, You Are Not Disabled →

Having to complete the Disability Report – Appeal (Form SSA-3441-BK) means that your claim has been denied. This form accompanies the appeal of the unfavorable determination of your application for Social Security disability benefits. That initial denial is often a shock to people who have applied for disability benefits because they can no longer work. Don’t … Continue reading Completing the Disability Report – Appeal →

One of the best things an individual can do when applying for Social Security disability benefits is to make sure that all of the complaints and medical issues are in writing. Be sure to tell the doctor your symptoms, and make sure that your doctor writes them down. Your medical records – the doctor’s treatment … Continue reading Tell Your Doctor to Write Down Your Complaints →

Your mental health condition can be the basis for a successful Social Security disability or SSI claim, if the condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. Simply having a diagnosis such as “anxiety,” “depression” or “bipolar disorder,” is not enough for the Social Security Administration to grant you benefits. Rather, you must show that your … Continue reading SSD for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions →

Many people who are approaching the early retirement age of 62 are unable to continue their employment due to a physical or mental condition. Typically, they just take the early retirement, and never consider the possibility of Social Security disability. However, disability benefits are preferable to early retirement benefits. Disability benefits are paid at the … Continue reading SSD Benefits vs. Early Retirement Benefits →

It is possible for an ex-spouse to collect survivor’s benefits. However, there are a few requirements… A deceased worker’s former spouse who is age 60 or older can get benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. If the former spouse is disabled, the age requirement drops down to 50. Please remember that the … Continue reading Can a divorced spouse collect survivor’s benefits from Social Security? →

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are paid to individuals who have limited income and resources. One of the factors Social Security Administration will consider when determining benefits is the individual’s “living arrangement”. Social Security will look to see who else is in the household, and what the recipient and others pay towards the household expenses. … Continue reading Can Social Security reduce my SSI benefit if I live with others? →

Yes. The term “adult child” is an individual who is unmarried and age 18 or older whose disability began before they reached age 22. Even though the benefits are paid to an adult, they are considered child’s benefits because the benefits are paid on a parent’s Social Security record. The adult child’s disability is determined … Continue reading Can my adult child get Social Security Disability benefits? →

Since tax season is creeping up on us, some may be wondering whether or not you have to pay tax on your Social Security benefits. The simple answer is maybe. If you file a federal tax return as an individual and your total income is more than $25,000, you will have to pay taxes on … Continue reading Income tax on Social Security benefits? →

There is no time limit on Social Security Disability benefits. Disability benefits will continue as long as you remain disabled. Social Security Administration will periodically review your case to make sure you continue to qualify for benefits. The periodic review will consist of a review of your medical records. Additionally, if you are still collecting … Continue reading How long can your Social Security Disability benefits last? →