Quick Answers to Social Security Disability Common Questions

There are often questions regarding current requirements involving the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) approval process and continuing payments for disabled persons. While the response to these questions may change based upon changes to requirements this is what we know regarding these questions as of February 2022. I would encourage someone considering filing for social security disability benefits or even some who currently has social security disability benefits and is considering changes to their circumstances to ensure that they ensure that any of their actions do not impact their ability to collect social security benefits. If you are unsure of these possible impacts, then consulting with the Montgomery Social Security disability lawyers and Selma Social Security disability lawyers such as those at The Sellers Law Firm in the is generally with the time.

The first issue when considering applying for social security disability is your age. While it is true that you can receive disability benefits at any age if your medical conditions are severe enough to prevent you from being able to work 8 hours a day 5 days a week, age is a consideration that the Social Security Administration does consider if you are 50 years of age or older. Quite simply SSA adds additional considerations for persons 50 years of age or older for the simple reason that older person may have a harder time being able to perform certain tasks or even being able to find a job. The age consideration is primary on the approval process when the grid rules are applied for approval. The grid rules look at your level of physical exertion that you can perform with your medical conditions, your age, your education level, and your prior jobs as being skilled, unskilled and if any knowledge or skill are transferrable to other kinds of work. If you realize that you need help, call or text us now at 334-LAWYERS (529-9377). We are here to help you!

Another common issue regards the ability to apply for or keep disability benefits and work at the same time. While it is true that it is possible to continue working and apply for and receive disability benefits generally there are two requirements considered in this situation. First the amount of earnings is considered, in 2022 any earnings over $1,350 could disqualify you from SSDI benefits. SSI benefits begin to be impacted by reducing benefits on a $1 reduction for every $2 earned over $65 per month. The second consideration for working while applying for benefits or continuing benefits is if your work is considered substantial gainful employment or SGA. The consideration for SGA includes many elements such as accommodations made for medical conditions by the employer, the level of skills and knowledge required for the work, if the work is as the sole employee of your own business, and the amount of income earned. There are also, as of 2022, several programs under the Social Security Administrations such as the trial work period, the ticket to work program, and the plan to achieve self-support programs that may allow you to continue to collect disability benefits and earn some income from work. Prior to considering these programs or continuing to work while applying for disability benefits you should discuss this with experienced Montgomery Social Security disability attorneys and Selma Social Security disability attorneys such as those at The Sellers Law Firm.

Finally, one question often asked is how much will I be receiving if my Social Security Administration disability benefits are approved. Since there are two kinds of disability programs under the Social Security Administration then these answers will depend upon which program you are eligible for. The first program is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. This disability program if for people that have worked and paid into the insurance program and their insurance has not lapsed. In order to be eligible, you have to had substantial gainful employment for 5 out of the last 10 years. The time frames are broken down to 4 quarters per year, so you need 20 quarters out of the last 40 quarters to have purchased the disability insurance. Once you have the necessary quarters worked then you have insurance coverage should you become disabled for the next five years. The minimum payment for SSDI is $841 and the maximum is $3,240. The second disability program is the Supplemental Social Income (SSI) program. The program is available to anyone that has a base level of assets or below and is not covered by SSDI. The current disability payment for SSI is $841 a month.

While these are just some of the frequent questions regarding disability through the SSA there are many more issues to consider when applying for or trying to retain disability benefits. As always, your experienced lawyers at The Sellers Law Firm are available for consultations.

At The Sellers Law firm, our experienced Montgomery Social Security disability lawyers and Selma Social Security disability lawyers are here to help you. We have represented thousands of people in Social Security cases. We have four convenient offices in Montgomery, Selma, Greenville, and Troy. Our phone lines are answered 24 hours a day, and we can usually meet with you within 48 hours of contacting us. All consultations are free! Call or text us at 334-LAWYERS (529-9377), and use the Contact Form on our website to reach us. You may also email us at bsellers@sellerslawfirm.com. Remember that doing nothing changes nothing so contact us now!