Q: If you become employed part time, do Supplemental Security Income payments continue?
A: Supplemental Security Income benefits are based on financial need. Your SSI payments could stop or simply be decreased, once you have employment income again. If your earnings are equal to or exceed the income threshold set by Social Security, your SSI payments may end. The pretax monthly limit this past year was set at just below $1000. It is important that you report all your earnings to Social Security. You will have to pay back any over payments from Social Security. If you have the desire and ability to work in any capacity, you should not hesitate to pursue that. If you can work more hours, but keep your scheduled work time low to simply keep your benefit payments, your actions may be viewed as fraud committed against Social Security. It may be helpful to seek counsel from a social security lawyer, if you wish to become employed but are worried about the transition from social security disability benefits back to the workforce.
Q: Should you be concerned if Social Security prefers to communicate with your social security lawyer instead of you?
A: Once representation is hired, Social Security prefers to handle all transactions regarding your case via your social security lawyer. You should not be concerned if this is the case. The social security lawyer you hired is your advocate and works only on your behalf. If Social Security conducts transactions simultaneously with your social security lawyer and you, it can get confusing. Your lawyer is an extension of you. If you have any concerns about the status of your case, address them with your social security lawyer. That is why you hired representation.
Q: Can an individual be awarded benefits through the VA and SSDI?
A: An individual is eligible to be awarded disability with the Veterans Administration and the Social Security Administration. Any veteran who became disabled after September 30, 2001 is entitled to expedite his application for social security disability benefits. The expedited process is supposed to occur automatically, but it is a good idea to remind the representative handling your claim or to mention it on your initial application. If you have a social security lawyer, have him handle it for you.