Q: How do I handle a Social Security Disability overpayment issue?
A: A social security lawyer will tell you to expect to receive a Notice of Overpayment from the SSA if they feel they have paid you too much. Overpayment happens for many reasons, like letting a change in your lifestyle/earnings go unreported. Overpayment also occurs when the SSA does not quickly apply any reported changes to you account, and waits to adjust your monthly benefits.
While you may want to talk to your social security lawyer about your best choice, there are generally three options when you are overpaid. One of these is requesting a reconsideration when you think the SSA has made a mistake. This means you will request that the SSA take another look at your case, and perhaps meet with you to speak with them (in which case you may want to speak with a social security lawyer).
If you do not request a reconsideration, you can request a waiver. Requesting a waiver means that you admit that you were given overpayment, but you cant pay the SSA back. A social security lawyer or advocate will likely suggest this if the overpayment wasnt your fault. On the other hand, if you feel you were overpaid and it was at least partly your fault, you will generally work with the SSA to arrange to pay the money back. This allows you to pay back the amount owed in installments. Speak to a social security lawyer for details.
Q: I am legally blind. Am I eligible for Social Security Disability?
A: A social security lawyer will tell you that, yes, you may in some cases be eligible for benefits. If you are legally blind, you essentially follow the same rules as applicants with other disabilities. You will be considered legally blind if your sight cannot be corrected to 20/200. Even those that do not fall under the category of legal blindness can receive some benefits. You may want to speak with a social security lawyer about qualifying as legally blind.
The SSA has special guidelines when working with legally blind applicants. Because being blind is so debilitating, many legally blind applicants can receive higher benefits than those with other disabilities. In 2008, the monthly earnings limit was $1,570. It may be a good idea to speak to your social security lawyer for a better idea of how this works.
Q: Do I have to wait 12 months before I file for SS benefits?
A: Heres the simple answer: no, you dont. Your social security lawyer will define an eligible disability as one that is either fatal, or has lasted or will last one year. While some take this to mean they cannot apply for benefits for 12 months, that is simply not true. Any social security lawyer will tell you to apply for benefits from the first day of your disability. Reference Orlando social security lawyer Social security attorney Veterans laywers