Q: The SSA says they have paid me more money than they should have. What do I do?
A: If you have one, your social security lawyer will explain your options when you have received a notice of overpayment. The first thing you can do is request a reconsideration from Social Security. This is generally what you should do if you believe that the SSA is incorrect in defining you as overpaid. When requesting a reconsideration, you are essentially asking the SSA to give your file another look. If you meet with them, you may want to take a social security lawyer along, just in case.
If you do not believe that the SSA made a mistake when they calculated your overpayment, you can ask them to waive the overpayment. When you do this, you admit that you received too much money, but request to be allowed not to pay it back. This is the course of action a social security lawyer might suggest if the overpayment was due to Social Securitys mistake, not yours.
If, on the other hand, you believe that you were overpaid due to your own mistake, you will probably need to pay the money back. Your social security lawyer or advocate will suggest you talk to Social Security about a payment schedule. With a schedule, you can pay bit by bit instead of all at once. Arent sure whether you should request a reconsideration, waiver, or payment schedule? Speak to a social security lawyer.
Q: Is somebody who is legally blind eligible for Social security disability?
A: The SSA defines "legally blind" as vision that cant be corrected to better than 20/200 in at least one eye. And just as with most other disabilities, the legally blind are eligible for benefits in many cases. Though its always a good idea to speak to a social security lawyer or advocate about your specific case, the same overall rules will generally apply to you as to a person with another disability.
In general, the legally blind are treated by Social Security in the exact same way as other disable persons. But because their disability is so severe, the legally blind can also get some extra benefits. You should speak to a social security lawyer about any extended benefits you can get for legal blindness.
Q: Ive heard I cant file for Social Security for 12 months after my disability. Is this true?
A: No, this is not true. The SSA defines a SSD eligible disability as one that keeps you from earning a substantial gainful income. That disability must also be expected to be fatal or to last at least 12 months. Those that dont work with a social security lawyer often take this to mean they have to wait until theyve been disabled 12 months to apply. In fact, however, your social security lawyer or advocate would tell you to apply immediately after your disability begins.