Answers To Some Of Our Most Frequently Asked SSD Questions
As with all disability issues, there is no substitute for a personalized analysis of your situation by an experienced attorney. At Philip J. Fulton Law Office, we offer free consultations to people facing life with a disability. Please feel free to explore this website as you look for information relevant to your case. Also, feel free to contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. That is where all our clients’ cases begin. We are here to answer your questions and to help you find solutions.
The following are common questions that we receive from clients:
Is Social Security Disability (SSD) a government handout?
No. It is more like private insurance. For years, you work and pay into the Social Security system while you are healthy. Then if you become disabled, you collect benefits once you prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you are disabled.
What if I am trying to file a workers’ compensation claim and apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits simultaneously? Will one have a negative impact on the other?
The best way to avoid making a wrong move — using the wrong words or timing things badly — is to work closely with an experienced disability lawyer. Philip J. Fulton Law Office can advise you before you apply or after you have had a claim denied.
Am I eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?
The answer depends on how many years you have paid into the system and how continuously you have done so. It will also depend on the nature of your disability and the extent to which it affects your ability to work. Eligibility requires you to be disabled for at least 12 months.
What can I do to improve my SSD claim?
There are many things you can do to strengthen your SSD claim, including making sure you go to all doctor appointments, keeping your medical records organized and hiring an experienced SSD law firm like Philip J. Fulton Law Office to handle your claim.
How soon should I file for SSD benefits?
As soon as you have reason to believe you will be unable to work for a year or more. However, you should be alert to any potential impact your SSD application may have on your workers’ compensation claim. Talk to an attorney for more information.
Can I work part time and still receive SSD benefits?
The short answer is yes, you can work part time and still be eligible for SSD benefits, but there are limitations of which you need to be aware. For instance, if you make too much money, the SSA may consider you gainfully employed and therefore not entitled to benefits.
Are only older workers entitled to SSD benefits?
No, absolutely not. Just because you are young does not mean you cannot receive SSD benefits. As long as you have a sufficient work history, you may still be entitled to benefits regardless of whether you are 25 or 55 — although you may have an uphill battle when it comes to establishing the extent of your disability.
Are SSD benefits taxable?
It depends. In fact, the answer to this question really hinges on how much income you have and your tax filing status. Basically, if you earn too much, your benefits will be taxable by the IRS. Learn more here.
What is the SSD Compassionate Allowances program?
If your disability is severe, you may be eligible for the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program. Under this program, your SSD application may be fast-tracked if you have a disability included on the CAL list — meaning your claim will be resolved much faster.
Our Ohio Attorneys Can Answer Your Social Security FAQ — Start With A Free Consultation
Our services are available on a contingency fee basis, which means we ask for payment only if we are successful in getting you the benefits you need.
To learn more, call 614-963-9569 or send us an email to discuss your case with one of our Columbus, Ohio, workers’ compensation and SSD lawyers.