Articles

Disability Advice from an attorney with decades of experience with disability benefits.

Social Security Changes for 2024

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase by 3.2 percent in 2024. The 3.2% COLA will begin with benefits payable to more than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2024. Increased payments to approximately 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 29, 2023.

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Can Emancipated Children Get SSDI?

If a child is emancipated, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider them to be independent and capable. Thus, they will not be considered ‘dependent’, making them ineligible for family benefits. However, the child can apply for SSDI independently based on their own record.

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SSDI Eligibility While In a Psychiatric Facility

The vast majority of SSDI beneficiaries who get admitted to a psychiatric facility continue to receive and stay eligible for benefits. In fact, SSDI beneficiaries can be eligible for benefits at any institution unless they are there in connection with a crime.

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Does SSDI Cover Surgery Costs?

SSDI covers surgery costs through Medicare, and the amount is based on deductibles, Medicare components, and medical necessity. With associated deductibles and co-payments, Medicare Part B covers outpatient surgical treatments, while Part A covers inpatient hospital stays.

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Should I Retire or Go on Disability?

In general, it is advisable to apply for disability benefits instead of retiring early because disability benefits will provide you with the same amount of benefits as your retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age, whereas retiring early might result in a permanently reduced benefit.

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Kidney Dialysis Social Security Disability

Disability Benefits When Undergoing Dialysis

Luckily, the Social Security Administration does consider dialysis a disability. As such, dialysis patients may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both based on which program’s criteria they meet.

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Social Security Disability Fraud Penalties

SSDI Misrepresentation Penalties: Everything You Need To Know

The consequences of stealing or committing fraud to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit payments might include a fine, criminal accusations, and/or jail time. Most of the time, felony punishments carry a $250,000 fine and a prison sentence of five years at maximum. Additionally, you can be required to repay the benefits you were paid.

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5 Tips to Manage SSDI After Qualification

To manage SSDI after qualification, beneficiaries have the option of applying for a representative payee who will take care of the money for them and use it for their best interest. There are also many money management tips that SSDI beneficiaries may want to incorporate into their spending.

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Can You Get Student Loans While on Disability

Can Student Loans Impact SSDI Payments?

Social Security income might be deducted in part to cover delinquent school loans. If you do not pay back your federal student loans, the government may confiscate up to 15% of your Social Security benefits. Additionally, private lenders may also file a lawsuit if you default on payments, even if they are unable to seize your Social Security income.

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Should I Have a Special Needs Trust?

SNTs provide a way for disabled people to retain their assets while still being able to obtain support from the Social Security Administration (SSA). But it does come with a few drawbacks; for starters, the costs of maintaining an SNT may be too much if you don’t have the money for it. Plus, the nature of the trust determines how independently the beneficiary can use those funds. Lastly, the termination of the trust can trigger a Medicaid payback. 

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4 Tips to Maintain SSDI Benefits While Working

To maintain SSDI benefits while working, it is important to make sure that your income stays below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits. Joining the Social Security Administration’s ticket-to-work program is also an option worth considering. 

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Maintain SSDI Benefits While Working: 12 Tips

A few tips for maintaining SSDI benefits while working include understanding the Work Trial Period (WTP) and its earning threshold, communicating regularly with the SSA, ensuring timely and prompt reporting in case of any changes, maintaining thorough medical and earning records, learning about work incentives, consulting a financial advisor, and more.

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