Articles

Yes, it is possible for someone to receive both VA benefits and SSDI benefits at the same time. However, it’s important that they meet the eligibility criteria for both programs in order to be granted benefits.

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.

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.

Yes, freelancers can claim SSDI benefits, but they will be considered “self-employed.” Self-employed disability applicants must go through other screening processes to determine whether they are eligible for SSDI benefits or not.

SSDI can be thought of as an insurance program that is earned. If the nursing home resident has a work history and meets the requirements that qualify them for SSDI benefits, then they are eligible for SSDI benefits. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Requesting the implementation of reasonable accommodations in the workplace starts with the disclosure of a disability. Next, your employer will share an overview of the subsequent steps. It is important to remember that the process of making reasonable accommodations is ongoing; both you and your employer will need to work together to ensure its success.

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.

You can surely start and run a small business while on SSDI as long as you do not go above the Substantial Gainful Activity limit. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will also ensure you are not engaging in substantial activity.

Compassionate allowances quickly identify diseases and conditions that meet disability benefit standards. Conditions include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and rare disorders in children. The CAL initiative reduces waiting times for individuals with severe disabilities. The program identifies claims meeting the SSA’s statutory standard for disability. The SSA uses the same rules to evaluate CAL conditions for both the SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.

People with disabilities are entitled to representation and can submit evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge adverse rulings in disability hearings. They are also entitled to protections under federal civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and many more. 

These laws include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1970 (ADA). These laws all have one common purpose: to help facilitate education for disabled students.

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. 

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. 

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.