Social Security Benefits FAQ
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by: albert.tobega
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Social security regulations are labyrinthine, and working out which social security benefits you are allowed to receive can be challenging. To make the process easier, here are answers to some of the questions frequently asked by applicants for disability benefits.
You will not be able to get partial disability benefits through SSA. Disability social security benefits are available only to people who are completely disabled and have been so (or are expected to be so) for at least a year. If you need partial disability, you will have to apply through a state or local disability program. If SSA denies you benefits on the grounds that you are not completely disabled, this will not bar you from applying for and receiving partial disability benefits from local and state disability programs.
However, if you are disabled but able to work for short periods or at a low level, you may be able to continue working while receiving social security benefits. When you apply for disability, the state agency in charge of your case will assess your total earning capacity. If you can still work but your maximum possible income falls below a certain amount, you can still collect disability benefits. Note that your highest POTENTIAL income, not your CURRENT income, is the deciding factor: If you could earn more than the cutoff level of income by doing a different job (assuming that there is another job you are physically able to handle and have the training to perform), then you will not be eligible for social security benefits. You will not be pressured to do work you are not able to perform. The state agency takes into account applicants health, age, experience, and education when evaluating which jobs they are suited to do. If you need help moving to a better job that would enable you to support yourself, assistance is available.
Many applicants are told by their doctors that there is no further treatment for their condition, but their social security agents ask them to continue visiting doctors. If this is what you are dealing with right now, there is an explanation! First, your regular doctors may not be able to provide all of the information the state agency needs to evaluate your case. The agency will arrange for you to see a doctor who has the specialized experience or equipment necessary to complete the examination. The examination is part of your case evaluation, not a part of your treatment plan.
Second, disability is not always permanent, and even untreatable conditions can improve. It is a good idea to have regular examinations to track the progress of your condition. Your health may improve enough that you can return to work, even without medical treatment.
And third, medical science comes up with treatments for "untreatable" conditions every year. Why miss out on a cure because you stopped going to the doctor out of resignation? It is a small nuisance compared to the huge lifestyle benefits you could reap. More Tampa social security lawyer -- Social security benefits orlando -- Florida social security lawyers -- Social security lawyer --
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