I was found disabled, what now?

Marken Law Group, PS, has helped hundreds obtain Social Security benefits. We don’t leave our clients once this happens. We help them with any issues, questions or concerns at any time.

It is important to know several key points if you have been recently awarded disability benefits.

If you just received your decision by Division of Disability Services (DDS) or at the hearing level by an Administrative Law Judge, congratulations! No doubt you have waited a long time for much deserved benefits. You might have some time to wait still, unfortunately, before you get your first months benefits and/or back pay. You will typically receive a document entitled “Notice of Award” which will explain in detail when you can expect to receive your monthly pay, down to the day of the month you will receive the funds, the amount of back pay, if any, owed and when you can expect to receive those funds. In addition the Notice of Award will detail how much Social Security paid your attorney and any funds paid back to state entities that have provided cash assistance.

If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits, or SSI, your total amount in 2017 of $735.00 (for an individual) an change year-to-year and depending on your life circumstances. Most beneficiaries have their SSI benefits reduced due to free rent, or absence to prove payment of rent, child support owed, alimony and restitution within the courts system. With respect to whether your amount will change year-to-year, that depends on the Federal Government.

The cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) in 2017 was 0.3 %. This could change in the coming years or be non-existent, depending on the Commissioner and Congress.

What about medical insurance? If you are found disabled, your medical insurance is going to improve, most likely, but you will have a 24 month waiting period. Linked prior is a short article from healthcare.gov concerning insurance how-to’s with further links if you care to dig deeper!

With respect to working after you have been found disabled, the issue is delicate. The general answer is yes you can work, but sparingly. If you work above what Social Security has determined to be Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) then they will take away your benefits. SGA varies. It can be a dollar amount, $1170.00 GROSS per month, or below that if they determine the type of work is substantial.

Marken Law Group, PS, is with our clients from the beginning. We work hard to try and obtain Social Security Disability benefits for our clients. Our work doesn’t stop there. We are always available to answer questions and help our clients through the process after disability benefits are awarded!

No Benefits, No Fee!