Should You Be Concerned If Claims Representative Will Only Give Information to Social Security Lawyer?
Q: If you become employed part time, do Supplemental Security Income payments continue?
A: SSI benefits are intended for those with limited resources and income. Your SSI payments could stop or simply be decreased, once you have employment income again. If your earnings are equal to or exceed the income threshold set by Social Security, your SSI payments may end. The pretax monthly limit this past year was set at just below $1000. It is important that you report all your earnings to Social Security. You are responsible for repaying any benefits that were paid that you should not have received due to income. It is important to note, however, that Social Security wants to help you return to work. If you can work more hours, but keep your scheduled work time low to simply keep your benefit payments, your actions may be viewed as fraud committed against Social Security. If you have any reservations about returning to work because of loss of SSI benefits, you may wish to contact a social security lawyer.
Q: Should you be concerned if Social Security prefers to communicate with your social security lawyer instead of you?
A: The disability case manager will probably wish to deal with your social security lawyer. Do not be worried. The social security lawyer you hired is your advocate and works only on your behalf. If Social Security conducts transactions simultaneously with your social security lawyer and you, it can get confusing. Your lawyer is an extension of you. You should be in frequent contact with your social security lawyer regarding your case. You employed your attorney for that reason.
Q: Are veterans who receive compensation through the VA also eligible for disability insurance through Social Security?
A: An individual is eligible to be awarded disability with the Veterans Administration and the Social Security Administration. Any veteran who became disabled after September 30, 2001 is entitled to expedite his application for social security disability benefits. Although the accelerated process should happen without any added paperwork, it is wise to make sure your case manager knows you expect it. If you have a social security lawyer, have him handle it for you.