Things a Social Security Lawyer May Tell You

Q: How do I handle a Social Security Disability overpayment issue?
A: Any social security lawyer will tell you that, if the Social Security Administration determines that they have paid you more than they should, they will probably send you a Notice of Overpayment. Overpayment happens for many reasons, like letting a change in your lifestyle/earnings go unreported. Overpayment also occurs when the SSA does not quickly apply any reported changes to you account, and waits to adjust your monthly benefits.
While you may want to talk to your social security lawyer about your best choice, there are generally three options when you are overpaid. One of these is requesting a reconsideration when you think the SSA has made a mistake. When you do this, you are essentially requesting Social Security to look over your file again and perhaps meet with you to work out the problem (when this happens, it is a good idea to bring your social security lawyer).

If you do not request a reconsideration, you can request a waiver. This means that you acknowledge that you received an overpayment, but cannot pay the amount back. A social security lawyer will often tell you to do this if you were not at fault for the over payment. On the other hand, if you feel you were overpaid and it was at least partly your fault, you will generally work with the SSA to arrange to pay the money back. This allows you to pay back the amount owed in installments. Speak to a social security lawyer for details.
Q: I am legally blind. Am I eligible for Social Security Disability?
A: A social security lawyer will tell you that, yes, you may in some cases be eligible for benefits. Those people who are legally blind qualify for social security disability under the same general rules as those with any other disability. The SSA will consider you to be legally blind if your vision cannot be corrected to 20/200 or better in your best eye. Even those that do not fall under the category of legal blindness can receive some benefits. If unsure, it is best to talk to your social security lawyer or advocate about qualifying for legal blindness.
The Social Security Administration has set up some special rules to deal with the blind. Because blindness has such a huge effect on a persons ability to work, the blind are generally given a higher monthly earnings limit than other disabled persons. As of the year 2008, the highest benefit for the blind was $1,570 monthly. You may want to speak to a social security lawyer to understand how this affects you.
Q: Do I have to wait 12 months before I file for SS benefits?
A: In short, no. Your social security lawyer will define an eligible disability as one that is either fatal, or has lasted or will last one year. While some take this to mean they cannot apply for benefits for 12 months, that is simply not true. Your social security lawyer will encourage you to apply on day one.

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