Q: How do I handle a Social Security Disability overpayment issue?
A: A social security lawyer will tell you to expect to receive a Notice of Overpayment from the SSA if they feel they have paid you too much. 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.
You may want to speak to a social security lawyer about your options, but in general, there are three different things you can do when you receive a notice of overpayment. 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. If, however, you believe that the overpayment was your responsibility, you can set up a payment arrangement with the SSA. This allows you to pay back the amount owed in installments. You may want to speak to a social security lawyer to learn more.
Q: I am considered to be legally blind. Can I get social security benefits?
A: If you speak to a social security lawyer, he or she will give you this simple answer: maybe. If you are legally blind, you essentially follow the same rules as applicants with other disabilities. 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 if you are not "legally" blind, you may be eligible for 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. It may be a good idea to speak to your social security lawyer for a better idea of how this works.
Q: Do I need to wait a year after the start of my disability to apply for benefits?
A: Heres the simple answer: no, you dont. A social security lawyer will tell you that the SSA defines disability as an inability to make a gainful income due to a disability that is either fatal, or has lasted 12 months, or is expected to last at least 12 months. 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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by: albert.tobega
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