Tag: social security disability insurance

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) are two types of government programs designed to provide financial assistance to those who are unable to work or have limited income. While these programs are helpful for those who are eligible, they can also have an impact on other government benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. Does social security disability count as income? Find out how getting disability benefits can affect ACA and other government program eligibility. 

Calculating Overall Income

When it comes to calculating overall income, SSDI and SSI payments are both considered sources of income. However, the way these payments are treated can differ depending on the program in question. For example, when determining eligibility for Medicaid, both SSDI and SSI payments are counted as income. This means that if your income exceeds the Medicaid income limit, you may not be eligible for the program. In some cases, individuals may need to spend down their income or assets in order to qualify for Medicaid.

Similarly, when it comes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SSDI and SSI payments are counted as income. However, the amount of the payment is also taken into consideration. This means that if you receive a large SSDI or SSI payment, your SNAP benefit may be reduced or eliminated entirely. On the other hand, if your SSDI or SSI payment is relatively small, you may still be eligible for SNAP.

Affordable Care Act and SSDI

When it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), SSDI and SSI payments are not considered when determining eligibility for insurance. This means that even if you receive SSDI or SSI payments, you may still be eligible for ACA insurance. However, it is important to note that other factors, such as household income, may still impact eligibility. Additionally, those who receive SSDI or SSI may also be eligible for Medicare, which is a government-funded health insurance program for those over the age of 65 or certain disability recipients.

It is important to note that while SSDI and SSI payments are considered income for certain government programs, they are not considered taxable income by the IRS. This means that you will not have to pay taxes on your SSDI or SSI payments.

Consult with a Disability Attorney

Overall, SSDI and SSI payments can have a significant impact on your eligibility for other government programs. If you are receiving these types of payments, it is important to understand how they may impact your ability to receive benefits like Medicaid, ACA, SNAP, or other assistance programs. By working with one of the experienced disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill, you can confirm how your application for SSDI will affect other benefits you may be receiving and whether or not you will remain eligible for them in the future. Visit the website to schedule a free evaluation. 

As a person with a disability, you’ve likely relied on Social Security Disability (SSD) payments to help make ends meet. But when does Social Security Disability end, and what are your next steps?

When Does Social Security Disability End?

If you’re under full retirement age (between the ages of 62 and 67, depending on your birth year), your SSD benefits will end if you’re able to return to substantial gainful activity (earning more than a certain monthly amount from work). If you reach full retirement age while receiving SSD benefits, your payments will automatically convert to retirement benefits. However, if you continue to work and earn above the substantial gainful activity amount, your SSD benefits will end.

So, what can you do if your SSD benefits end or if you reach full retirement age and want to extend your disability payments?

File For An Extension

If you’re still unable to return to work, you can file for a continuation of your SSD benefits. This process is called a “review,” and it involves proving that your medical condition has not improved and that you’re still unable to work.

photo of desktop computer with a social security disability claim pulled up to show when social security disability end

Try Work Incentives

The Social Security Administration offers several work incentives to help people with disabilities return to work while still receiving some benefits. For example, the Ticket to Work program provides access to employment services and support, while the Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE) deduction allows you to deduct certain expenses related to your disability from your earnings.

Consider Transitioning to Social Security Income (SSI) at Age 65: 

If you reach full retirement age and your SSD benefits end, you may be eligible for SSI, which is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet certain financial requirements and have a disability that’s expected to last for at least one year.

Transitioning from SSD to SSI can be a big change, but there are resources available to help you make the transition. For example, the Social Security Administration’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program provides free, personalized assistance to help you understand the benefits and work incentives available to you.

Making the transition from SSD to SSI can be a challenging process, but with the right resources and support, it’s possible to maintain your financial stability.

Contact The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

The end of your SSD benefits doesn’t have to signal the end of your financial support. Whether you’re able to extend your SSD payments, try work incentives or transition to SSI, there are options available to help you continue to live with dignity and security. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill for assistance. 

Many of us have had discomfort or tingling in our hands and wrists, maybe as a result of spending too much time on our smartphones, typing on computers or working with tools. In other situations, this tingling and discomfort are caused by a disease known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome may result in a variety of symptoms. It may even impair your ability to do fundamental tasks such as typing, gripping a pen or pencil, or lifting and carrying items. If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe enough that you are unable to work, you may be asking, can you get disability for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

What Is Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel is inflammation of the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel, a tiny canal enclosed by bones and ligaments. Carpal tunnel syndrome produces numbness, tingling, and arm weakness. A person with CTS may also lose strength in their hands and drop items. Causes of CTS include health issues, repetitive hand movements, and wrist structure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve is squeezed. Thanks to the median nerve, you can feel your thumb and fingers (other than the little finger). It also tells muscles surrounding your thumb’s base to move.

Obtaining Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Disability Benefits

To be eligible for Social Security Disability payments, you must demonstrate that you fulfill the requirements in one of the agency’s impairment listings (from the “blue book”), that your symptoms are substantial “equivalent” to the criteria in one of the impairment listings, or that you are unable to work any job due to your restrictions.

Unfortunately, Social Security claims examiners seldom conclude that the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome alone are severe enough to warrant disability. However, many disability applicants have been successful in obtaining disability payments on appeal by using one of the strategies listed below.

Meeting or equaling the requirements of an Impairment Listing

Carpal tunnel syndrome is not listed as a disability, but if there is nerve damage, your disease may be classified as peripheral neuropathy. However, the listing standards for peripheral neuropathy are very tough to achieve, much more so for someone who has carpal tunnel syndrome. When the carpal tunnel ligaments lead you to lose functional use of your wrists and hands, your condition may be classified as a soft tissue injury.

Alternatively, carpal tunnel syndrome may be a symptom of another condition that is listed as an impairment. Among the mentioned impairments that may cause or contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome are the following:

  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Scleroderma
  • Renal failure

Medical Proof

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome might be difficult. Numerous test findings may increase the likelihood of a diagnosis of CTS. CTS is diagnosed by demonstrating three components: common symptoms, specific physical evidence, and aberrant electrodiagnostic test results, such as electromyography. 

While a diagnosis of CTS is beneficial, it is not sufficient to establish disability. You must establish your inability to work. Grip strength and dexterity tests may be used to demonstrate a decline in your ability to utilize your hands and fingers efficiently.

Inability to Work Due to Physical Impairments

If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe enough, you may be eligible for disability payments if you demonstrate an inability to work. Social Security uses the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) evaluation to determine your physical and mental capacity to do a job.

Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily impairs your physical skills, but the discomfort associated with it may impair your mental skills as well, such as your ability to focus.

Physical exertion and constraints

Social Security will evaluate your capacity to work depending on the degree of physical effort you are capable of doing. Social Security considers your capacity to lift, carry, and hold objects, as well as to conduct delicate manipulation with your fingers when determining your physical ability with your arms.

For those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, difficulty with fine motor skills encompasses all tasks that require the use of one’s fingers. This makes performing a job that requires these skills nearly impossible. Additionally, weakness in your hands may make grasping and carrying things difficult, preventing you from doing tasks that need you to use handheld tools or pick up items with your hands.

Allowance for medical-vocational

Social Security recognizes that the loss of fine motor skills may severely limit the types of jobs available to persons who can only do sedentary or light labor. If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe enough that your ability to use your hands is severely restricted, and Social Security believes your diagnosis of CTS and functional restrictions are believable, the agency may agree that you are unable to do any tasks that require “less than sedentary” employment. As a consequence, you may be eligible for benefits via a medical-vocational allowance.

Can You Get Disability For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome By Hiring An Attorney?

While the ailment is often manageable, it may develop serious enough that a person is unable to work due to discomfort and limits in their ability to use their hand and arm. If your CTS prevents you from working, you may be eligible for compensation.

At The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill, we are committed to assisting those with disabilities who are unable to work. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and answer the question, can YOU get disability for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! We will assist you in gathering documents and assembling a compelling application for benefits, as well as advocating for you throughout the process!

Are you someone who has been diagnosed with kidney disease? Wondering if you can get disability for kidney disease? The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work on a monthly basis. Although kidney disease does not automatically qualify for benefits, thousands of individuals who have been out of work for a year or longer due to kidney disease may qualify.

Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two kinds of payments to disabled individuals: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is a work-based program, while SSI is need-based.

You must be determined disabled through the SSA’s Five-Step Sequential Evaluation to be eligible for any benefit. The first step is to apply for disability benefits either online or with a local Social Security Administration office. You may seek the advice of a disability attorney to file your initial application for disability for kidney disease. 

Kidney Failure: Acute vs. Chronic

Kidney failure may be acute or chronic (prolonged). Acute kidney failure may be caused by a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, medication/infection/toxin damage, or a blockage. You may experience difficulty urinating and have swelling in your extremities if you have acute renal failure. Although most patients recover from acute kidney failure, persistent kidney damage may occur, resulting in chronic renal disease.

Chronic kidney disease lowers kidney function over time and, depending on severity, may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. As waste builds in the body, severe chronic kidney disease produces electrolyte imbalance and edema (swelling). 

Disability For Kidney Disease

The SSA Blue Book defines the conditions that are qualified for disability payments and the test results or symptoms that must be present for the condition to be recognized as a disability. To qualify for disability compensation, you must generally meet or exceed at least one of the requirements.

Kidney disease is covered in Section 6.00 of the Blue Book under Genitourinary Disorders. For the SSA to consider your kidney condition a disability, at least one of the following must be true:

  • You suffer from chronic Kidney (renal) disease and need dialysis.
  • You have chronic kidney disease and had a kidney transplant within the last year.
  • You have chronic kidney disease with decreased kidney function and at least one of the following symptoms:
  1. Renal osteodystrophy: a bone disease caused by failing kidneys, characterized by significant bone pain and anomalies.
  2. Peripheral neuropathy: a nerve disease that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and muscular weakness throughout the body as a result of toxins that the kidneys were unable to filter out.
  3. Fluid overload syndrome: a disorder in which water and salt are retained in the body, resulting in unusually large blood vessels, high blood pressure, skin inflammation, or a BMI of 18.0 or less due to weight loss.
  4. Anorexia with weight loss measured by a body mass index (BMI) of 18.0 or below, calculated at least twice in a 12-month period at least 90 days apart.
  • You have nephrotic syndrome (where protein is lost in the urine), as shown by testing twice a year, at least 90 days apart, and skin inflammation for at least 90 days.
  • You have chronic kidney disease and have been hospitalized at least three times in the last year as a consequence of complications. They must occur at least 30 days apart and last at least 48 hours, including time spent in a hospital emergency room prior to hospitalization.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will administer a Residual Functioning Capacity (RFC) assessment, which is a questionnaire that assesses your capacity to stand, sit, walk, lifting weight, and complete other daily tasks. Even if you do not fit into any of these categories, you may be eligible for disability for kidney disease if treatments prevent you from working. If your kidney disease prevents you from performing a job, you may be eligible for disability benefits.

Hire an Experienced Disability Attorney

While qualifying for disability for kidney disease is frequently straightforward, not all applicants have a fast or easy case assessment. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to record your condition and ensure that the SSA has all the necessary information and medical documents to assess your claim. You may also want to seek the assistance of an experienced Social Security advocate or attorney, particularly if your kidney condition prohibits you from working but does not fall under one of the Blue Book categories described above.

Our Columbia, MO disability attorneys want to help you secure the Social Security Disability benefits you need and deserve. Visit our website today to learn how to receive a free evaluation!

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to handle and absorb glucose (sugar) sufficiently due to inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance. Diabetes comes in various forms, including Type I, Type II, Type III, and gestational. So, can you get disability for diabetes?

Types Of Diabetes

Type I diabetes, also called Diabetes Mellitus, often develops during childhood. This usually indicates that the pancreas is producing insufficient insulin to metabolize the blood glucose, which may occur due to pancreas-related damage or illness. Type I diabetes patients need insulin because their bodies do not manufacture enough insulin.

Type 2 diabetes, known as adult-onset diabetes, develops when the body’s cells develop insulin resistance and therefore cannot metabolize adequate glucose. Type 2 diabetes is most prevalent in adults over 45 and is closely connected with obesity, hypertension, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, genetic factors contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 3 diabetes is a suggested name for Alzheimer’s disease, caused by insulin resistance in the brain. It is not yet a recognized medical term or illness, but it is being utilized in studies into the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that may develop in women who do not already have the disease during pregnancy.

Symptoms Of Diabetes

The common symptoms of diabetes vary by individual. Still, the commonalities often include frequent urination, blurred vision, excessive thirst, dark skin patches, constant hunger, lethargy or exhaustion, and tingling in the hands or feet. These symptoms, which can be severe, leave diabetic patients unable to work and lead them to ask an attorney, “can you get disability for diabetes, and how do you qualify?”

Numerous diabetic patients have neuropathy (nerve damage), which most often affects the hands and feet. Diabetes may also result in severe eye issues, such as retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and blurred vision. Because of their blood sugar levels, people with diabetes often have a more difficult time recovering from infection or skin lacerations. Additionally, if a diabetic patient has neuropathy, they may not detect an injury as quickly as ordinary individuals, particularly to the foot. These variables predispose diabetes patients to acute infections, which may result in amputation and other catastrophic consequences. Diabetic patients are also at a higher risk of developing kidney disease, ketoacidosis, hypertension, and stroke.

Can You Get Disability For Diabetes With Complications?

Diabetes is covered in Section 9 (Endocrine) of the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book” listing of debilitating ailments under paragraph 9.B5 (Diabetes mellitus and other pancreatic gland disorders).

Although a diagnosis of diabetes does not automatically qualify a person for SSDI benefits, any of its complications may very likely qualify a person for SSDI payments. These complications include:

  • Neuropathy
  • Retinopathy
  • Ketoacidosis
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetic Kidney Disease
  • Vascular Disease
  • Hyperglycemia that persists
  • Hypoglycemia on a long-term basis
  • Coronary arteriopathy
  • Cognitive impairments

Among other complications, they are all included in a diabetic disability claim.

Suppose you have uncontrolled diabetes and have been unable to work for at least 12 months or anticipate being unable to work for at least 12 months. In that case, you may qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI/SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. To qualify for disability benefits, however, the damage caused by diabetes must significantly impede your capacity to work, or you must have problems that meet the criteria for one of Social Security’s disability categories.

If your diabetes is uncontrolled as a result of your failure to adhere to your doctor’s advised medication, you will not qualify for disability.

How Limiting Is Diabetes For You?

Even if you do not fulfill a listing, can you get disability for diabetes? To decide if your diabetes significantly impairs your everyday functioning to the point that you are unable to work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) or state agencies (referred to as Disability Determination Services, or DDS) will examine your residual functional capacity (RFC). Most individuals who apply for disability payments based primarily on diabetes are first refused benefits and must submit an appeal to get a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Your RFC is a measure of the amount of activity you can continue to do while having diabetes. For instance, an RFC may determine that you are competent in undertaking a medium-level job, light-level labor, or sedentary work. The SSA will consider your medical history, doctor’s opinion(s) (if they specify your functional limits and are supported by medical evidence), and comments from you, your family, and friends in determining your RFC.

The SSA is also interested in your ability to concentrate on duties, work well with others, and report to work on a consistent basis. For instance, if your glucose levels are poorly maintained during the day, the insurance adjuster may discover that you cannot focus for extended periods. If you are suffering from depression or excessive exhaustion, your RFC may claim that you are unable to work consistently and regularly.

Applying For Disability Benefits

If you are unable to work due to health impairments caused by Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Proving disability due to diabetes and its associated conditions can be complex. Working with your doctors and a qualified Social Security Disability attorney can help ensure that your disability case has the best possible chance of success. Contact The Law Offices Of Karen Kraus Bill to help get you the benefits that you not only need but that you deserve!

After spending most of your life working and paying into Social Security, one day, you may become unable to continue working due to your age or perhaps your declining health. You may consider filing for disability benefits. Applying for disability benefits may feel intimidating and confusing. Many people are left wondering, “Do I need a lawyer for social security disability?” 

Do I Need a Lawyer for Social Security Disability?

While you are not required to hire a lawyer during the Social Security Disability application process, having legal counsel will significantly decrease your chances of being denied benefits. Many people assume that the application process is quick, easy, and only requires filling out a few forms. This is not the case when it comes to applying for disability benefits. The application process can be complex, and it requires extensive paperwork, medical records, and other personal information. Errors or omissions could impact your claim negatively and may result in a denial of benefits. If you were denied benefits, having a disability attorney to help you through the next steps will make the process much easier. 

What Is Required When Applying For Disability? 

When applying for disability, you will need to present information about your medical condition, work history, and other personal information. It is crucial to provide complete and accurate information during the application process. 

A Disability Attorney Can Help You Organize the Required Information

Compiling all of the required information on your own can be difficult and tedious. A disability attorney can assist you in organizing the correct information and ensuring it is comprehensive and satisfactory. 

Medical Information

  • Name, address, and telephone number of all treating physicians 
  • Dates and names of any medical tests you have undergone
  • Names of medications you are taking and the prescribing doctor

Personal Information

  • Your social security number
  • Your date and place of birth
  • Name and birth dates of any children who are minors
  • Your current or former spouse’s social security number and date of birth as well as the place of marriage and date of divorce or death if applicable
  • Your banking information including bank name and routing number or account number

Work Information

  • Names and addresses of employers from the current year and year prior
  • A copy of your Social Security Statement
  • The amount of money earned in the current year and previous year
  • A list of up to five jobs you have had in the last 15 years with dates of employment
  • Information regarding any workers’ compensation benefits you field or intended to file for
  • The start and end dates of any active-duty U.S. military service prior to 1968

What Happens If I Am Denied Benefits?

Finding out that you have been denied your benefits can feel frightening, but a majority of clients are denied on the application. There are many reasons why your disability claim may have been denied and it can be remedied. You may have filed the incorrect claim type, failed to show adequate medical proof, you may earn too much money, or it could be something else. If you were denied, your claim could be reevaluated during the appeals process. It is not recommended to attempt an appeal without the assistance of a knowledgeable disability attorney. Disability attorneys have experience with the Social Security claims process as well as insights into the specific requirements to get approval. 

The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill Can Help

Whether you are applying for the first time or need to appeal a denial, the disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill are ready to assist you. Applying for SSDI or SSI on your own might seem straightforward at first, but you will quickly discover a lot goes into the process. Mistakes or missing information on the application can result in a denial or reduced payments. The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill have filed hundreds of applications. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program used by qualified workers who can no longer work. Those who qualify and are insured under the SSDI program will receive an SSDI payment each month. So, what is the average SSDI payment qualifying participants can expect?

How Are SSDI Benefits Calculated?

The Social Security Administration has a system to calculate your benefits called the Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and the Primary Insurance Amount (PIS). Is it a complex formula that is difficult to use to calculate your expected benefits on your own, but the SSA can give you an estimate. 

Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME)

This is a tool the SSA uses to index your lifetime earnings. During this process, they account for up to 35 years of your working years, along with the increase in general wages that happened during those years. This is to ensure that your future payments mirror this rise. The SSA will use the years you have the highest indexed earnings and calculate the average earnings, and then round down to reach your AIME. 

Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)

The PIA is the base amount of benefits you will receive. Using the total of three fixed percentages from your AIME, the SSA will determine your PIA. As an example, someone who becomes eligible for SSDI benefits in 2021 may be calculated like this:

  • 90% of the first $996 of AIME
  • 32% of the AIME over $996 through $6,002, and
  • 15% of the AIME over $6,002

Average SSDI Payment Amounts

If you are eligible for SSDI benefits, your amount is not based on how much income you have but on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. The average SSDI payment amount for 2021 is about $1,277. The highest monthly SSDI payment you can receive in 2021 at full retirement age is $3,148. 

Why Is My SSDI Payment Low?

Your benefits amount may be reduced if you receive other disability payments such as a worker’s compensation settlement. Reductions like this are referred to as “offsets.” However, most other disability benefits will not affect your average SSDI payment, such as payments from private insurance or veterans benefits. If you haven’t worked many years, if you have gaps in your work history, or if you have several years with low earnings your benefit amount may be lower than average.  

Get Help Applying for SSDI Benefits Today

Applying for SSDI benefits is a challenging task and is best handled with the assistance of a skilled disability attorney. The SSDI lawyers at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill will ensure your records are in order so your application is as strong as it can be. We will help you avoid unnecessary delays and increase your chances of winning the benefits you need and deserve. Call our office today to learn more or to schedule a free evaluation. 

The coronavirus has affected people worldwide, and this widespread virus has caused the rates of unemployment in the United States to skyrocket. Due to this, the U.S. government passed the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act in 2020 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. These are both meant to provide direct economic assistance for Americans who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are some limitations on who will receive stimulus money based on income level. So what do you need to know about SSDI, SSI, and stimulus checks? 

Who Is Eligible For The COVID-19 Stimulus Check?

The 2nd stimulus check was provided in the amounts of $600 per individual, $1,200 per couple, and $600 for children. Individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) that falls at or below $75,000, $112,500 for heads of household, or couples who earn below $150,000 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 relief funds. Those who earn above these amounts may still receive a stimulus check, but the amounts will be reduced. 

Will SSDI or SSI Affect My Stimulus Check?

Many people are wondering, “Am I eligible for the COVID-19 stimulus check if I also receive SSDI or SSI benefits?” If you participate in the SSDI or SSI programs, the IRS claims you should automatically be eligible to receive the stimulus money. If you received money on the first or second round of payments, you should qualify for future stimulus payments. However, if you were claimed as a dependant on someone else’s tax return, that could affect your eligibility. 

Will COVID-19 Stimulus Money Affect My Disability Benefits Eligibility?

The COVID-19 stimulus check will not count as income for SSI eligibility purposes, and there is no need to report it to the Social Security Administration as income. The money is also not taxable, so it also does not count as a resource as long as you spend the full amount within 12 months of receiving it. For those receiving SSDI benefits, the stimulus check should not affect eligibility. 

What If My Income Is Lower Than When I Filed My Last Tax Return?

If you had decreased income in 2020 due to the loss of a job and/or starting disability benefits, there is a chance you may not receive the next stimulus check. However, if you filed a 2019 tax return that is above the $75,000 or $150,000 threshold, but you are under that threshold upon filing your 2020 taxes, you could get your stimulus payment in the form of a rebate with a later tax return. This is referred to as a Recovery Rebate Credit. 

Beware of Stimulus Check Scams

Please be aware that the IRS will not contact you for personal financial information. Many scams surround the COVID-19 relief money and people have received phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Treasury Department or the IRS. The IRS will securely mail you a letter to your last known address approximately 15 days after your money was deposited into your account or mailed as a paper check. This letter will inform you of how the payment was made, and if you did not receive your payment, you can request a replacement check from the IRS. You can also check the status of your payment through the IRS website. 

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one needs legal advice about SSI, SSDI, and stimulus checks for COVID-19 relief, please reach out to the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill today. Our team of experienced attorneys is available to help you get the money you deserve.

Are you dealing with health issues and financial uncertainty? You’re not alone. When you’ve become unable to work due to a health condition, you may need financial assistance to pay for your livelihood. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an available resource for those needing financial assistance due to a disability. 

What is SSDI?

SSDI is considered an “entitlement program,” meaning it is available to those who have paid into social security and earned enough credits. By making their contribution to the Social Security fund, recipients of SSDI are considered “insured”. The Social Security Administration provides benefits to those who cannot work enough due to certain medical conditions. 

Who Can Qualify for SSDI?

SSDI is available for those individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. There are a variety of impairments that qualify under SSDI. Some of them include disorders affecting the cardiovascular system or musculoskeletal system as well as neurological disorders and cancer. To be considered a candidate for SSDI, a person should be under the age of 65 and have earned a specific number of work credits, working at least 5 out of the last 10 years. 

How Much Money Can You Make And Still Get SSDI?

SSDI Income Limits

In general, SSDI recipients are unable to perform what the Social Security Administration refers to as “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). Substantial gainful activity means you can work enough to make more than $1,310 per month in 2021 or $2,190 if you’re blind. In general, SSDI payments will stop if you are earning more than those amounts. 

Working and SSDI Benefits

There are some exceptions to the SSDI income limitations. SSDI recipients can perform a trial work period during which they may be able to make more than the SGA amount and maintain SSDI benefits. Sometimes, during a one-month trial period, SSDI recipients can test their ability to work and continue to receive full benefits even if the amount earned exceeds SGA. 

Ticket to Work Program

Those who are looking to work toward financial independence and are also receiving SSDI benefits can sign up for the SSA’s Ticket to Work program. This program supports those ages 18 to 64 who want to work but are also Social Security disability beneficiaries. The program waives SGA earning limits, so recipients can go through the program and complete trial work while still receiving benefits. If a participant gets a job through the program, SSDI benefits will stop if the amount earned exceeds the SGA amount. 

Ready to Apply for SSDI?

If you think you might qualify for SSDI benefits and are ready to apply, contact the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill help. Our team of experienced disability attorneys is ready to assist you throughout the process. If you are unsure whether or not you will qualify for SSDI, we are happy to discuss your options and answer your questions. The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill can also help if you were previously denied SSDI benefits. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation. 

Many people qualifying for disability have one big question about the income they are going to be receiving. Is SSDI taxable? The question is not so simple to answer as it can vary based on your specific situation and location. Here is a breakdown of how taxable your SSDI may be.

Before receiving SSDI benefits, there are two major factors that must be in play to qualify for benefits. The first is the definition by which the government deems someone qualified to receive benefits:

First, the SSA says, “Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, and remembering—for at least 12 months.” The condition must prevent you from doing the kind of work you did previously, and based on your age, education, experience, and transferable skills, you are unable to perform other work.

Additionally, you must have a pre-qualifying disability from the SSA’s Approved List and make less than $1310 in monthly wages.

SSDI has supported Americans since Social Security came into existence during the New Deal acts of the 1930s.

When do you pay Federal Tax for SSDI?

Generally, SSDI income is not taxable unless your federal taxable income is above a certain threshold. Currently, as of December 2020, the threshold for a single income amount that is not taxable is $25,000 and $32,000 when married and filing jointly.

State Tax Possibilities for SSDI

The above rules stand for federal taxation of SSDI, but what about State taxes? Historically, states have not taxed Social Security Income, including disability income. However, in recent years, some states have began implementing state-specific policies on how social security income is taxed. The following 13 states have their own policies in place:

  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Kansas
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
  • Rhode Island
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia

The state regulations on social security income often mirror the Federal regulations and simply add a state-specific layer to the way your income is taxed, but in some states, the regulations and ruling can differ slightly.

How Are SSDI Taxes Calculated?

Your reported income for taxes does not necessarily include the entirety of your disability income. The way this is calculated is based on your other sources of income and a portion of your social security income. If your calculated total is below the threshold set in your state or federally, you will not receive any taxes on your disability income. Additionally, this means that if your disability benefits are increased for any reason, you would potentially get taxed on a portion of that increase.

All of this can be confusing to navigate. This is one of the many reasons people often seek council with an experienced attorney to help them make sure they take the best route possible for their specific needs.

Need Help Navigating SSDI and Taxes?

Many of the questions people have about the income they receive can blur the lines of legal support and accounting support. Let our experienced social security disability lawyers help! Our attorneys have specialized in Social Security Disability Income and SSI legal services for over 30 years and we are prepared to help you through the process! Schedule a free consultation with one of the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill.