Should I Hire a Social Security Lawyer to Help with My Claim?

Applying for disability with the Social Security Administration can be confusing and challenging. Whether you are navigating the waters yourself or have sought the counsel of a social security lawyer, it helps to have as much information as possible on your side. Some common questions about filing for disability through the Social Security Administration are included below.
Q: Am I eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits, if I currently receive workers compensation benefits?
A: Yes, you can apply for Social Security Disability, even though you are on workers compensation. You are entitled to collect benefits from both, but cannot exceed 80 percent of your estimated annual income average. The average income of every applicant is different. That means one worker may have a high enough cap to collect full benefits, while another may not. Your Social Security allotment will be decreased to meet that 80 percent limit, if the combined total of your workers compensation and social security benefits are more than your income average limit. For example, if before you were injured, your average monthly income was $5000, your 80 percent cap would be $4000 per month. You may be eligible for $2500 per month in Social Security Disability, but already receive $2500 each month in workers compensation. Your Social Security benefits would be reduced to $1500 to meet your cap of $4000.
Consider consulting a social security lawyer or a Social Security representative, if any of your current workers compensation benefits are increased, reduced, or paid via one large sum (instead of in installments). Your Social Security allotments are often affected when the amount or method of payment of workers comp is altered from when you originally applied.
Q: Will my assets affect my receiving SS benefits?
A: The disability benefits awarded to you under Social Security should not be influenced by your assets. Disability benefits are contingent upon what you put into Social Security when you were working and the duration of your tenure in the workforce. It is a benefit that is earned. Your assets, therefore, should not affect your benefits. If, however, you are applying for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, your assets will affect those benefits. SSI benefits are awarded based on need, so any income and assets you have must be considered.
If you are unsure how to report your assets or confused about whether you qualify for SSD or SSI benefits, contact a Social Security claims representative or seek advice from a social security lawyer.
Q: SS wants me to see one of their doctors. Do I have to?
A: Not in all cases. Your disability examiner should not request that you have a consultative examination (CE), unless he could not gather enough information about your case. Perhaps the examiner needs a more recent exam than what was provided in your medical history. The medical specialist that provides the CE will be able to provide an updated profile of your condition. The CE will be looked at in concert with your other medical records. And you will not have to pay for the requested examination. Contact your case representative, if you feel you should not have to go through another exam. If you feel like you have been unfairly subjected to multiple examinations, contacting a social security lawyer might provide some insight into how and why certain examinations may or may not be needed. See More Tampa social security lawyer | Florida social security lawyers |

About the Author

Find more info about social security attorney, see HillandPonton.com.