Best Disability Attorneys in Louisville, KY

Absolutely. Most of the people who come to see me have already been turned down, sometimes twice. The Social Security's system is set up to deny claimants on these initial decisions. Many claimants (especially those who aren't represented) don't appeal these initial disability denials. Not appealing a negative decision is a big mistake. Once you have been denied twice, you can request a hearing. At this stage of the disability adjudication and review process you will have the right to appear before an Administrative Law Judge who will see you and actually listen to what you have to say. Many denials are reversed at this hearing. Persistence and experienced representation pay off.

Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income on which you paid Social Security taxes. You can earn up to four credits each year. The amount needed for a credit changes from year to year. In 2018, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,320 of wages (or self-employment income). When you have earned $5,280, you've earned your four credits for the year. These contribute to the computation of disability back pay.

Yes, the regulations encourage attempts to work. Under some circumstances, attempts to work are permitted while you continue to receive benefits. Social Security provides for a trial work period up to 9 months that allows you to attempt to work and receive disability benefits as well. If you are not successful in your attempt to work, your Social Security benefits may not be interrupted.

Not necessarily. The law requires the SSA to review your case periodically to see if you are still disabled. The frequency of those reviews depends on whether your condition is expected to improve and your age. For example, if medical improvement is expected, your case may be reviewed within six to 18 months after benefits start. If improvement is not expected, your case will normally be reviewed no sooner than seven years. Older individuals approaching retirement age are less likely to be reviewed.

There are several reasons. When you elect to draw early retirement (at age 62), you will receive approximately 80% of your full retirement (the amount you would get if you waited till age 66, or full retirement age, to retire) and you will receive this reduced amount (subject to annual cost-of-living raises) for the rest of your life. However, if you are approved for disability benefits (before age 66), you will receive a disability benefit very close to 100% of your full retirement benefit. Then, when you turn 66, you will be switched over to receive Social Security Retirement benefits. This can amount to a substantial amount of money over your lifetime.