Social Security Disability is a federal insurance program that allows those in Powder Springs who have become disabled to apply for benefits. These benefits provide monthly income that is in proportion to income you earned before you became disabled.
While this benefit can be extremely useful, it can also be very confusing. Unfortunately, many people who would likely qualify for SSD benefits don’t apply because the application process is somewhat intimidating. Many people also simply stop the application process when they are denied in the first round.
The truth is that many people who are qualified are initially rejected. It is strongly recommended that you have a Power Springs Social Security Disability lawyer to help you through this process.
At John Foy & Associates, we have helped hundreds of people apply for SSD or work through the appeal process once they have been denied. It can be extremely discouraging to get rejected for benefits, but you do have options even after you get a denial in the first round. Don’t quit just because they tell you no—let John Foy & Associates help you through the appeal to increase your chances of getting benefits. Let us give you a free consultation. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
How Much does a Social Security Disability Lawyer Charge?
Federal law limits how much a Social Security Disability lawyer can charge clients. Attorneys aren’t allowed to charge an hourly fee for services related to getting SSD benefits. Instead, the lawyer will enter into a contingency fee arrangement with you.
This arrangement means that you will not have to pay the attorney anything unless you get benefits from the Social Security Administration.
The payment that your attorney receives will actually come directly from the Social Security Administration. SSA even reviews the agreement between you and your attorney to ensure that it is fair and complies with their particular guidelines on fee arrangements.
At John Foy & Associates, our fee is always based on a percentage of what we win for you. And you get to keep the lion’s share, because these benefits are meant to help you. There are very strict caps on what we will charge an SSD client.
In addition, we front your SSD costs and fees for you, so that you don’t have to pay these expenses out of pocket. For example, at John Foy & Associates, we will front costs such as:
- Fees for retrieving records from doctors and hospitals
- Costs related to mental or physical medical examinations
- Records request costs for school or work records
- Postage and copying fees
That means you owe nothing out-of-pocket, and these fees are paid out of the SSD benefits you recover. This is to further protect you when you’re already under financial strain.
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How Long does It Take to Get Medicare Coverage Through Social Security Disability?
One of the many things that SSD beneficiaries are concerned about is when their Medicare coverage will begin after they have qualified for Social Security Disability benefits. Many applicants don’t have insurance coverage, so going without any type of health insurance can be a struggle.
There is a two-year waiting period to get Medicare coverage. But, that waiting period starts as of the date of your disability (plus the five-month waiting period of SSDI), not the date that you qualify for SSD benefits.
If you were considered disabled more than two years ago, for example, your waiting period will be just long enough to get everything processed—usually within 30 to 90 days.
In many cases, you will qualify for Medicaid while you wait for your SSD decision from the court or to be eligible for Medicare, but not always.
Can I Work and Still Get Social Security Disability Benefits?
In many cases, the answer is yes. In fact, many people in the City of Powder Springs work part-time and still receive Social Security Disability benefits. Generally speaking, the definition of disability is that you can no longer engage in “substantial” gainful activity. The SSA uses this definition so that you can still do some work, but not much.
You likely wouldn’t be able to support yourself on the limited income that you can make while being disabled. But, you can use this income to supplement the benefits that you are receiving from SSD.
According to the SSA, “substantial gainful activity” means earning more than a specific dollar amount. That dollar amount changes from year to year to adjust for inflation. For 2018, for example, it is $1,180 per month.
You can also try to engage in substantial gainful activity without penalty or the threat of losing your benefits for a period of nine months. Consider an example, imagine that you are getting benefits under SSD, but you have an employment opportunity that you feel like you can do.
You try to work this job and end up making $1,000. This month is considered a trial work month because you earned more than $850. You can use up to nine months of trial work in a 12-month period without fear of losing your benefits.
If you are able to work for the full nine months, you will immediately enter what was is called an “extended period of eligibility” or EPE. This 36-month period allows you to try to go back to work while also receiving benefits for the months that you earn below the limit ($1,180 for 2018). Your eligibility for benefits is basically measured on a month-to-month period during this time.
This program is put in place to encourage those getting benefits to try to go back to work if they can. But, there are situations where, as much as you want to go back to work, your physical or mental condition limits your abilities. This program helps you decide whether you’re really ready to go back without forcing you to give up your benefits or go through the application process again.
Talk to a Powder Springs Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free
You don’t have to work through the SSD application process alone. Ensuring that you use just the right phrasing and provide the right information can significantly increase your chances to get benefits. Let our team help you!
Let us give you a FREE consultation. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
