SSI Disability and You

In order to understand SSI disability, there are a variety of things that need to be taken into consideration. A lot of people wonder how this might relate to them, as it's true that many people simply don't know where to start with it. The fact is, this is not difficult to understand, so long as you put forth the effort to do so. With so much information available in books and on the Internet, your chances of understanding SSI disability are actually quite high. The following are just a few tips for helping you to streamline your understanding it, regardless of your experience with it in the past.

The first thing you must know is that it isn't nearly as confusing to understand as many people think. Many people avoid looking into this altogether simply because they worry that it will be too confusing for them to understand. This is not true, as with so much info available, you'll be well on your way to understanding SSI disability in no time at all.

It doesn't apply to everyone. This is something that often goes overlooked. In order to understand whether or not this is something that might apply to you, you'll want to take the time to look into the details as much as possible. The more you can learn, the better.

Talking to someone about this is something that doesn't have to be nearly as difficult as it is often thought to be. In fact, there are plenty of hot-lines that can be called in order to fully understand this as best as possible. So long as you know this, you'll be just fine.

This doesn't have to be expensive to implement. In fact, you can actually save a great deal of money from SSI disability if you go about implementing it correctly. If it seems confusing and costly, you'll be glad to know that this is simply not the case at all; especially if you take the time to learn more about it.

If you're concerned about not being eligible based upon where you live, you'll be quite happy to know that this doesn't typically matter. Location is something that isn't usually a factor, which can help you to incorporate it into your life if it is necessary. After all, SSI disability shouldn't be difficult to get for those who need it.

There are a great deal of books that are available about SSI disability, many of which are quite easy to read and understand. Bearing this in mind, you should have no trouble learning more about SSI disability if you simply pick up a book that is easy to read.

As you can tell, SSI disability doesn't have to be confusing.

I'm a social security consultant with an expert knowledge of social security disability forms. For more resources and information, check out SSI disability.

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SSI Disability

Understanding everything that there is to know about SSI disability is something that a lot of people don't put nearly enough stock in. After all, the more that one can learn about anything, the better off they're going to be. SSI disability can be quite confusing if you don't put the right amount of effort into understanding it; regardless of the situation. So long as you do take the time to look into everything, however, you'll be well on your way towards keeping SSI disability top of mind. The following are just a few things that one should think of when they are trying to understand this and how it applies to them.

This is something that simply doesn't have to be anywhere near as confusing as a lot of people make it out to be. Confusion can surely be a problem when trying to navigate the world of SSI disability, although this is only because most people don't take the time to learn as much as possible about it.

If you're wondering if this is something that applies to you, then you'll definitely want to know that it truly doesn't apply to everyone. In fact, there are more people out there that it doesn't apply to than those which it does. Understanding this is paramount to being able to make it work for you, and should never be ignored.

You'll definitely want to talk to a professional about it if it is something that you're considering. In fact, the more you can learn about it, the better off you're going to be in the long run. Fortunately, talking to someone about this is typically no more difficult than making a single phone call.

If you're afraid that this might be something that is expensive to implement, you'll be quite happy to find out that it really is not. In fact, you can very easily save a great deal of money with this. As a result, this should not be a concern.

The area that you live in does not typically have any effect on whether or not you are eligible. This is something that a lot of people don't usually realize.

Finding a book on SSI disability is something that doesn't have to be difficult. That said, you can get a lot out of reading as many books as possible, which can help you to determine whether or not SSI disability is something that you could benefit from.

Consider everything above to determine if you are a candidate for SSI disability. After all, information is everywhere, and understanding whether or not you are eligible for SSI disability does not have to be difficult at all.

I'm a social security consultant with an expert knowledge of social security disability forms. For more resources and information, check out SSI disability.

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Filling Out a Disability Application

Are you in the position in which you might need to fill out a disability application? You'll be happy to know that even though doing so can be quite confusing, it doesn't have to be nearly as hard as people tend to think. So long as you put forth the right amount of effort and take the time to fully learn how to fill out a disability application, you'll be well on your way towards doing so in a succinct manner; regardless of the specifics. Consider all of the following when filling out a disability application; it can be quite helpful in the long run, and is more than worth doing.

The first thing to think about when filling out a disability application is what your needs are. Understanding your needs is extremely important if you plan on taking this route, as it can dramatically impact the way in which you fill out such an application. The more you can learn about disability and how it applies to you, the better off you'll be.

Before you set out to fill out a disability application, you'll want to do whatever you can to make a few phone calls. Phone calls are of the utmost importance; especially considering the fact that most people don't know where to start when it comes to SSI. So long as you can make a few effective phone calls, you'll be well on your way towards getting the disability that you need.

Disability is not for everyone. In fact, there are a great deal of individuals who will not qualify for disability, and understanding whether or not you are part of this group is the first step towards knowing where to go next. As a result, you'll want to learn more about disability and how it applies to you before making any crucial steps.

There are a great deal of books and other resources out there that apply to disability. Learning more about disability through books and other resources doesn't have to be difficult; especially if you have the time to read as much as possible. So long as you consider this, you shouldn't run into too many issues regarding disability.

When setting out to fill out a disability application, you'll want to ensure that you have the right amount of time on your side to do so effectively. After all, it can take a great deal of time to fill something out correctly, and disability is no exception. So long as you understand this, however, you should run into very few problems.

Applying for disability can dramatically improve the quality of your life. As long as you know this, you should have no issues filling out the application.

Always consider the above when filling out a disability application.

I'm a social security consultant with an expert knowledge of social security disability forms. For more resources and information, check out disability application.

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Getting Social Security Disability Benefits While Collecting Unemployment

If you have lost your job, and are collecting unemployment benefits, can you seek Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, too? Yes, you're entitled to SSDI if you are disabled and can't work. Go ahead and apply if this is your medical situation. Do it soon, before you run out of unemployment benefits. But, be aware that applying for disability while collecting unemployment is risky.

Can You Work?

To collect unemployment benefits, you must commit to your state labor department that you are able to work and are actively looking for work. When you apply to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability benefits, you are admitting that you can't work because you have a medical condition that is preventing you from doing so.

The Work Conflict

As long as you are looking for work you think you can handle, and you are keeping a good record of jobs you have applied to, you should be okay as far as not risking your continued eligibility for unemployment benefits. The more difficult challenge will be in proving to SSA that you are disabled.

When you apply at the initial level, an SSA disability examiner in your state reviews the medical facts of your case to decide if you are able to work. Collecting unemployment compensation may appear contradictory. The examiner could think that you are able to work, even though you're telling SSA that you can't. Don't be surprised if your case is denied at this point in the process.

Don't Give Up

Keep it going with an appeal. Even if you get denied a second time, don't stop. Your case will go on to the hearing level, giving you the opportunity to personally explain your circumstances to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The ALJ takes a more subjective review of the facts surrounding your case. If you can explain to the judge that you tried to find work within your physical limitations while collecting unemployment but couldn't find a job, the judge may decide that you tried. You have the desire to work but physically can't. And if you have the substantial medical history that is required to support your case, the outcome should work in your favor.

Money While You Wait

It can take many months, even years, to get through the disability application process. If you're collecting unemployment benefits now, don't wait for those benefits to end. At least you will have some money coming in while waiting for a decision on your disability case.

Also, you can't get both unemployment and SSDI benefits. You must tell the unemployment office when your Social Security disability claim is approved. You may also have to pay back months of unemployment benefits. This could happen if SSA pays you a lump sum of back benefits representing how long it took to decide your case. Make sure you check into this with your labor department. Payback rules are not the same in every state.

The eligibility rules for winning SSDI benefits while collecting unemployment is, without a doubt, complex.

Getting professional guidance from a Social Security disability advocacy group or attorney can certainly go far in helping you get through the complexities of both programs so that you can get the additional income benefits you need

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What Professionals Need to Consider When Purchasing Long Term Disability Coverage

Part 1 of 3

For the majority of successful professionals such as physicians, dentists, attorneys, investment bankers and other high-income executives, the purchase of long-term disability policy is generally regarded as a necessity rather than an option. As incomes increase over the years, families grow, and expenses escalate, and the possibility of losing that substantial income due to a disability can be daunting and difficult to face.

As a result, here are some tips for high-earning professionals considering purchasing a disability policy and some pointers for those who may have already purchased coverage:

1) Know THE ODDS

- According to the Council for Disability Awareness, over 25% of today's 20 year-olds will become disabled before they retire.

- Approximately 95% of disabilities are caused by illnesses rather than accidents.

2) KNOW YOUR NEEDS

- 44% of U.S. families are spending more than they earn. If you're among them, purchase adequate coverage to replace your income and don't expect to be able to subsidize it with earnings from retirement portfolios.

- Anticipate how much you and your family are likely to need as your income increases and add coverage accordingly. Ask about COLA (cost of living adjustments) that can make a significant difference in the amount of benefits received when disabled and find out if residual benefits riders are appropriate for your needs.

- Consider purchasing FIOs (Future Increase Options) that allow you to increase your coverage on an attained age basis, without having to provide evidence of insurability. You never want to find yourself with earnings that have increased significantly, that cannot be protected because you can no longer purchase coverage, based on poor health that makes you ineligible for additional coverage.

UNDERSTAND INSURER(S) AND CONTRACTS DIFFER

- Disability policies are NOT all created equal. As legal contracts, they can be filled with countless options, confusing terminology, multiple definitions of disability, criteria for exclusion, renewability, premium increases, etc. Seek an independent disability professional to help you understand your policy before you purchase it; one who will also be available for consultation as your income stream increases and you add coverage.

- Lifetime benefit riders make a HUGH difference to disabled claimants no longer able to continue working and generate income. In is not unusual for high income professionals to develop a lifestyle that is more than just difficult to change if they should ever become disabled.

Consider these tips when purchasing coverage, but when it comes to filing a claim that's a horse of a different color.

Should you ever need to file a claim for disability benefits, consider engaging a professional Disability Claims Consultant who has an an expert's knowledge of the claims filing process and the experience to help you successfully navigate through the complexities of the claims filing process.

All prospective claimants need to research how consultants work; how and what they charge and most importantly they need to determine if they feel comfortable with not only how they work but if their personalities are compatible so that they can proceed in what is a critical relationship they will establish with the claims consultant over the course of this process.

If that rapport is lacking, it will jeopardize the success of getting the claim(s) approved, in which case the claimant should explore working with other claims consultants, until they find one that meets their criteria as the customer.

Long term disability insurance is a necessity for high-net-worth professionals, to protect their dignity and lifestyle should they ever become disabled. It is therefore imperative that they force themselves to make the time needed to research the numerous benefit options and determine which are most suitable for their situation. Find an insurance professional who specializes in selling disability insurance to guide you through the process and work with you as your professional career progresses.

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What to Expect When Applying For Individual Disability Insurance

Disability insurance provides working professionals with protection against the financial risk of someday being unable to work due to a sickness or injury. If a sickness or injury prevents you from working, disability insurance can provide monthly benefits intended to replace a percentage of your pre-disability income. In order to obtain an individual disability insurance policy consumers should be in fairly good health and must undergo a process known as underwriting. For consumers interested in obtaining coverage, below is an explanation of what you should expect during the application process.

Completing the Application for Insurance
There are still some agents that prefer to complete insurance applications during an in-person meeting, but in many cases the application can be completed by phone and electronically. An application for disability insurance will generally range between 11-25 pages covering a great deal of issues including your personal information, work related information, medical history and a general risk assessment. In addition to answering questions, an applicant must also sign specific authorizations which allow for the insurance company to review any medical information necessary to thoroughly underwrite the application. At the point of submitting your application you should also be prepared to provide financial documentation to prove your current income.

Insurance Medical Exam
Depending on the amount of disability insurance being applied for, most consumers will be required to complete an insurance medical exam which is provided by a paramedical service. The medical exam can be conducted at your home or work place and generally includes regular lab work, a shortened medical exam and a thorough questionnaire regarding your medical history. This is a similar medical exam to that which is required for life insurance.

Personal History Interview
Although it may seem tedious and extremely repetitive, the final data gathering stage is known as a personal history interview or phone interview and includes questions very similar to those on the application. The interview will be conducted by a third party representing the insurance company and the interview results will be sent directly to the insurance company for review.

The "In-Between" Stage
Once this information has been received, the insurance company will begin a thorough review process and may even order medical records directly from your current and prior physicians if needed. This stage can vary in timing and often makes up the majority of the application process - between two to four weeks. Although it may not take more than a few days for documents and medical records to be reviewed by an underwriter, it can take a few weeks to obtain the actual medical records from your physician's office. Try and be patient during this time as much of it will be out of your or your agent's control.

Receiving and Reviewing Your Offer
Following an in depth review of your personal, medical and financial situation the insurance company will either decline or approve your application and make an offer. Consumers should review their approval carefully as this will provide the true parameters of the benefits being provided by the policy. Although you may have initially applied for one thing, you could be approved for something slightly or completely different. Any changes that have been made will require your signature as a form of acknowledgement so be sure to review the policy, the policy summary and any amendments with your agent before signing these forms.

This summarizes the disability insurance application process. Be patient and apply knowing that underwriting will take a total of four to eight weeks on average. The most important thing is that this will provide you and your family with the income protection and financial security needed, against the risk of disability.

Michael L. Relvas, CFP® is the owner of MR Insurance Consultants and also the creator of the Buyer's Guide to Disability Insurance for Physicians. For more information or assistance in applying for coverage, contact Michael at 800-817-4522 or visit disability insurance.

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Advantages Of Taking Up Individual Disability Insurance Cover

Among the advantages of having individual disability insurance is financial support and help that is issued to your family members by the social security. Employers can secure this type of cover for their workers. This type of cover makes sure that a disabled individual together with the family get support for a certain period that the insured person is disabled. Getting this type of cover poses very many advantages to the insured.

This cover acts as protection. Statistics state that there is a thirty percent chance that you can be disabled when you get to the age of sixty. Not all employers assure the workers of getting them this type of cover. Moreover, very few people that are self-employed have relevant knowledge concerning this type of policy. Nevertheless, this type of cover offers tax-free income for your requirements mostly when you are unable to work.

Another advantage is caps. Group plans have caps. This means that you will get to pay a certain amount and percentage of your income. When your income is low, you will get to pay a lower percentage. However, most insurance companies restrict one from taking up a cover that is sixty percent of the earnings.

Disability payments are free hence allowing more the 60% encourages sluggishness and inability to extend the cover. The insured ends up getting more on disability than the amount that one would have incurred in levies while still working. This therefore reduces the motivation of an individual.

You find that, you also get to benefit from this kind of policy depending with your occupation. The group disability covers consider one disabled once you are unable to perform certain tasks. A good example is a surgeon that has lost a finger for the person is able to teach but is unable to perform surgeries. This implies that the professional is not entitled to get the benefits. One can take up a policy that has the occupation clause inclusive so as to get the benefits when you are unable to perform your duties.

There are also the locked-in benefits. Once an individual has taken up this cover, the firm is not in a position to revoke the cover, if the individual has the definite renewable policy. However, when you fully rely on your employer to pay for the cover, the firm can opt to switch to carriers on to deny you the policy the next year.

You also benefit from inflation protection. When you are taking up this cover, you can attach an inflation protection clause. When you are disabled for a prolonged period, your ability to purchase cannot increase. Having this type of protection increases the payment depending with the increase in inflation.

You can also get partial benefits when you have the individual disability insurance cover. In case you are not able to work the full hours, which will reduce your income, you get partial benefits. You are also at an advantage for you will get the partial benefits when you are disabled but you can work after a short time.

You will find a review of the reasons why you should invest in disability insurance for individuals and a summary of the factors that determine disability insurance rates, now.

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Social Security Disability and the Importance of Your Prior Work

I had a recent Social Security Disability hearing for a 59 year old man (John Doe) who had been a plant manager for a cement company. He had been denied his claim by the district office on the grounds he retained the ability to do light duty work (lifting up to 20 pounds). The district office concluded his job as he did it was medium work (lifting up to 50 pounds). The office then concluded he could not do the job as he did it but could do the job as described in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). The DOT described the plant manager position as "light duty work" as it is usually done in the national economy.

Since the district office found he had the residual functional capacity (RFC) to do light duty work and that the plant manager job was light duty work as defined in the DOT, they denied his claim for disability.

In reviewing Mr. Doe's case with him, I found he had less than a high school education, that he had worked for his employer for 35 years, that he did not hire and fire, that he did not prepare reports, and that he did supervise two other workers but did much of the work himself. I concluded his occupation sounded more like a "maintenance mechanic" than that of a "plant manager" under the DOT. I consulted the book and yes his job did seem to appear to be that of a maintenance mechanic.

At the hearing in front of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), I claimed John Doe was disabled under the Grid due to the fact he was of advanced age (59), he had limited education (less than high school), he was reduced to light duty work by his ailments, and his actual job positition at the cement plant was that of a maintenance mechanic even though he was called a plant manager.

The Vocational Expert (VE) who was at the hearing agreed that based on John Doe's testimony he was actually a maintenance mechanic and not a plant manager. She also agreed John Doe could not do the position of maintenance mechanic as he did it or as it was described in the national economy because it required medium level work (lifting up to 50 pounds).

Nonetheless, the ALJ was bothered by the fact the John Doe had claimed throughout his application he was a "plant manager" on the forms he had filled out. I did persuade him with affidavits from his former owner and former safety director that his duties were those of a maintenance mechanic and not that of a plant manager. Based on the affidavits the ALJ granted John Doe his disability benefits.

In summary the key to John Doe's case was determining his prior work as plant manager was not actually the duties of plant manager as defined in the DOT. Rather, his prior work was that of maintenance mechanic. Once, I established his current prior occupation I won the case.

Jerry Lutkenhaus is a practitioner of Social Security Disability law in the Richmond, Virginia area for over 30 years. He was given an "AV" rating by Martindale Hubbell in 2003. Lexis Nexis listed him in the 2005 Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys. For more information, see http://www.geraldlutkenhaus.com and http://www.virginiadisabilitylawyer.com You can call Jerry Lutkenhaus now at 804-358-4766 for a free consultation about your disability case.

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Disabled Veterans Unable to Work Can Get A 100 Percent VA Rating and Full Benefits

If you are a disabled veteran who can't work, you could be entitled to full disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) even if your current VA rating is below 100 percent. You could get Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

What Does It Mean To Be Unemployable?

Veterans are unemployable if the disabilities they have that are tied to their military service are preventing them from working. The most extreme situation is that a veteran is unable to work at all. Additionally, unemployability can also be claimed if the veteran is unable to keep a job, or to earn enough money to live above the annual poverty level, which is currently set at $11,170.

Unemployability can also apply to a disabled veteran who works on a farm or for a family business, even if their income exceeds the annual poverty level. This is referred to as "sheltered employment,"

If any of these situations describe what's happening in your life, you should look into getting full benefits based on individual unemployability, especially if the VA rating you currently have makes you eligible for TDIU.

What is the VA Rating Criteria for Individual Unemployability?

In most cases, your current VA rating must meet the VA's criteria for TDIU. For example, if you have a disability rated at 60 percent or higher, you are eligible. You can also have a combined VA rating of 70 percent or higher for two or more disabilities as long as one disability is rated at 40 percent.

There Are Exceptions to the VA's Rules

Eligibility is not always that cut and dry. Believe it or not, you don't have to necessarily meet one of these VA ratings to qualify. The VA understands that each and every disability case is different. Yours may be linked to a specific situation that supports why you can't work. So, if you feel your service-connected disability is interfering with your ability to work, you may be entitled to more money from the VA.

Can TDIU Benefits Stop?

There are a couple of scenarios that could affect the continuation of your TDIU benefits.

Even, if you are awarded a 100 percent rating based on unemployability, the VA could still discontinue TDIU if they decide that you are fit to work. That decision would be based upon a requested medical examination. Your TDIU status will end and you will go back to getting compensated based on your actual VA rating.

If you do starting working again, you'll lose TDIU after a year and you will simply go back to getting disability compensation based on your actual VA rating in addition to a good steady salary.

The important thing is that if you're a disabled veteran who can't work now, you can pursue full disability benefits even if your VA rating is not at 100 percent. Getting professional guidance from a VA Disability expert can go far in helping you get through the complexities of the program.

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