Ask Larry

Disability Benefits

Is It True That You Can't Buy Another Home If You're On Disability?

My husband and i are home owners, we want to sell and buy another home, is it true if you are on disability you cant buy another home?

Hi. No, that's not true. Selling your home and/or buying a new one wouldn't have any effect at all on any type of Social Security benefit, including disability benefits. Social Security does administer a needs based program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and selling or buying home can potentially affect those benefits. But, I assume that's not what you're referring to.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Monday, April 5, 2021 - 10:53

Will My Benefit Rate Change When I Turn 62?

I will be 62 in December i receive SSDI know will my benefit change.

Hi. No. Your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits will automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age (FRA), which would be age 66 & 10 months if you were born in 1959. Your benefit rate won't change when that conversion happens.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Monday, March 29, 2021 - 16:03

When I Turn Retirement Age Will I Just Continue Getting A Disability Check?

I work close to 30 years and became disabled I was 40 yrs. old. I draw ssi now when I turn retirement age will I just continue getting a disability check or social security check. And will it be lower.
Thank You

Hi. I assume that what you're drawing is Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. In that case, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age (FRA). There won't be any change in your benefit rate when that happens.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Monday, March 29, 2021 - 12:16

How Does Social Security Calculate Monthly Earnings?

I’ve been on Ssdi for 5 years now , I’m 63 and receive a monthly benefit .. I also work 20 hours a week in the health care field .. my limit on income is currently set at $1310 a month .. my concern is that my employer this las pay period gave annual incentive bonus of 175 $ which put me approximately $ 70 over my limit this month . .. Does SSA calculate Earnings based on the days you earn in a month or what you receive in a month ?

Posted: 
Monday, March 22, 2021 - 10:22

How Will Living Outside Of The U.S. Affect My SSDI Benefits?

Hi Larry
I am now outside of USA and on SSDI. I am LPR. I was traveling and visiting family and looking into possibly retiring in Europe.
I wasn't able to return within the timeframe due to covid to keep my status.
I have now been out of the country for over a year and may not be able to return.

I understand I can still receive my SSDI if I am a green card holder based on my work contributions but if I lose it then how will that affect me. Will I lose it? Will I pay higher tax so lose some of it.

Posted: 
Sunday, March 21, 2021 - 16:24

Will My Retirement Benefit Rate Be The Same As My SSD Rate, And Can I Suspend My Benefits Until Age 70?

I started on SSD after I turned 60. It will probably run until my full SS age, 66 years and 10 months. It then converts to plain SS.
TWO QUESTIONS- first SS will be same amount as SSD? Second - can I suspend my SS until 70 still and thus increase it?

Hi. The answer to both of you questions is yes. Your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits will convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at your full retirement age (FRA), and there will be no change in your benefit rate when that happens.

Posted: 
Sunday, March 21, 2021 - 14:56

If You're On Partial Disability Can You Keep It If You're Going To Have Surgery?

If you are on partial disability but going to have surgery can you keep the disability?

Hi. I don't know what you mean by 'partial disability'. Social Security only pays disability benefits to people who are considered unable to do all types of work. So, if what you are receiving is a disability benefit from Social Security, then having surgery wouldn't have any effect on your benefits unless as a result of the surgery you become capable of returning to work.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - 08:22
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