Ask Larry

Disability Benefits

How Can I Find Out More about Disability Benefits?

I have a disabled daughter who lives with mother. We were divorced. Daughter still lives with mother. Daughter receives SSI benefits.
I have remarried. I am 62. Can you please introduce me to somebody who is familiar with divorce and SSI? Thanks, Imtiaz

Imtiaz, we don't make referrals but your can find out more about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits here and benefits available for those with disabilities here. Thanks, John

Posted: 
Friday, July 1, 2016 - 13:15

Will The Conversion From Disability To Retirement Benefits Hurt Me?

I have been on disability for 10 years. I received a letter informing me that when I turn 66 I will no longer receive disability but social security. Will I lose my food stamps and help with my electrical bills?

Hi,

There's very little chance that the conversion from disability to retirement benefits will result in any change in your Social Security benefit amount, so I can't imagine that any other types of assistance that you receive would be affected.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Friday, July 1, 2016 - 10:45

How Does Worker's Compensation Affect My Disability Benefits?

I HAVE BEEN ON WORKMANS COMP SINCE I WAS AUG 12 2004.AND THEN I APPLY FOR SSD AND WON MY CASE FOR SSD.IN NOV 2007 THEY SENT ME 28,000.00.THEN OF COURSE I GOT OVER PAID. I STARTED TO RECIVE MY BENIFTS BACK IN 2014.I WAS RECIVEING WORKMANS COMP TOO. I GOT PAID EVERY TWO WEEKS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 19,2015.THEN MY NEW ATTORNY TOLD ME I NEED TO TAKE THE 100,000.00DUE TO THE NEW LAW IN MICHIGAN. I WAS GETTING 742.00FROM SSD MINUS MEDICARE,I GOT688.00 A MONTH.IVE CONTACTED MY CASE WORKER RIGHT AWAY. IN THE MEANTIME MY WIFE FILED FOR DEVORICE,AND IT WENT QUICK.

Posted: 
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - 16:30

If I'm on Disability, How Can We Maximize Our Benefits?

Hi, I purchased your book last year. The major benefit reduction factor is that my wife (DOB 1/25/50) receives a sizable pension from STRS of Ohio. She elected early Social Security retirement benefits at 62 which are minuscule (now $136/month due to state pension reduction factors). Another factor complicating timing my Social Security is that I have been receiving SSDI (now $2,420) since my age 56.

Posted: 
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 23:00

What Happens If I File For Disability Benefits?

i am currently receiving long term disability payments through my still current employer, although i am pretty certain i will be terminated at the end of this month as it will be one year since my non work related medical issues started. i started collecting ss widows benefit january of 2016, as i had turned 60 in the fall of 2015, my questions are these: if my long term disability goes over the allowable amount $15, 600 (approx) will i have to suspend my widow benefit, alert social security somehow?

Posted: 
Sunday, June 26, 2016 - 15:30

If I’m Disabled, How Do I Get the Highest Retirement Benefit at 70?

Hi Larry, I am currently on disability but will turn 66 this October. Can I wait until I am 70 to file for social security to get the maximum benefit or I do I automatically go on social security when I turn 66? Thank you. Bill

Dear Bill, your disability benefit immediately becomes your retirement benefit at 66. But you can, at 66, suspend your retirement benefit and restart it at 70 at a 32 percent higher, inflation-adjusted level.
Best, Larry

Posted: 
Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 19:30

Will I Get Back Pay If I'm Approved For Social Security Disability Benefits?

My question is not about SS but about SS disability. I was told by my doctor today that if my SS disability was not approved before I am 66 (in four months) I would never receive any past benefits even the case is almost 2 year old. During this timed I've received my first denial and I appealed in August 2015. Since then SSD has collected information before reviewing my appeal. In this speed I will never receive a decision even my case is well documented and I strongly believe I should get it. I will understand if you decide to ignore my question. Thank you

EB

Posted: 
Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 13:30

What Happens At Full Retirement Age?

Hello there. I am currently on disability but will turn 66 this October. Can I wait until I am 70 to file for social security to get the maximum benefit or I do I automatically go on social security when I turn 66. Thank you.

Hi,

Your disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach age 66. However, you can suspend your benefits at that point and then resume them at age 70, at which time they will be 32% higher.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 - 11:15
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