Last updated 2 months ago
Filing for Social Security Disability benefits and being evaluated as eligible is much easier for employees than it is for workers who are self-employed, but it is still possible to receive benefits if you own a business or work on a freelance basis. Here are some aspects of the disability benefits process for self-employed individuals:
Evaluating Disability Based on Gainful Activity
If you are able to work a significant amount, determined by your participation in “substantial gainful activity,” you may be considered ineligible for Social Security Disability benefits. “Substantial gainful activity” is considered to be the completion of income-generating tasks that you perform to further your business, or actions that are similar in nature and amount to those performed by people in your line of work who do not have disabilities.
Determining the Significance of a Work Attempt
Another way of determining whether you are eligible for disability benefits is by taking into account your recent work history and how your disability has affected it. Being forced to quit working or drastically reduce the amount you do on a day-to-day basis indicates that your disability is severely impacting your ability to earn a living. If you are able to perform substantial gainful activity for over six months after becoming disabled, you will not be eligible to receive disability benefits.
Entering a Trial Work Period
If you are interested in trying to work but are afraid of losing your benefits, you can perform your job duties during a trial work period and your benefits will not come into question unless you have worked at least nine months in five years. Whenever your monthly net earnings are between $720 and $1,040, that particular month qualifies as a trial work period.
Todd M. Berk, Esq. can help you through the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits, regardless of the complexity of your work situation. Schedule your free consultation by calling (215) 687-4432. We provide legal representation for Social Security matters in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
Last updated 2 months ago
If you are disabled and have a limited capacity to work, yet you have not paid enough into the Social Security system to receive disability benefits, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. Watch this video to learn who qualifies for this type of benefit.
SSI is provided based on age or disability status, as well as financial need. Although SSI is handled through the Social Security Administration, it is not required for recipients to have worked a certain amount in their lives. Instead, they must meet the criteria for both disability and low income, unless they are over age 65.
For more information on the various forms of disability benefits available to you, contact Todd M. Berk, Esq. at (215) 687-4432. Our Philadelphia law office is dedicated to helping you successfully navigate the Social Security claim process.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
Last updated 2 months ago
When deciding whether to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you may have concerns that your claim will be rejected due to the nature or severity of your disability. The Social Security Administration has a number of set guidelines for applicants who wish to know if they qualify for disability benefits. If you meet the following criteria, you will generally be considered disabled according to Social Security policy:
You Are Unable to Work for at Least a Year
If your disability is markedly interfering with your daily activities and is expected to last indefinitely or permanently, you can be considered for disability benefits. You may also be eligible if you are able to work but cannot manage to earn over $1,040 each month.
Your Condition is Considered a Severe Impairment
In order to streamline the process of applying for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration keeps a list of medical conditions thought to be severe enough to conclusively qualify a person as disabled. Terminal illnesses or long-term conditions that cause widespread impairment are generally considered disabilities, rendering a person eligible to receive benefits.
You Cannot Resume Your Previous Work
Even if your condition is not included on the list of severe impairments, you may still be able to receive disability payments, provided that your condition prevents you from doing the same sort of work you used to and given that it would be an undue hardship to switch to a different type of work. When determining whether another type of work would be feasible for you, the Social Security Administration will consider your level of education, age, and job history—if you have few other marketable skills, you will be much more likely to qualify for disability benefits.
In order to streamline the disability application process and ensure that your claim is given fair consideration, contact Social Security attorney Todd M. Berk, Esq. We can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the application and appeals processes. Call (215) 687-4432 for more information about our services in the Philadelphia area.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
Last updated 2 months ago
If you suffer from a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability, you may be eligible for cash benefits and health insurance from the federal government. Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is not funded by Social Security dollars but instead by general tax revenues. Learn more about the differences between these benefits and find out if you qualify to receive compensation from the federal government with these links:
If you believe you may qualify for Social Security disability or SSI, your first step is to call a qualified Social Security lawyer. The Philadelphia office of attorney Todd M. Berk, Esq. helps Pennsylvania clients recover the benefits they deserve. Call (215) 687-4432 today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
Last updated 3 months ago
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues and designed to help low-income elderly, blind, and disabled Americans. SSI makes monthly cash payments to meet eligible candidates’ basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. To learn more about SSI, contact a qualified Social Security lawyer, and read over these answers to frequently asked questions:
Who Is Eligible for SSI?
In order to qualify for SSI, you must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Children who have disabilities also qualify for SSI payments. “Disability” is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity, or paid work, by reason of any physical or mental impairment that has lasted or will last for at least 12 months. You must also meet your state’s income cutoff, which may vary depending on your living arrangement, the number of people in the residence, and the type income reported. Finally, your resources must be below $2,000 if you are filing as an individual.
Does Work History Determine SSI Eligibility?
SSI payments are financed through Americans’ general tax revenues and not through Social Security taxes. Therefore, it is not necessary to have been previously employed in order to receive SSI.
How Are Benefits Calculated?
The amount of cash you receive to meet your basic needs per month is calculated based on your income, resources, and where you live. SSI is based on a baseline monetary contribution from the federal government, but some states add extra cash to that amount. Be sure to check with your local Social Security office to determine your state’s contribution. People who receive SSI are generally also eligible for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other assistance.
Todd Berk, Esq. is committed to providing our Philadelphia clients with the best legal representation for Social Security, disability, and personal injury matters. Ask our experienced Social Security attorneys and staff your questions about disability and SSI coverage by calling (215) 687-4432 today.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
