Category Archives: Benefits

Available benefits, overpayment and cessation issues

What is the difference between Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

We previously discussed Social Security’s Disability Insurance Benefit (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The big difference between DIB and SSI is type of income which affects eligibility.  Under the “Disability Insurance” Program, Social Security considers whether you are working … Continue reading

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Do I qualify financially for Social Security SSI disability benefits?

In order to qualify for Social Security Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI), not only do you have to be disabled, you also have to qualify financially. To be eligible for SSI a person must have $2,000 or less in countable … Continue reading

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Do spouse’s and children’s benefits continue during incarceration?

If an individual is disabled and receives Title 2 Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI aka DIB), their spouse (husband or wife) and minor children can also receive benefits because of the spouse’s / parent’s disability. These are called auxiliary benefits. I previously coved how … Continue reading

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How far back does Social Security pay benefits?

If you are disabled, how far back will Social Security pay benefits? Back to when the disabiilty began? It depends on whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or DIB), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security … Continue reading

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What is the “5 month waiting period” in Disability Insurance cases?

If you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI or DIB), you may be surprised that Social Security keeps the first 5 months of back benefits. This is referred to as the “5 month waiting period.” If you awarded … Continue reading

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My Ex is disabled, can I get Social Security benefits?

Did you know that you can get Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s earnings, even if you are divorced? Click to read who is entitled to wife’s or husband’s benefits as a divorced spouse?

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How much can I get in SSI benefits in 2009?

If you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or applying for SSI, you should know that Social Security’s SSI benefits have increased.  For 2008, the Federal Benefit Rate (the maximum you can receive in SSI) is $674 for individuals and … Continue reading

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My ex is disabled, can our kids get benefits?

I was recently asked this question: My Ex is getting Social Security disability benefits.  I have custody of our kids.  Can my kids get any benefits because of my ex’s disability? Perhaps, but you have to meet several requirements: The … Continue reading

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If your husband or wife is disabled, you may be entitled to benefits

If your spouse is disabled and entitled to Social Security Title 2 benefits -Disability Insurance Benefits, you may be entitled to receive benefits from Social Security.   These benefits are called “auxiliary benefits.” It is important to remember that auxiliary benefits are only … Continue reading

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Can children get Social Security benefits because of disabled parent?

If an individual is disabled and entitled to Social Security Title 2 benefits – also called Disability Insurance benefits, his or her minor children can also receive benefits from Social Security.   These benefits are called “auxiliary benefits” by Social … Continue reading

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Can you receive Social Security benefits if your husband or wife dies?

If your husband or wife dies, you may wonder if you can receive Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s contribution to Social Security.   This is especially important if your spouse made more money that you did, or if … Continue reading

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What constitutes “fleeing” in a fugitive felon cessation cases?

I previously wrote about how Social Security can stop benefits if a person is a fleeing or fugitive felon. The courts have been wrestling with the question of whether an outstanding arrest warrant (not a conviction, just the arrest warrant) is enough … Continue reading

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Can I work and still receive Social Security disability or SSI benefits?

Updated 06/05/09. Can a person work and still receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits? The answer is a qualified “yes.” Social Security wants people to try to go back to work. But, the regulations surrounding keeping … Continue reading

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Social Security Benefit Calculators

Do you want to know how much you would receive in Social Security benefits if you were disabled, retired, or if your spouse died?   Social Security has online calculators, as well as calculators you can download (Mac versions too), to help you … Continue reading

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Overpayment choices: reconsideration or waiver

If Social Security alleges that you owe them money to repay an overpayment, you have two choices to fight it:   You can either file a “Waiver of Overpayment,” or  You can file a “Request for Reconsideration.“ Social Security may direct you … Continue reading

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