Whether you are applying for benefits the first time or you have already received them, you may find it necessary to seek help from a Social Security disability lawyer. Navigating the claims process or understanding your rights as a claimant can be difficult, which is why you should hire an attorney in Indiana. Indianapolis attorneys who have experience with disability claims may be necessary.
If your claim has been rejected, then you only have 60 days to appeal that decision. Going through a hearing and ensuring that you have all of the proper paperwork completed is best done with the help of legal counsel who has experience with disability claims.
Overview of a Trial Work Period
At some point during the time a claimant is receives disability benefits, a trial work period may be implemented. This is designed to test a claimant’s ability to work, even though he or she is still considered to be disabled.
During this trial work period, disability continues and won’t end unless the claimant has been able to work for at least 9 months within a 60-month period of time. The 9 months don’t have to be consecutive time worked.
Each year when monthly earnings exceed a certain amount, it is considered to be a month of services for a claimant to engage in a trial work period. For 2011, this means monthly earnings that exceed $720. In 2012, the amount is expected to remain the same.
Periodically, changes are made to the monthly amount, which is why it may become necessary to contact an attorney in Indiana. Indianapolis attorneys who handle Social Security cases are best. They can provide the most current, up-to-date information.
Work Incentives Provided by the Social Security Administration
Work incentives include:
- Continuation of Medicare Coverage – you may receive 93 consecutive months of Part A (Hospital), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) and Part D (Prescription Drug coverage);
- Medicare for Individuals with Disabilities – if you are working but still considered medically disabled, you may be able to purchase continued Medicare coverage;
- Earned Income Exclusion – first $65 of earnings not counted, along with half of the remaining earnings (therefore, less than half of earnings are counted when determining SSI payment amount);
- Student Earned Income Exclusion – if you’re enrolled in school and younger than 22 years old, up to $1,640 of monthly income doesn’t count (maximum yearly exclusion is $6,600);
- Blind Work Expenses – no income is counted toward SSI eligibility and payment amount;
- PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) – you can set aside money that works toward starting a business, obtaining a job, earning a degree or receiving specialized training; and
- PESS (Property Essential to Self-Support) – some resources are not counted if they are self-supporting and used for your work.
Help from a Social Security Disability Lawyer
When you have complications with your Social Security disability benefits claim, the help of a Social Security disability lawyer in Indianapolis is crucial to getting the assistance you need. In order to get back on track with your Social Security benefits claim, order a copy of our complimentary book, 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits, then contact a Social Security attorney at Hensley Legal Group for a no-cost consultation.