FELDMANN DEBBIE - , - Frequently Asked Questions

Debbie S. Feldman: Social Security/ Disability

Debbie Feldmann
Social Security / Disability
4 W 4th St
Newport, KY 41071

859-261-4466

Common Questions

1. What is the definition of disability used by social security?

“Disability” means “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for continuous period of not less than 12 months.”

2. Are there different types of Social Security disability benefits?

There are at least five major types of Social Security disability benefits.

· Disability Insurance Benefits Social Security disability benefits. SSD goes to individuals who have worked in recent years (five out of the last 10 years in most cases)

· Supplemental Security Income Benefits, however, are paid to individuals who are poor and who are disabled. It does not matter for SSI whether an individual has worked in the past or not.

· SSI child's disability benefits are a variety of SSI benefits paid to children under the age of 18 who are disabled. The way in which disability is determined is a bit different for children.

· Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits are paid to individuals who are at least 50 and become disabled within a certain amount of time after the death of their husband or wife. The late husband or wife must have worked enough under Social Security to be insured.

· Disabled Adult Child Benefits go to the disabled children of persons who are deceased or who are drawing Social Security disability or retirement benefits. The child must have become disabled before age 22.

For Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widow's or Widower's Benefits and Disabled Adult Child benefits, its does not matter whether the disabled individual is rich or poor. Benefits are paid based upon a Social Security earning record.

3. How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

You can go to the nearest Social Security office in person. Or you can call your local Social Security office by telephone and arrange for a telephone interview to file the claim. Our office can help you with this very important step.

4. I am disabled, but I have money in the bank. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you have worked in recent years or if you are applying for Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits or Disabled Adult Child benefits, it does not matter how much money you have in the bank. There is no reason to wait to file the claim. SSI applicants must have or own under a certain amount to qualify.

5. How long do I have to wait after becoming disabled before I can file for Social Security disability benefits?

You can file for Social Security disability benefits immediately after you have stopped working or if you are disabled and earn less than $869 per month. Many individuals make the mistake of waiting months and even years after becoming disabled before filing a Social Security disability claim. An individual who suffers serious illness or injury and expects to be out of work for a year or more should not delay in filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits.

6.Can I get both worker's compensation and Social Security disability benefits?

Yes. But please know that there is often an offset, which reduces Social Security disability benefits because of worker's compensation benefits. You sill should apply.

7. Can I receive disability for a combination of problems?

Most of my clients have more than one health or mental problem and the combined effects of all of the problems must be considered.

8. How Social Security does determine if I am disabled?

Social Security is supposed to gather your medical records and carefully consider all of your health problems, as well as your age, education, and work experience.

9. Who decides if I am dijust like everyone else. Alcoholics and drug addicts who become disabled independent from their alcoholism or drug addiction can become eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Back to top

17. I am disabled, but I have never paid into Social Security… Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

If you are destitute, you can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are disabled, even if you have never worked in the past. (Spouses income is considered) It is also possible to qualify for Disabled Adult Child Benefits on the account of a parent if you became disabled before age 22 or for disabled widow's or widower's benefits on the account of a late husband or wife.

Back to top

18. I am a widow. I have not worked in many years. I am disabled. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

If you are over 50 and became disabled within seven years after your husband or wife died or within seven years after you last drew mother's or father's benefits from Social Security, you can get Disabled Widow's or Widower's Benefits.

Back to top

19. I am disabled by mental illness. Can mental illness serve as the basis for a Social Security disability claim?

Yes. Mental illness is a frequent basis for awarding Social Security disability benefits.

Back to top

20. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

The short answer is that Medicaid is a poverty program and Medicare isn't. Many disabled people who get Medicaid get it because they are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To get SSI and thereby get Medicaid you have to be poor and disabled. Medicaid pays doctors at very low rates. Medicaid does pay for prescription medications.

For Medicare it does not matter whether you are rich or poor. If you have been on Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widows or Widowers Benefits or Disabled Adult Child Benefits for 24 months you qualify for Medicare.

**** The worst thing about Medicare is that it does not begin until after a person qualifies for disability benefits for two years.

Back to top

Feldmann Debbie | 4 W 4th St | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-4466