Everyone wants to get all the benefits they deserve when they apply for Social Security disability (SSD), but most people receive payments that are far below the monthly maximum. For 2017, the maximum SSD benefit is $2,687 per month. However, the average benefit amount is much lower, at only $1,171 per month. Naturally, many people who rely on this income to support their families and pay their bills want to know how they can get more money from Social Security disability.
Is it possible to get more money from Social Security?
The only real way to get more money from Social Security is to work longer. However, that is likely not possible in your case.
But you do have another option: depending on the state you live in, you might also be able to collect both Social Security disability and unemployment.
You might also be able to apply for both benefits the SSA offers: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Our team can help you determine which option would be in your best interest.
Why is it so difficult to get more money from Social Security disability?
Your Social Security disability depends on your earnings. While you can determine your earnings by creating an account on the Social Security website, requesting a copy of your earnings report from your local field office, or calling the SSA to find out how much Social Security Disability benefits you qualify for before you apply, most do not check before it is too late to increase their earnings.
Can I recover money from before I received approval for Social Security disability benefits?
Most likely, yes. There are two types additional types of benefits you may qualify for that boost your disability benefits with significant one-time payments. First, there is back pay. Back pay, available with both SSDI and SSI, is the money you should have earned between the time you applied for disability and when your benefits actually began.
If you receive a letter of denial for your initial application and we have to enter the appeals process, this often takes several months or even years. Often, we must go in front of an administrative law judge to secure the Social Security disability benefits you deserve. Once you receive approval, though, you are also eligible for back pay to cover the months since your application.
You may also qualify for retroactive benefits. These benefits, only available with SSDI, cover the months you could not work due to your disability before you filed your claim for benefits. If the documentation supporting your claim shows you were unable to work for several months before you applied for disability, you can request retroactive benefits to cover this time period. You can receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits with Social Security Disability.
Depending on how large the payments are, you might receive your back pay and/or retroactive benefits in one lump sum or in three payments, six months apart.
What role does my claim play in getting the SSD benefits I deserve?
It is vital to give the Social Security Administration (SSA) a complete picture of your work history and current health status when you apply for benefits. A complete, well-documented claim is more likely to receive approval during the initial screening process, getting you the benefits you need faster.
If you submit an incomplete or poorly-documented case, you will likely receive a denial letter. If this occurs, give us a call and we can help you navigate the appeals process.
How can I reach a lawyer to answer my questions about Social Security disability benefits?
If you have questions about your Social Security Disability claim or need help with appealing a denial of benefits, call the Disability Advantage Group today. We can schedule a time to discuss your situation and help you get the benefits you deserve. Call us today at 865-566-0800.