Getting through the social security disability approval process is hard enough as it is. Once you've been approved and start receiving payments, it's important to know your rights as someone claiming disability. Instead of feeling like you're stuck in a box, there are expanded services and features available to people receiving social security disability payments. By working with a social security attorney, you can sort through these different issues and ensure that your social security payments remain in good standing while giving you other opportunities.
Spouse and Ex-Spouse Benefits
When you're married for a long time, you are often working to support both you and your spouse. Instead of just receiving benefits for yourself, the spouse that you have supported is also eligible for disability payments. There are multiple conditions that must be met to ensure your spouse gets these payments. If you're under retirement age, then your spouse must be currently caring for a child under the age of 16. If you're past retirement age, then the spouse must be over the age of 62. If your spouse qualifies then you should contact a lawyer about getting these payments set up. The typical payment is 50% of the disability payment you're receiving. This can help make a big difference on the monthly bills and income for you and your spouse.
If you've been divorced, then your ex-spouse still has rights to claim social security payments. As long as you were married to the spouse for at least 10 years, then your ex can claim social security benefits from you after you have been approved. These payments will not impact or take away from your own payments. An attorney can help you sort out the details and ensure that everyone gets the proper payments they deserve.
Small Business Income
One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to social security disability payments is that you are no longer allowed to make an income. Whether you want to be a part of the community or branch out with your creative side, you have the ability to make a little extra each month. When running a self-employed business you are allowed to make up to $1130 per month. This amount of money breaks down to around $280 per week. This is enough of a limitation to sell small crafts or start a micro-small business working at craft fairs and other events.
The social security administration also runs a program known as the Ticket to Work program. This program help you find job resources and information on earning money. Before getting started with any work force, it's important to contact an important and know your options. You do not want to make a mistake that could lead to a loss in your payments.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Once you have been approved for social security disability payments, there are other things that you may be automatically approved for. One of these options is student loan forgiveness. When relying on only social security payments for your income, it can be extremely hard to afford student loan payments. Instead of adding this struggle, you can sign up for a student loan forgiveness program. This type of program will help remove any outstanding student loans that you have left to pay. Even though you are automatically approved, you still have to apply to ensure that your loans are completely removed. If you have not received a letter indicated your student loan forgiveness, then you may need to do a little work to ensure that it is approved. An attorney can guide you through the process and make sure that there are not delays or issues.
By understanding all of your benefits, you can take advantage of these services to help them through your daily life. Understanding and learning is the first step to having a smooth transition into the world of social security payments.
Contact a local lawyer to find sources if you want to continue reading more.
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