Social Security Disability Financial Requirements To Consider
Posted on: 21 December 2015
When it comes to a successful social security disability claim, medical evidence is very important. Make sure you understand that it's not the only important factor. There are a number of non-medical factors that also go into consideration when presenting a claim for disability, such as financial requirements. Even with all the medical evidence to support your claim, if you don't meet the financial requirement, your claim won't be successful.
Financial
This type of assistance isn't just for people who can't work, but those who can't work and can also not provide for themselves through other means. You will need to provide a financial statement to the disability administration to determine if you meet the requirements. The guidelines state that a married applicant can't have more than $3,000 in assets and a single applicant can't have more than $2,000.
Assets include any property other than your primary residence, savings and checking accounts and any household good valued at more than $2,000. If you have more than this amount, your claim won't even be fully reviewed and you will receive an automatic technical denial. If you're only slightly over the limit, consider getting rid of some of your assets. For example, if you have a large screen television that is taking you over the limit, you might need to give it away and downsize.
Income
In addition to asset requirements, there are also requirements when it comes to your income. For 2016, the maximum income you can earn per month is $1,130. Whether you're a full-time or part-time employee, you cannot earn more than this amount per month. Although it would seem that this component is pretty black and white, there is a gray area to consider. Take a disabled person that earns $1,000 per month during the time they are applying for benefits, for example.
While the individual is under the $1,130 limit, the fact that they are working can hurt them. Since approval is partially at the discretion of the judge or examiner, if they perceive your ability to earn this amount as a sign that you may be able to work more hours to support yourself, your claim could still be denied. While you do need to be able to take care of yourself financially while you await approval, you do want to think twice.
A successful disability claim is a complex process. However, an attorney can examine your financial records to help you determine your chances of success and help you increase them.
For a social security disability lawyer, contact a law firm such as Morrison & Murff.
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