| FAQs
How can I apply for benefits?
Social Security Disability:
SSI:
What do I do if I’m denied Social Security disability or SSI?
You or your representative should request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge within 60 days of the date of the denial decision. You may do this in person or by writing to your local Social Security Office. Click here to find the office nearest you.
Kalamazoo
317 South Drake Rd.
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 381-2313 |
Grand Rapids
50 College Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 742-2373 |
How will my Attorney get paid?
I am paid on a “contingency fee” basis. This means that I will not get paid unless you are approved for benefits. If you are approved for benefits, the Federal government will hold back the lesser amount of 25 percent or $5300 from your past-due benefits. The government will pay this amount directly to me. The Social Security Administration will send you a Notice stating exactly how much your past-due benefits will be and how much your Attorney will get paid.
What is the current wait time for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge?
The current wait time for a hearing in Grand Rapids, Michigan is approximately 2 to 2.5 years. The wait time varies in different parts of the country.
Can I work part-time if I have applied for Social Security disability or SSI?
I am asked this question all the time, and it is somewhat difficult to answer. The first thing that the Social Security Administration looks at is whether you are currently engaging in “Substantial Gainful Activity.” If you are, then you will be found “not disabled.” One factor the Administration looks at is whether you are working and earning on average more than $900 per month.
If I qualify for disability or SSI benefits, what will my monthly amount be?
You should consult your yearly statement that you receive from the Social Security Administration. This statement is usually sent out three months prior to your birthday and contains very useful information.
The SSI amount is based on financial need and your income and resources. Effective January 2008, the SSI payment for an eligible individual is $637 per month and $956 per month for an eligible couple. However, the Social Security Administration uses a complicated formula to determine how much you would actually receive. Your SSI payment may be reduced by your household income and resources.
I receive Social Security disability benefits. What will happen to my benefits once I reach retirement age?
When you reach full retirement age your benefits will not change but will be called “retirement benefits” instead of “disability benefits.” Click here to find out your full retirement age.
Do I automatically get Medicare if I’ve been approved for disability benefits?
Not automatically. You will be enrolled in Medicare once you’ve received Social Security disability benefits for two years. The hospital insurance portion of Medicare will be premium-free, but you will have to pay a monthly premium for the medical insurance portion of Medicare.
Why is there such a long wait time for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge?
Currently, there is about a two-year wait time for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge in Grand Rapids and there are on average of about 10,000 people who are waiting to have their cases heard. The answer to this is complicated, but the short answer is that the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review is short-staffed. They don’t have enough Judges and staff to hear this many cases, and the Social Security Administration has not been given enough money from Congress and the President to hire more staff.
Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?
The five-month waiting period applies to disability only, and ensures that benefits are not paid to persons who do not have long-term disabilities. These benefits can only be paid after the person has been continuously disabled for a period of five full calendar months.
Please check back for more Frequently Asked Questions. |
