Exactly What Are The Available Social Security Benefits?

The following information provides a snap shot of Social Security disability benefits. People may obtain benefits under either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The law offices of Kassin and Carrow want you to be aware of what benefits are around for you to obtain.

If I'm approved for Social Security disability benefits, exactly how much am I going to receive?

•   For disability insurance benefits, the amount will depend on how much you have worked and earned in the past.
•   For disabled widow's and widower's benefits, the total amount depends upon how much the late husband or wife worked and earned.
•   For disabled adult child benefits, the total amount is determined by how much the parent worked and earned.
In general – benefits are quite modest. The average SSDI benefit for a disabled worker is approximately $1,130 per month. For a family, the average benefit is $1,919 per month.

If I'm accepted for SSI benefits, exactly how much will I get?

For all kinds of SSI benefits, there is a base amount that an individual with no other income receives. Other income that an individual has reduces the amount of SSI which someone can receive.

Under SSI, the maximum benefit for 2013 was $710 every month for an individual, just three-quarters of the federal poverty line and under $17 a day. Since a beneficiary may get less due to their earned income, or the individual’s living situation, the average SSI monthly benefit is $509 per month for an individual.

How far back will they pay benefits if I'm found disabled?

•   For disability insurance benefits and for disabled widow's and widower's benefits, the benefits can't start until five months have passed once the individual becomes disabled. Furthermore, benefits cannot be paid over one year prior to the date of the claim.
•   For a disabled adult child, there is no five-month waiting period for benefits to start, but benefits can't be paid more than six months before the date the application for benefits was filed.
•   SSI benefits cannot be paid before the beginning of the month following the date of the claim

I'm currently receiving Social Security disability benefits, but I am worried that my benefits will be halted down the road. What are the prospects of this taking place?

Social Security regularly reviews specific cases to determine eligibility for disability benefits. When Social Security reviews a case of someone already on Social Security disability benefits, they continue benefits in the vast majority of cases.

In the next several years, Social Security will be completing far more reviews of people to determine whether they are still disabled. However, most people who are reviewed will see their Social Security disability benefits continued.

If Social Security attempts to cut off my disability benefits, what can I do?

You will want to appeal immediately. If you appeal within ten days after being alerted that your disability benefits are being ceased, you can request that your disability benefits continue while you appeal the decision cutting off your benefits. If you do not appeal within the first 60 days of receiving notification, you might lose the right to appeal.

It is a wise decision to talk with a lawyer about representing you on your case, but it's a good idea to do so as quickly as possible so that you can file the appeal right away. The law offices of Kassin and Carrow have helped individuals in Belleville, Granite City, Alton, Edwardsville, Arnold, St. Peters, and St. Louis get the benefits that they deserve.

All About Disability Hearings

If you have been denied in the application process, you might want to request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The legal professionals at Kassin and Carrow have some important information for you with regards to this process. If you reside in Alton, Illinois or elsewhere in the Metro East St. Louis area, this information is for you.

How much time will it take to get a hearing on a Social Security disability claim?

There is some variation throughout the country, but the nationwide average is a bit over one year.

What's the Social Security hearing like?

The hearings are very informal. The only people apt to be there are the judge, a court staff member operating a tape recorder, the claimant, the claimant's legal representative, and anyone else the claimant has brought with them. In some instances, the ALJ has a physician or vocational expert present to testify at the hearing. There isn't a jury nor are there spectators at the hearing.

What are my odds of winning at a hearing?

About 50% of claimants who go to a Social Security disability hearing win. About 90% have representation from a qualified attorney like those with Kassin and Carrow at their hearing.

If the Administrative Law Judge denies my claim, can I appeal anymore?

Yes. You may appeal to the Appeals Council in the Social Security Administration.

What is the Appeals Council?

The SSA Appeals Council reviews decisions made by the ALJ. The Appeals Council is able to reverse a decision made by the ALJ. If the Appeals Council thinks more info is necessary, they could remand your claim for an additional hearing with the ALJ.

What if I disagree with a ruling made by the Appeals Council?

If you disagree with the judgment made by the Appeals Council, you can file a civil action suit in the United States District Court, and then appeal to the Circuit Court.  A Social Security disability claim could go all the way to the Supreme Court. Every one or two years, the United States Supreme Court hears an appeal involving a Social Security disability case.

Kassin and Carrow have years of experience managing all kinds of Social Security Insurance (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. If you think you may be qualified to receive disability, contact them today to have them take a look at your case.