SSDRC




What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI?

How do you Win Benefits under Social Security Disability or SSI?

If I am determined disabled, how far back will Social Security pay benefits?

How do you prove your disability case if you have a mental condition?

What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning Disability Benefits

Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits

How to File for Disability - Tips for Filing

If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare?

How much does a Social Security disability attorney get paid?

Social Security Disability SSI Criteria and the Evaluation Process

How long does it take to be approved for SSI or Social Security disability?

What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability SSI and Fibromyalgia

Social Security Disability SSI and Degenerative Disc Disease

Can I Qualify For Disability and Receive Benefits based on Depression?

Answers to questions about SSD and SSI disability

What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Status

Social Security Disability Tips — how a claim gets worked on

Social Security Disability, SSI Disability - Terms, Definitions, Concepts


Can I Collect Unemployment While I File For Disability Benefits (SSD or SSI)?


How to prove you are disabled
and win disability benefits

 
Most Social Security claims representatives (also known as a CR, this is the employee at a social security office who takes disability and retirement applications) now advise disability applicants of a potential conflict of interest with regard to filing for disability benefits while collecting unemployment benefits.

If you apply for disability with the Social Security Administration you are alleging that not only are you unable to do any of your past work, but you are not able to perform any other kind of substantial work activity as well.

Each year Social Security sets a monthly earnings amount that it considers substantial gainful activity or self-supporting (i.e. a limit on how much you can make before you are no longer considered disabled). Social Security only cares about your earnings; therefore collecting unemployment benefits is not a problem for them.

The Employment Security Commission, however, does have a problem with individuals who collect unemployment benefits while filing for disability. When an individual files for unemployment benefits, they state they are able and ready to work if they can find a job. Logically, an individual cannot be totally disabled from all types of work and yet be able and ready to work at the same time.

Many Social Security representatives are documenting that they have explained the conflict of interest in collecting unemployment to an applicant while filing for disability with Social Security. Claim Representatives are also documenting that they explained possible consequences to the disability applicant should the Employment Security Commission become aware of their disability application.

Disability applicants may be required to repay all unemployment benefits received since they filed their disability claim, while others could find themselves in legal trouble.

It is understandable that people want to have an income while they await a their disability decision. It can take time to be approved for disability benefits and it is a fact of life that people need to pay their bills. So, many disability applicants feel they have no other choice other than taking a chance of being caught. It is a risk that many are willing to take. And, while the majority of people are never caught, the few who are caught may suffer devastating consequences.














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Topics and Questions


  • Why is it Taking so Long to get a Court Date with the ALJ, the Social Security Disability Judge?

  • Can I work without it affecting my social security disability or SSI?

  • Can you file for Social Security disability for a mental disorder or problem?

  • How will an attorney help me win disability benefits?

  • What happens if the Social Security disability examiner cannot find all the needed medical records?

  • Can a disability attorney speed up my disability hearing? By What Methods?

  • Applying for disability benefits in Virginia

  • If I Request A Hearing For SSDI, How Long Will I have to Wait?

  • What Happens When You File A Second SSA Disability Claim?

  • How do you prove your disability case if you have a mental condition?

  • SSI Benefits-who is Eligible and How do I apply?

  • Why are Disability Cases Involving Children More Likely to be Denied?

  • After a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim has been taken and is Pending

  • What does it mean if Social Security sends you to a Psychiatrist?

  • Should you talk to an Attorney before you file a Disability Claim with Social Security?

  • SSI for children

  • The Social Security Denial Letter

  • How long does it take to get a social security disability hearing decision?

  • How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits When You First File?

  • How is SSI different from Social Security Disability?

  • How Long Can You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)?

  • How Disabling Does A Condition Have To Be For Social Security, SSDI Benefits?

  • Why Will A Social Security Disability Application Get Denied? (SSDI Denial)

  • If You File For Social Security Disability How Far Back Will They Look At Your Medical Records?

  • Will The Condition You have Determine How Much You Get For Disability?

  • Will I Qualify For SSI, How Do I Get Approved?

  • If You Get Denied For Disability Should You appeal Or file A New Claim?

  • I Need To Apply For SSI or SSD But I Do Not Know Where to Start?

  • What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI?

  • Can you apply for disability if you have a mental condition ?

  • Are SSI and Social Security Disability Requirements Tougher For Mental Claims?

  • Can Your Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits Be Reduced?

  • Should I be Represented by a Disability Lawyer or a Non-Specialized Disability Attorney?

  • Hernias and Filing for Disability

  • How Can I Get Social Security Disability If I Have Not Worked For A Long Time?

  • What is a Social Security Disability SSI Durational Denial?

  • Eligibility for Disability Benefits as Viewed by Social Security

  • Hiring a Qualified Disability Lawyer in Minnesota

  • Social Security Disability and SSI Denials

  • Can you get Social Security Disability or SSI for a Temporary Disability?

  • Applying for disability benefits in Minnesota

  • Herniated Disc and Filing for Disability
























    SSD and SSI are Federal Programs

    The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states:

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

    Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here:

    Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state

    Special Section: Disability Lawyers and unnecessary claim denials