Week of December 30, 2012
YOUR
SOCIAL SECURITY by Tom Margenau
When Seniors Become Disabled Q:
I am 62 and started getting Social Security retirement benefits just a couple months ago. At the time I applied for Social Security, I was having some physical problems at my job, but I was still working part time. However, recently I’ve been forced to completely stop working because of various ailments, from heart problems to a bad back. My doctor has signed a paper saying I am 100 percent disabled, so I’m pretty sure I’d qualify for Social Security disability. Can I file for those benefits?
A:
Yes, you can file for Social Security disability benefits. If your claim is approved, you will be switched from the retirement program to disability. That would mean a little extra money in your monthly benefit checks. A Social Security disability benefit pays the same rate as your full, age-66 retirement benefit. But from that amount, they will have to deduct about one-half of one percent for each month you’ve already received reduced retirement payments. There is one other point I need to make. You should know that just because your doctor says you are “100 percent disabled” does not mean you will automatically be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. What your doctor considers disabled and what Social Security law considers disabled may be based on two entirely different perspectives. * *Wed. * NOON 9/12
Tidbits of Coachella Valley
Page 11
retirement age, you are getting the highest amount you are due from Social Security. Here is another way to look at that. You technically could file for disability benefits. And if your claim was approved, you would initially be eligible for a rate equal to your full retirement benefit. But from that amount, they would have to deduct onehalf of one percent for all the Social Security checks you’ve received -- and that would take you right back down to the reduced payment rate you’re currently getting. You asked if you might qualify for SSI. Supplemental Security Income is a federal welfare program that the Social Security Administration runs for the government. It pays a small monthly stipend to people who are poor if they are over 65, or if they are under 65 but disabled. Because you’re over 65, you would not get SSI disability benefits. But if your income and assets are low enough, you might get SSI payments based on your age. SSI eligibility rules vary from state to state, so you will have to contact your local Social Security office to find out if you qualify. * * *
A:
Your stepson will qualify for dependent’s benefits on your record simply because he is a minor child. In other words, the fact that he has a disability isn’t an issue -- at least, not for the time being. But when he turns 18, his disability will become a factor in his continuing eligibility for benefits. The law says that benefits to a dependent child are cut off at the 18th birthday. But if a child is disabled, those benefits can continue indefinitely, even into his adult years. If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@ comcast.net. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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Q: I am 59 and have a 70 percent dis-
ability rating from the VA. Do you think I will qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
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A:
I really have no idea. The only way you will know for sure is to file a disability claim with the Social Security Administration. I can tell you this: the fact that you have been classified as 70 percent disabled by the VA has little if any bearing on your Social Security claim. SSA and VA have different definitions of what it means to be disabled. I’ve known people who have a 20 percent disability rating from VA who qualified for Social Security disability. On the other hand, I’ve known people classified as 100 percent disabled by the VA who were not eligible for any disability benefits from Social Security. Again, the only way to find out where you stand is to apply for Social Security disability benefits. You can do so online at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling 800-772-1213 to make an appointment to file in person at your local Social Security office.
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