WILL MY DISABILITY BENEFIT INCREASE?

Here are some very frequent questions we get about Social Security disability.  I have tried to give short, to-the-point answers.

Q.  I am on disability and am only 54 years old.  Will my disability benefit increase when I get to full retirement age?

A.  No.  The benefit you are getting for disability is the maximum benefit you would get at full retirement age.  The numbers are the same, so the benefit will not increase.

Q.  I now receive about $900 per month in disability benefits.  If my condition worsens, can the monthly benefit be increased.

A.  Unfortunately, no.  Social Security benefits do not increase because your condition gets worse.

Q.  My husband is on Social Security disability and receives more than $2,000 per month.  I recently got approved for disability but my benefit is only $730 per month.  Why the big difference?

A.  Benefits are based, primarily, on wage history.  How much money you earned and over how long a period.  If your husband's earnings were much greater than yours, it explains the difference in benefits.  Age may also play a factor.

Q.  I applied for disability and got a letter saying I am not disabled according to Social Security's rules.  I don't feel like it's worthwhile to reapply and try again.  Any suggestions?

A.  You probably should not apply again because you will just get another denial.  However, you certainly should appeal the denial within the 60-day deadline.  By appealing you kick the case up the chain of command to an administrative law judge who will give you a personal hearing and make an entirely new decision on your claim. According to national averages, you have a much better chance of being approved before a judge. So don't reapply, appeal.  An appeal will also potentially protect your back pay under the original claim.

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The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL is a private professional firm not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any part of the government.  We work for our clients, not for Social Security.  Contact us by call (256) 799-0297.  Free, confidential consultations.  Never a fee unless we represent you, win your case, and get back payments for you.  If a fee becomes payable, Social Security will deduct the fee out of your back pay and pay us directly.  Our office is located directly across from Bridge Street Town Center at 7027 Old Madison Pike NW (in Research Park).  (256) 799-0297 for a personal case evaluation.

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