Many clients arrive at our firm in desperate financial shape. Most of this can be attributed to two problems — waiting too long to file a claim for Social Security disability benefits and the delays at Social Security. However, there are often other problems because the claimant never realized that help was also available from other sources like Medicaid, Disability Benefits from their employer, Food Stamps, VA Benefits, and Social Security Retirement Benefits. Let’s list these sources of help for disabled people:
Medicaid
If you’re even moderately poor, file a claim with Social Services, not Social Security. This gets you access to health care.
Short or Long-Term Disability Benefits from your Employer
Were you covered by a pension plan where you worked? If so, you were probably covered by a Short or Long Term Disability plan. Ask about it. If you are covered, it will give you a regular income.
Food Stamps
If you’re even moderately poor, file a claim with Social Services, not Social Security. Don’t drain your savings to buy food.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Are you an honorably discharged vet? Are you eligible for service-connected disability benefits? Are you sure you’re not? It doesn’t have to be an injury caused by military service. An auto accident off base that caused injuries that still bother you could be enough. It doesn’t have to be an injury at all. Any medical condition that started while in military service would be enough. For that matter, there are non-service connected disability benefits for poor vets who served during times of war.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
If you’re over 62 you don’t have to choose between retirement and disability benefits. Take the retirement benefits now and try to get on the disability benefits which are likely to be higher but to take longer.
Many of my clients rely upon help from relatives and friends. I often ask them “Do you really want to test exactly how deeply they love you?” Get as much help as you can from other sources.
If you’re in NC and want help with your Social Security disability claim, call Hall & Rouse, P.C. at 1-866-425-5347
