Can you really believe everything you hear?

Social security myths and facts

MYTH: “I was told by Social Security that even if I applied for disability and my claim is allowed, I wouldn’t be able to draw any money because I’m drawing Workers’ Compensation, so I guess there is no need to apply.”

FACT: Monthly benefits are not the only advantage to receiving a favorable decision from Social Security on your disability claim. Also:

Protect your retirement benefits with “Disability Freeze”.

You may be eligible for Medicare coverage just 2 years after your entitlement is established.

Workers’ Compensation benefits may suddenly stop and you will have your SSDIB already established.

You may receive part or all of your Social Security disability benefits while drawing W/C benefits, depending upon your particular situation. Don’t leave it to chance.

MYTH: “Someday I’ll get around to filing my Disability claim; it won’t matter when I do it anyway.”

FACT: When you file your Social Security claim can make a big difference in the amount of back-pay you can get in your claim. In Social Security disability claims, you generally will only be allowed to receive back pay for the 12-month period prior to the date you file your claim. Some have lost thousands of dollars by delaying the filing of their claims. Don’t give up benefits you may deserve.

In Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability claims, disability benefits generally cannot be established earlier than the month before the month a claim is actually filed.

MYTH: “I’d rather face the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) alone than pay someone to go with me and represent my case.”

FACT: Your chances of being denied by the ALJ, if you go by yourself increase greatly, since you may not know how to state your case to the ALJ in such a way as to be totally convincing. You may not know what medical or vocational information to give the ALJ to receive a favorable decision.

MYTH: “My brother-in-law (or mother, father or cousin Bill or next door neighbor) tells me this or that!

FACT: Listening to friends and relatives on some topics is a very good idea but, when it comes to Social Security disability and how it affects your financial future, please get good advice from someone who really knows Social Security and SSI disability. It could make a BIG difference to your future.

MYTH: “From what I see on TV and read in the newspapers, it looks like just about anybody can get on disability now.”

FACT: Social Security disability is the Most Difficult And Legally Demanding type of disability to prove and to receive. It is far more difficult, legally, to prove than Veterans’ Disability, Workers’ Compensation, or Private Insurance Disability. The legal tests required are far more specific and all-inclusive.

An Accredited Disability Representative with more than 16 years experience, Diana Wade believes her clientele can be comfortable knowing that she is recognized by SSA and a charter member of NADR.

To contact Ms. Wade call 661-821-0494, email [email protected] or visit http://CaliforniaDisability.net.