How do I survive financially while waiting to receive my benefits?
Getting a decision regarding your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security
Disability benefits can sometimes take a very long time. This long wait can cause
severe hardships for many families since disabled claimants are, by definition,
unable to work on a full-time basis. Typically, returning to work, even in some cases
on a part-time basis, is tantamount to admitting you are not disabled.
How are families supposed to survive financially while waiting for benefits to be approved?
One tip is to check with the utility companies servicing your area. Often, they have programs offering utility assistance for low-income or disabled customers. You may also benefit from contacting an adult services social worker at your local Department of Social Services Office. They may know of local or federal programs offering assistance with medical or prescription coverage. Also, check in with local county hospitals. Many of them may offer programs for indigent medical care for patients living within their areas. Additionally, file for any benefits you may be entitled to as soon as possible.
You may be eligible to receive food stamps, public housing, or Medicaid. If you are represented, contact your attorney’s office and let them know you are having problems paying for health care, medical prescriptions, and rent or utilities. Heard & Smith is aware of many programs that offer assistance and we can direct you to help in your area.
Additionally, your representative may be able to assist you in requesting that your claim be processed faster due to dire needs. If you provide a copy of an eviction notice, your representative will forward it to the Social Security Administration with the Dire Need letter.
Also, if you have equity in your home, you may want to look into refinancing your home payment, refinancing your debts or drawing on an equity line of credit. Finally, ask for help. There are many programs available, do your part to find the help you need.
To keep reading the December 2014 Newsletter please
click here.
How to
Get More Help
We hope
the information linked to from this page will help you
regardless of where you are in the process. If
you have a question about your disability case that
you don’t find answered in the resources linked to
above, then contact us
here or give us a call at (800) 584-3700.
For more information on our attorneys, please visit Our Attorneys page.
For more information on Social Security Disability, please see:
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) FAQs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) FAQs
Social Security Disability Links
Social Security Glossary
