Q: What should I do when Social Security says Ive received overpayment?

A: Any social security lawyer will tell you that, if the Social Security Administration determines that they have paid you more than they should, they will probably send you a Notice of Overpayment. Overpayment happens for many reasons, like letting a change in your lifestyle/earnings go unreported. Overpayment also occurs when the SSA does not quickly apply any reported changes to you account, and waits to adjust your monthly benefits.

You may want to speak to a social security lawyer about your options, but in general, there are three different things you can do when you receive a notice of overpayment. First, if you believe the overpayment is incorrect, you can ask for a reconsideration. This means you will request that the SSA take another look at your case, and perhaps meet with you to speak with them (in which case you may want to speak with a social security lawyer).

Another option is to ask the SSA for a waiver. Requesting a waiver means that you admit that you were given overpayment, but you cant pay the SSA back. A social security lawyer or advocate will likely suggest this if the overpayment wasnt your fault. On the other hand, if you feel you were overpaid and it was at least partly your fault, you will generally work with the SSA to arrange to pay the money back. This allows you to pay back the amount owed in installments. Speak to a social security lawyer for details.

Q: I am considered to be legally blind. Am I eligible for Social Security Disability?

A: A social security lawyer will tell you that, yes, you may in some cases be eligible for benefits. If you are legally blind, you essentially follow the same rules as applicants with other disabilities. You will be considered legally blind if your sight cannot be corrected to 20/200. Even those that do not fall under the category of legal blindness can receive some benefits. You may want to speak with a social security lawyer about qualifying as legally blind.

The Social Security Administration has set up some special rules to deal with the blind. Because being blind is so debilitating, many legally blind applicants can receive higher benefits than those with other disabilities. As of the year 2008, the highest benefit for the blind was $1,570 monthly. You may want to speak to a social security lawyer to understand how this affects you.

Q: Do I have to wait 12 months before I file for SS benefits?

A: In short, no. A social security lawyer will tell you that the SSA defines disability as an inability to make a gainful income due to a disability that is either fatal, or has lasted 12 months, or is expected to last at least 12 months. While some take this to mean they cannot apply for benefits for 12 months, that is simply not true. Any social security lawyer will tell you to apply for benefits from the first day of your disability.