Is Social Security Enough For You?

The Social Security Administration's disability system exists as a social safety net, protecting citizens and qualifying legal aliens if they're unable to sustain a survivable income because of injury or illness. Unfortunately, the system isn't perfect, and may need a few augmentations and special circumstance considerations for your life situation. Whether you're considering social security for the first time, waiting on a claim decision, or in need of an appeal, here are a few disability support pointers and other systems that could be useful.

What Does Social Security Disability Do?

Most people interested in the social security disability system know that some form of payment is given, but how much is it, and how helpful can it be?

First, dispel a few rumors surrounding disability payments. It isn't a flat percentage of how much you make, or how much you've paid into social security already. Social security payments are calculated with a formula that takes your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) to decide your payment amount.

It's different for everyone, but the average for 2017 is $1,170 according the the SSA fact sheet (under the Social Security Disability Thresholds section). Looking at this information, is that enough for you to survive on the economy?

If the answer is no, you have to consider what to do to support that number. If you're approved for social security disability, you can only make up to that amount in reported income at your job. This means you can make any amount under $1,170 and be paid by your employer, with the rest of it coming from social security. 

Getting More Than Your Social Security Limit

There are a few rumors and misconceptions about making more than that amount. You will not be removed from the SSA's disability program simply from making more than the monthly amount, but this assumes that your working conditions and situation are known and understood by the system--meaning that you have in writing that you can work as much as you're able, then receive disability when you're unable to work.

This is the standard situation for a person with a job that pays well, but a condition that gets in the way of consistently working. Problems arise when you either don't disclose the money you're earning in an attempt to receive full social security payments and your normal paycheck, or if you suddenly begin working at a job that seems to be impossible for someone with your reported condition.

Both of these situations are fraud. It's possible to be mistaken for a fraudster, resulting in suspended benefits and an investigation, but such issues can be ironed out by reporting your situation honestly.

Most of that stress can be avoided if you simply get an attorney on your side. A social security disability attorney can help you by gathering information on your condition, working potential, and living expenses to figure out how to make all of the pieces fit together.

Are you making too little money and can't work to get more? You may qualify for other programs that may net more money, or provide supplemental income. Personal injury lawsuits may be relevant if you were injured by another individual, company, or organization, or you may be able to get a wide number of government services to cover your general living expenses.

Contact a disability and injury attorney to discuss your situation for the best case outcome.