Worcester Social Security Disability Attorneys
The Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD) program is designed to support individuals who are disabled and unable to work. If you believe you may qualify for this program, it's essential to understand the specific eligibility criteria for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The rules governing eligibility are precise, and understanding them is crucial to determining whether you qualify for benefits.
In the past, estate planning often revolved solely around creating a Last Will and Testament. However, modern estate planning requires a more comprehensive approach. Today, it’s essential to consider health concerns, financial and retirement plans, income needs, and long-term care insurance. A thorough estate plan should address and incorporate all of your assets to ensure your future is well-protected.
Although we are a smaller law firm, our deep knowledge and shared core values make us a formidable advocate for our clients. Chris and Jeffrey personally engage with each client—they meet with them, remember their names, and understand every detail of their case. Beyond knowing the specifics of your case, we take the time to learn about your family, your concerns, and your future goals. We hold the trust our clients place in us in the highest regard, recognizing that “getting your life back on track” or “sound planning for your future” can mean something different for each person—and we listen closely to understand what that means for you.
Christopher Sharry helped me in my quest to receive disability benefits after receiving news of health issues. He was always available within one day of my calling him with questions. I would definitely recommend him to family and friends.
With our law office in Worcester, Massachusetts, we serve social security disability and estate planning clients throughout Massachusetts including Worcester County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County and Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Chicopee, Fall River, Framingham, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Newton, Quincy, Somerville, Springfield, Waltham, Worcester and more.
The Social Security Administration is federally funded and administered. The SSA pays disability benefits to you and certain members of your family providing you have sufficient work credits as well as a medical disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Those that qualify for disability must be younger than your full retirement age, must meet the SSA’s definition of a disability, must be unable to work because of the medical condition, and must not have only a partial or short-term disability. If you qualify under the SSA rules for a disability, then you will receive a monthly check.
read moreThe severity of your disability does not determine the amount of SSD benefits you will receive, rather the amount is based on your lifetime average earnings prior to the time you became disabled. Your SSD benefits are based on your average indexed monthly earnings in a formula that determines your primary insurance amount. In practical terms, SSD payments generally range from $800 to $1,800 per month, with the maximum benefit in 2020 at $3,011. There is an online benefits calculator that can be used to obtain an estimate of your monthly benefits. If you are the recipient of other government benefits, such as Workers’ Compensation, a pension based on work not covered by SS, or public disability benefits, your monthly benefits through SSD could be reduced. You will also be entitled to “back pay,” which considers the date you applied for benefits and the onset date of your disability.
read moreIt is possible to work part-time and still receive SSD benefits, although there are very strict limits on how much you can earn. There are “substantial gainful activity” limits, meaning that as of 2020 you cannot earn more than $1,260 per month if you are disabled but not blind, and not more than $2,110 per month if you are blind. Even if you earn below the monthly SGA limits, the SSA may look at other factors to determine whether you should continue to receive disability benefits such as the number of hours you are working and the type of work you are performing. The SSA has established other programs that encourage those receiving SSD benefits to return to the workforce if their medical conditions allow. This is known as a “trial work period.” During a period of 60 months, you can attempt a trial work period for up to nine months (that do not need to be consecutive). If, however, you have more than nine months of substantial gainful activity, your disability benefits will cease.
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