Not everyone in New Jersey who is receiving Supplemental Security Income is completely unable to work. However, since SSI benefits are based on need, they could have various concerns about finances with trying to get back on the job. For these individuals, understanding how the Social Security Administration will assist them with impairment related work expenses (IRWE) is a foundational aspect they must understand before even making the attempt to get back on the job. As with any aspect of SSI, it is always a good decision to have legal help.
SSI benefits and impairment related work expenses - key points
SSA adds five new conditions to the compassionate allowance list
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced the addition of five new conditions to its compassionate allowance list. Compassionate allowances are a tool the SSA uses to pre-screen certain physical and mental conditions that qualify for SSD benefits, sometimes based only on the applicant's medical diagnosis. The SSA has been using the compassionate allowances for nearly a decade. The purpose is to streamline cases where the individual has a serious disability that, by its nature, clearly meets the qualifications for SSD. The new conditions include the following:
Recipients of SSI benefits who turn 18 can get continued payments
When a person under 18 in New Jersey is getting Supplemental Security Income, it is a common concern as to whether they will continue to meet the criteria to get SSI when they turn 18. When the person turns 18, there will be a redetermination as to whether the person meets the requirements to get SSI benefits as an adult. For those who do not meet these requirements, there is recourse to try and restart the benefits. It is possible to appeal the decision to stop benefits just as this alternative is in place for anyone whose benefits are denied or stopped. One option if the benefits are stopped is to get continued payments for a specific time-period. Understanding when this is possible is integral to the case.
What should I know about income and SSI benefits?
Supplemental Security Income is a vital avenue for people in New Jersey and across the nation who are disabled, 65 and older or blind and meet the necessary income and resource requirements to be approved. However, there are important points that go along with applying for SSI benefits. One of the basics is understanding how income factors in.
Why you need experienced legal help when seeking SSI benefits
New Jersey residents who are blind, disabled, 65 or older and meet the basic requirements to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) do not always get approved for the benefits. Frequently, this is because they have made some type of mistake when applying, did not have legal help to deal with the process or hired the wrong attorney. Believing that one attorney and law firm is just as competent as another is a costly mistake that can deprive an otherwise deserving applicant of the SSI-related benefits they so badly need. Knowing why to get legal assistance with their SSI case is crucial to the entire process.
What if I get an overpayment of my SSI benefits?
Since Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program for people who are 65 or older, blind and/or disabled, New Jersey recipients should be keenly aware of the rules for the program. A violation of these rules could lead to the SSI-related benefits being stopped. One common problem that can negatively affect SSI benefits is if there is an overpayment. Understanding what constitutes an overpayment and how to address it is key.
