In Pennsylvania, Social Security Disability is a program that provides financial assistance for individuals with disabilities. The program offers supplemental security income for parties that never worked and Social Security Disability Insurance for those who have worked previously. An SSD Lawyer in Scranton prepares cases for disabled individuals who were refused benefits.
What is the Purpose of the DDS?
The Disability Determination Service provides preliminary approval for Social Security Disability claims. However, a claim without sufficient evidence is denied by the agency initially. Any claimants who receive a denial from the agency receive a reason for the denial.
What Happens When the DDS Approves the Claim?
All claims that were approved initially are forwarded to the Social Security Administration. This agency sends the claimant for further assessments based on how thorough their medical records are. If the claimant’s doctor substantiates their claim, the claimant could receive a faster approval. If not, the agency needs an assessment by their doctors to make a determination about the claim.
How Closely are Recipients Monitored?
The agency is notified if a new W-2 or 1099 is filed for the recipient or members of their household. Under these circumstances, the recipient or the household member must provide documentation for their income. An increase in income reduces the value of benefits provided to the disabled individual. The state imposes restrictions on how much the household can earn. The restrictions are applied according to whether or not the claimant is married or not.
What is Considered a Source of Income?
Any wages received by the household are considered income. This includes wages that are paid directly by an employer or company that pays the worker as a contractor. Alimony, child support, dividends from stocks, and interest from a savings account are sources of income. An income tax return is not considered taxable income and doesn’t qualify as a source of income.
In Pennsylvania, Social Security Disability benefits are paid according to the program used. Supplemental security income is paid on the first of the month, and Social Security Disability insurance benefits are paid around the third of every month. Claimants who were denied these benefits contact an SSD Lawyer in Scranton or Browse the Leventhal Sutton & Gornstein for more information today.
