An unexpected disability can bring unexpected financial difficulties. Submitting a disability benefits application does not always mean immediate financial assistance. Not everyone can keep working or paying bills while waiting months for their disability benefits application results. This is when presumptive disability benefits may help. Talk to a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you are interested in this program.

How Presumptive Disability Payments Work

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers early disability benefits payments for people with certain types of disabilities and life circumstances. Expedited payments are provided for presumptive disabilities and blindness if certain criteria are met. These payments can be paid for six months before the final decision on your disability benefits application.

You can use the benefits provided during that time to cover your basic living expenses while you transition from work to home. However, presumptive disability benefits are not provided based on financial need or income. Presumptive disability benefits are offered based on certain disabilities, evidence, and the severity level of the disability.

Many people wonder if they will have to repay their presumptive disability benefits payments. The answer depends on whether they were overpaid by the SSA. Overpayment for any reason other than presumptive disability or blindness benefits will need to be paid back. Some of these other reasons may include excess income and resources.

In other words, the SSA does not ask applicants to pay back presumptive disability benefits unless those other reasons are involved. Even when this does happen, this may not mean all of the presumptive disability benefits will need to be paid back. Try contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you have questions about how this works.

Who Qualifies for Presumptive Disability Payments?

Those who have certain disabilities with certain severity levels may qualify for presumptive disability benefits. Some of the conditions associated with presumptive disability benefits include:

·      Complete blindness

·      Complete deafness

·      Spinal cord injuries

·      Down syndrome

·      Conditions that cause immobility

·      Muscular dystrophy

·      Stroke

There are other conditions the SSA may consider to be eligible for presumptive disability benefits. Consider exploring these on the SSA website or by consulting with an experienced disability lawyer. Once you know your condition could be eligible, try asking the SSA office about this.

Those who file for disability benefits do not have to take extra steps to apply for presumptive disability benefits. The information from your initial disability benefits application will be used by the SSA and Disability Determination Services to decide whether to grant you presumptive disability benefits.

If you think the wrong decision was made on your disability benefits or presumptive benefits, then you might be able to file an appeal. Talk to a disability lawyer to learn more about what steps this requires.

Disability Lawyer in Philadelphia

Waiting for financial help from disability benefits can be stressful. Ask a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal attorney about what your options are if your disability application was denied. You can call Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation about what steps you can take. Our experienced team of lawyers is prepared to maximize your chances of receiving disability benefits.