Skip to main content I was injured in a car accident, but I will be returning to work after recovering. Does it make sense to file for Social Security disability benefits?
Yes, you may be able to file for Social Security disability benefits. However, this also depends on how long you expect to stay away from work. You can only apply for benefits if you anticipate staying out of work for more than a year.
Is There a Salary Cap If I Return to Work After a Car Accident?
Yes, there is. The salary cap changes almost every year. For example, as of 2022, you cannot keep your Social Security benefits if you earn more than $1350 a month or $2260 if you’re blind.
Therefore, while you are free to return to work after recovering, the amount you earn at work will determine whether you are eligible for benefits. If you are already approved, your salary will also decide whether or not you will keep these benefits.
How Can I Avoid Losing My Benefits If I Earn More Than the SGA Limit?
While earning more than the SGA limit could mean losing your benefits, you may be able to navigate these complex laws. At Morgan and Morgan, our social security disability attorneys might be able to help you keep your benefits even if you earn more than the SGA cap. When calculating your salary, the SSA deducts certain expenses related to your disability. For example, if you used part of the money to build a wheelchair ramp to help you gain access to your office, this is considered an expense relating to your disability.
And that is not the only way to adjust your salary to meet SSA’s eligibility requirements. At Morgan and Morgan, we know how frustrating it is to be denied benefits because the SSA claims you earn too much money when you do not. Our seasoned disability attorneys can review your earnings and expenses and possibly help you make the necessary adjustments to meet SSA’s eligibility requirements.
Do My Injuries Qualify for Disability Benefits?
The truth is, not every kind of injury qualifies for benefits. You must meet the SSA’s medical requirements. In the case of a car accident, the following injuries might qualify for benefits:
- Leg and arm fractures
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Anxiety disorders
However, it is important to note that just because you have suffered these injuries does not necessarily mean you will be eligible for benefits. The injuries aside, the SSA also has eligibility requirements each applicant must meet. For instance, if you suffered arm and leg fractures and want to apply for benefits, you must demonstrate that you cannot use the affected body parts for at least 12 months.
If you suffered facial and head injuries in general, you must prove that the injury affected your speech, vision, or feeding process.
The bottom line is that getting injured does not necessarily mean you will qualify for benefits. However, working with an experienced social security attorney from Morgan and Morgan could be the game changer. This is because Morgan and Morgan attorneys have years of experience dealing with the SSA.
We know what it takes to prove that you deserve benefits due to your injuries after a car accident. For this reason, you do not have to worry about the stress of getting the SSA’s approval for disability benefits when you have an experienced attorney fighting for you.
The SSA Says I Can Work, but I Disagree. What Should I Do?
The SSA receives thousands of fraudulent applications every year. For this reason, they tend to investigate each application, looking for any hint of fraud. For example, when you claim that you cannot work, the SSA will review the nature of your injuries and try to find jobs you can do. This is one of the tactics the government agency uses to deny you the benefits you need and deserve.
If the SSA says you can work, but you disagree with them, contact Morgan and Morgan for a free case evaluation. For example, if the agency claims you can do sedentary jobs, but your medication limits your concentration levels, you may be able to file a dispute with the SSA.
Since our attorneys are familiar with the issues that will likely raise suspicion when the SSA reviews your application, we can help you build a strong case to support your eligibility for benefits. And if the agency has already rejected your previous application, we might be able to help you file an appeal.
How Much Do Morgan and Morgan and Morgan Social Security Benefits Attorneys Charge?
At Morgan and Morgan, we know how important it is for you to get the benefits you need and deserve to support yourself. For this reason, we do not charge our clients any upfront fees. Instead, we only charge them when we win. If they do not win, they do not pay us anything.
This ensures that there are no risks involved. In other words, you have nothing to lose but so much to gain when you choose Morgan and Morgan social security disability attorneys to represent you.
How Do I Contact Morgan and Morgan Social Security Disability Attorneys?
The best way to contact Morgan and Morgan social security benefits lawyers is through our free case evaluation form. When you tell us about your case, one of our legal representatives will review it and then get in touch with you to discuss your options. And if you have a valid claim, we might be able to fight for you, ensuring you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
