5 Questions About Social Security Disability Answered

Head Social Security attorney, Blair Biser takes on 5 questions about Social Security Disability. If you have a question about Social Security Disability, do not hesitate to send it to us and we’ll get you the answer promptly. You can e-mail your question to wsc@lawyernc.com.

1. Do different Social Security laws apply to me now that I’m in a new State?
   No. Social Security is a federal system that runs according to federal laws that apply in all States. Besides a few exceptions, Federal law governs the entire process.
2. I’ve just moved to a new state, but I have a case pending in my former state. Do I have to go back to the former state to finish my claim?
   No. You can have your file transferred to the nearest Social Security office of Office of Hearings and Appeals in your new state.
3. How are retirement benefits different from disability benefits?
   You are eligible to start receiving retirement benefits at age 62. However, if you file for and receive early retirement, you will have a permanently reduced payment. If you wait until your full retirement age of 65, you will receive the full amount of the retirement benefit to which you are entitled. Once you reach full retirement age, you are no longer eligible to apply for Disability Insurance Benefits. Learn some basics about Retirement Benefits Within Social Security.
4. I’m a young person. Is it impossible for me to be approved for Social Security benefits?
   Absolutely not. Although proving that a young person is disabled is generally harder than proving that an older person is disabled, if your impairment is severe enough and you are genuinely unable to do any past work or to be retrained to do new work, you have a good chance of getting benefits.
5. I’m receiving private insurance and/or disability benefits. Will that reduce my Social Security disability payments?
   If you are receiving Disability Insurance Benefits, any sort of private insurance, long/short-term disability or military disability will not reduce the amount of your Social Security benefit.

However, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, the amount you receive from any other disability payment source will reduce your SSI payment.