Now That You Have Received a Favorable Decision

You now have additional steps to take to make full use of your favorable decision.

Check with your Social Security office to see if they need more information. They should be able to answer questions about:

• The amount of your monthly checks

• When your checks will begin

Call (800) 772-1213.

If You Are a Veteran

You may be eligible for a Veterans’ Disability pension, either service-connected or non-service-connected.

Call (800) 827-1000 for more information.

If You Own Your Home or Are Buying Your Home

You may be eligible for a property tax credit, depending on your income.

• Check with your local City or County Assessor for details and forms.

• If you are renting, you may be eligible for a partial refund of rent already paid.

• If you were awarded SSI, you may also be able to defer any remaining property tax indefinitely.

Check with your County Treasurer for details.

If You Want to Rent an Apartment

You may be eligible to live in local housing for the elderly and disabled.

Check with your local Department of Human Services or HUD Housing Programs.

If You Have Children or a Dependent Husband or Wife

They may be able to collect dependent benefits under the Social Security Disability program for which you have been approved.

Check with your local Social Security office.
Call (800) 772-1213.

If You Are Paying Child Support

Your children may be eligible for dependent benefits, which may be able to count toward your child support payments.

You may need to:

• Contact the lawyer who handled your divorce or child support case, or

• Contact another attorney who handles these matters

Ask about filing a Motion for Reconsideration.

Information for SSI Claimants Only

Medicaid

You may be eligible for Medicaid for any month you receive $1.00 or more from SSI.

If SSI payments stop and you still need Medicaid, contact the Florida Department of Children and Families at (850) 487-1111.

Past-Due SSI Benefits

SSI payments may be sent to you in two or three installments if you are entitled to a large past-due benefit.

These installments are typically sent at six-month intervals.

Medical Reviews

Social Security will review your medical condition within seven years.

You should continue seeing your doctor to prove that you are still disabled.
Any work activity that stops your SSI checks may trigger a medical review.

Work Activity

Work does not affect SSI the same way it affects Social Security Disability.

• Once approved for SSI, there is no Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.

• Gross earnings over $65.00 per month may change your SSI payment amount.

If SSI payments stop only because you are working, you may still receive Medicaid until you no longer need it.

SSI Income Formula

• SSI benefits are reduced $1.00 for every $2.00 earned after the first $65.00 exclusion

• An additional $20.00 exclusion may apply if you have no other income (or your spouse has no income)

Reduced SSI Check

Your monthly SSI check may be reduced if you receive free room and board.

It will not be reduced if the free housing is a loan that you intend to repay.

Keep in Mind

The benefits you obtain as a result of your favorable award may be worth as much as or more than the benefits themselves.

If You Have Title XIX (Medicaid) and Are Now Eligible for Medicare

You should be able to have your Medicare premium paid by the State under the Federal QMB program.

You may qualify if you have limited income and resources.

Check with:

• Your local Florida Department of Children and Families

• Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213

If You Have a Disability Insurance Plan Through Work or Purchased on Your Own

Notify your insurer of the favorable decision.

If payments were turned down, they may now be allowed.
If they have already paid benefits, they may seek reimbursement.

Avard Law Offices, P.A. handles these cases — please contact us for assistance.

Medical Reviews (SSDI)

Social Security may review your case again to confirm you are still disabled.
Continue seeing your doctor and maintaining documentation.

Some types of work activity may cause a loss of benefits.

Return to Work (SSI & SSDI)

You must tell Social Security if you return to work.

You could owe Social Security money if:

• You are not covered by a Trial Work Period

• You earn too much income

Call (800) 772-1213.

Unpaid Medical, Hospital, Dental, or Pharmacy Bills

If you have unpaid bills from the time you were found eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, hospitals or doctors’ billing offices may help you resolve them.

For assistance:

• Medicaid: Florida Department of Children and Families – (850) 487-1111

• Medicare: (800) 633-4227

Federal Taxes

You may have to pay federal taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an individual and your total income is more than $25,000.
If you file a joint return, you may have to pay taxes if you and your spouse have a total income of more than $32,000.

These figures may change from year to year.

For more information, call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for IRS Publication #915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 1-800-829-4059.

If You Are Eligible for at Least 24 Months of Disability Insurance Back Benefits

You may be eligible for Medicare coverage now.

Otherwise, after you have been covered for Disability Insurance benefits for 24 months, including any back benefits, you will be enrolled at that time.

Check with your local Social Security office. You should receive Medicare information approximately two months before enrollment.

If You Owe Loans to a Bank, Credit Union, Loan Company, or Other Lender

You may have insurance known as credit disability coverage, which could pay some or all of your loans that are covered.

This coverage may exist through:

• A credit card

• A mortgage

• A student loan

• Another lender

Important:

Do not assume that you are not covered.
Some credit unions provide this coverage at no charge, and you may have signed up and forgotten. Check with your lenders — they can help you complete the necessary paperwork.