Louis Lusk, Attorney at Law PLLC

01/27/2025

How much money can you make or have and still qualify for SSI benefits? SSI stands for “supplemental security income” and pays qualified disabled individuals monthly benefits. Unlike SSDI (Social Security disability income) benefits, you do not need to have a specific history of working and paying into the Social Security system. However, you do need to have limited income and assets (money and property). In 2025 the annual income limit for folks who have not reached full retirement age is $23,400. The maximum asset amount is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. This asset limit does not include the value of your home, one car if you use it for transportation, and many household items and personal possessions, among other things.

01/24/2025

Can you receive Social Security disability when you are 65 or older? It depends on your full retirement age. If your full retirement age is 65 you would no longer qualify for Social Security disability income (SSDI) benefits as of your 65th birthday. If, however, your full retirement age is 66 or 67, you can continue to receive benefits until you reach the applicable age. If you are receiving SSDI when you turn the applicable age your benefits will automatically be converted to retirement benefits. To determine your full retirement age, go to www.SSA.gov and use their “Retirement Age Calculator.”

Official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.

01/22/2025

If you are awarded Social Security disability income benefits (SSDI) in 2025, the minimum amount of your monthly check will be $967.00 as an individual recipient. The monthly minimum payout for an eligible couple is $1,450.00. The Social Security Administration calculates the amount of your check based on your lifetime earnings and the amount of Social Security taxes you have paid. You can receive up to a maximum of $4,018.00 a month, but if you are awarded SSDI benefits you will not be paid less than the minimum amounts listed above.

01/20/2025

Can you qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) if you have diabetes? Many of my clients have diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2. As to whether you can qualify for SSDI with diabetes, the answer is: it depends. If your diabetes is under control with medication and does not interfere with your activities of daily living or ability to work, then probably not. If however, your condition does interfere with your ability to do things and impedes your ability to work, you may indeed qualify as long as other non-medical factors (for example, you have worked long enough and accumulated enough work credits) are also met.
Frankly, my experience has been that diabetes alone rarely qualifies a Claimant for SSDI. Usually, my clients suffering with diabetes also have other illnesses or medical conditions which, when combined with the diabetes, qualify them for SSDI. That is why it is important to include all of your medical conditions when applying for SSDI.

01/15/2025

How long does it take for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to decide your initial application/claim for disability? This depends on a number of factors, including the type of disability you have and how soon the SSA can receive your medical records from your healthcare providers. It is important to fill out the application thoroughly and in detail to give the SSA the information they need to process the claim as quickly as possible.
In my experience it normally takes at least 6 to 9 months for a decision to be made.
Unfortunately, most people are turned down for SSDI at the initial stage, which is why it is important to file an appeal, called a “Request for Reconsideration” as soon as you get the Denial letter from SSA. Generally, you have 60 days from the date of the letter to file the appeal; however, under some circumstances you may be able to get an extension of time to file the appeal.
If your initial claim for Social Security disability is denied you should consult an experienced SSDI attorney immediately.

11/18/2024

Can you work and still receive Social Security disability benefits? The short answer is yes, depending on how much you make at your job. In 2024 you can make up to $1,550 per month and still be eligible for disability benefits (if all other criteria for receiving disability are met). For 2025 the limit increases to $1,620 per month. This is called “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) for purposes of SSDI and SSI disability. If you are making less than the maximum amounts per month you may still be eligible for disability benefits.

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11/15/2024

Beginning January 1, 2025, the maximum SSDI benefit amount for disability will be increased to $4,018.00 a month. This will represent a 2.5 % cost of Living (COLA) increase from 2024.

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09/24/2024

Welcome to my new page! I'm Attorney Louis Lusk. I represent folks applying for Social Security disability benefits. Call me for a free consultation at (800) 615-1946.

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