Nevada Social Security Law

Nevada Social Security Lawyer

When most of us think of the term, “Social Security,” we think of the retirement benefits that may or may not be there when we need them.  In fact, the term “Social Security” actually refers to the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program, a federal program.  Social Security law encompasses all aspects of the Social Security Act.  This includes medical and cash benefits for the blind and otherwise disabled; benefits for those with extremely low income; minor children of deceased parents; and those that are unemployed.

Social Security Lawyers work to get their clients the benefits they should receive from all of the applicable programs.  Most of the focus is on Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and  Widows’ or Widowers’ Disability benefits.

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are available to those who have worked the requisite time, paid FICA taxes and now through injury or illness, are unable to work and earn an income.  The SSD application process is long and arduous; but, if granted, SSD provides medical benefits and monthly payments for life, so long as the person remains disabled.

Social Security FAQs

How much would my Social Security Disability payments be each month? Your monthly benefits are based upon the amount of money you’ve paid employment taxes (i.e. FICA) on.  The Social Security Administration uses a formula and will freely provide an estimate of disability benefits; call the Social Security Administration at 877-456-4251.

I was just awarded SSD cash benefits. When do my medical benefits begin? Medical benefits, in the form of Medicare, begin two years after your cash benefits begin.

I’ve been denied disability benefits, what do I do now? Act quickly; you must appeal the denial of benefits within 60 days or your case is closed.  It is likely in your best interests to be represented by a Social Security Disability attorney who will collect the evidence needed to prove your case and represent you before the administrative court.

I have panic attacks and general anxiety disorder. Am I disabled? If the panic attacks and anxiety keep you from working, you may be disabled; your Social Security Disability attorney can provide guidance regarding your particular situation.  If it seems as though you will be unable to work for at least a year due to mental disorders, chronic illnesses, and/or physical handicaps, the Social Security Administration may deem that you are disabled and entitled to benefits.

I think I’m disabled.  Is Social Security Disability the only program for me? Social Security Disability (SSD) is the main program for disabled persons.  However, there are two other relevant programs as well:  Widows’ or Widowers’ Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If your deceased spouse worked and paid employment taxes (i.e. FICA) and you are disabled and between the ages of 50 and 60, then you may be eligible for Widows’ or Widowers’ Disability payments. If you don’t qualify for SSD or the Widows’ or Widowers’ Disability payments and your income is very low, then you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI.)

Social Security Glossary

Alleged Onset Date “Alleged Onset Date” or “AOD” refers to the date on which the Social Security Disability claimant indicates he or she became disabled.

Disability The Social Security Administration defines the term “disability” as the inability to perform any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical and/or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted, or can be expected to last, for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

FICA Tax “Federal Insurance Contributions Act” or “FICA” refers to employment taxes.  In most circumstances you must have paid FICA taxes to be eligible for disability benefits.  FICA taxes fund the Social Security and Medicare programs.

Medicare You likely think of Medicare as the federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older.  However, two years after Social Security Disability is awarded, younger people with disabilities are eligible for Medicare.  In addition, people with End-Stage Renal Disease, permanent kidney failure with dialysis or a transplant are also eligible for Medicare.

Deceased Wage Earner While the definition of the term, “deceased wage earner,” is mostly obvious, it’s included here to emphasize that the surviving family members or the person’s estate may be eligible for back benefits and monthly survivor benefits after a person dies.  The deceased person must have contributed to the Social Security system (i.e. paid FICA taxes).