Noteboom The Law Firm

Dealing with Debt While You Wait for Disability Payments

Money problems typically go along with the waiting period required to get approved for Social Security disability payments. Most applicants do not have a job when they apply since that is a major hindrance to getting approved, but they do have a stack of medical bills adding up. Considering that it often takes over a year to get approved for benefits from the SSA, and several months to a couple years after that to get Medicare coverage, most people waiting for a decision are compiling significant debt.

If this describes you, receiving daily phone calls from bill collectors is also probably familiar. Many people trying to get money from you will say whatever it takes to get you to pay, no matter how often you tell them you have no money. Some might go so far as to lie to you and threaten that you will go to jail or have your income snatched out of your bank account if you do not pay.

While this type of experience can be devastating, the good news is that such claims are simply lies. According to ScrippsNews, you cannot go to jail for not paying a debt. Additionally, once you start receiving disability payments, your account cannot easily be levied unless the debt owed is to the government.

Sometimes debt collectors can get permission from a court to levy your bank account, but if you have only Social Security payments in it, it is illegal for them to do so. As long as you can prove that all the money in the account is solely from disability, there is no way for them to take it. However, you must prove this to the court to avoid your account being wiped out.

If you are concerned about getting into legal trouble due to your debt, whether you are waiting for disability benefits or already receive them, you should contact a lawyer. A Social Security lawyer can instruct you on your rights and legal options, and if it is determined that you need a lawyer specializing in dealing with debt collection, you may be referred to one that can help.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.