Tips to Help Family Members with a Disability

If any of your family members receive Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income payments, they could be in a position to need someone to care for them. Perhaps you do the job because they need you, and you want to help. November is National Family Caregivers Month, so if you do provide care to disabled or elderly family members, this is your month to be appreciated and get any help you need.

The job likely gets frustrating or challenging at times, especially if you take care of your family member's finances as well as their health and safety. Perhaps you are a representative payee. Whatever services you offer, here are some tips to help you do the best job possible:

• Keep your family member's records organized, such as medical documents, financial papers, and any wills or trusts
• Keep their file with the SSA updated, making sure to report address changes, alterations in the living situation, and additional sources of income
• Create and stick to a budget so that you can purchase all of their necessities to live comfortably using their SSDI or SSI funds
• Keep track of their medical coverage, whether it is private insurance or Medicare, which will kick in after two years of payments from the SSA

Whether you officially have power of attorney or are a designated representative payee for your family member, caring for them is an admirable action. You might need some advice and support of your own from time to time.

If you have any questions, whether about your family member's benefits or about the SSA in general, a lawyer specializing in Social Security cases can help. You can contact one today for a consultation, or hire one on behalf of your disabled family member if you have any trouble with their SSA account.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.