I have heard that if you receive disability checks BEFORE you reach retirement age, you have to pay that back AFTER you reach retirement age. This friend of mine was on disability for a whole year before she reached retirement age and now that she is retired she received a letter in the mail saying that her Social Security checks were only going to be HALF of what she should be getting until all of the money that they gave her for disability is paid back. Is this normal? I'm very anxious to know the answer to this because I'm on disability myself and I'm only 45 years old. If anyone knows the answer to this, please reply.
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Linda: You sound so worried I just had to write. I've heard that if you return to work, have an increase in finances, or start collecting social security your disability benefits can be reduced or stopped. But I've never heard of anyone having to return benefits(unless they committed some kind of fraud to get them). Are you sure your friend read the letter correctly? Maybe it's a scam, there are so many of them out there. Go online, check with Social Security and whatever agency is paying you disability. This just doesn't sound right.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe that disability has to be paid back. Years ago my husband opened a Workers' Compensation claim against his former employer because he was permanently injured while on the job. Workers' Compensation is not taxable and doesn't have to be paid back. If you were hurt on the job Workers' Compensation is the best way to go. I can't give you any legal advice but you could consult a lawyer who specializes in workers' compensation law.
As a result of the disability that my husband incurred while on the job, he has all his doctor bills, and medications paid for by an insurance company and has no out of pocket expenses.
A number of years ago my DH and I had to legally fight his company and went to court and he won his compensation case.
Employers usually try to talk the employee into filing a disability claim instead of Workers' Compensation. Companies have to pay a lot of money into Workers' Compensation and that's why they don't like it.
Marge from NY
The best and most knowledgeable place to find your answer to contact your local social security office and ask them.They will supply you with the correct answer.
If it is Social Security Disability it does NOT have to be paid back.
I received Social Security disability and continue to be employed, when are retired and reached the age of 66, Social Security Disability Benefits changed over to regular Social Security benefits and I did not have to pay the disability back.FYI, if a person receive Social Security benefits for disability, you should contact your local Social Security office to check how much salary you can receive and still draw social security disability benefits. The house began to receive my Social Security Disability Benefits, I had to downsize my salary in order to keep my benefits. But I did check with the Social Security born about this information.
I would just call your local Social Security office,
then you will get correct answer.
Let us know what you find out.
I was on disability for a long time, until I turned 65 and now I just get regular social security. Never heard anything about paying this back! Check with you local office to be sure. Rose
Wow
I am not sure about this ssi disability, but I know what the government did to my friend.
She and her fiancee' were both getting SSI disability--too young for retirement disability---about $1100 together and went to the same address. The day they got legally married, they took most of each of their SSI disabilities--they now have about $430 total for the two of them to live on, because they legally married---what a gov't system that penalizes being married versus living together!
I worked in social services for 20 years and the only time I have ever heard of anyone having to pay Social Security back is if the individual had been overpaid or had been paid benefits in error. If individuals have misrepresented the facts, SSA will get their money back even if causes a hardship on the individual. Never lie to SSA! Disability benefits that are rightfully collected using correct information from earning do not have to be paid back.
To put your mind at rest, you can always call the SSA office - be sure to call early in the day to keep from being on hold forever.
I will be 65 in 3 more years so I would like to know the answer also. I have been on disability since 1999. Check with the social security office in your area or online.A lso go to www.yahoo.com/
The only time disability needs to be paid back is if they were paid to you in error. For example, my young husband has been on disability for quite a few years. HOWEVER, he can still work and make up to a certain amount of money per month. IF he goes over that amount, then he would not be entitled to benefits for that month and it would have to be paid back.
I spoke with a lawyer here in my state (Texas) and he said that it doesn't have to be paid back at all. He said that once you reach retirement age, you will only get one check. Either the dissability check or the retirement check, which ever one is greater.
Sorry it took so long to get back with the answer. Thanks to everyone who responded to my question.
Have a Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year !!!
Linda
Linda
You only have to pay back if you were overpaid by the government. I personally get SSI and I have been sent a letter that said I was overpaid last year by 200 dollars because I sent them a late statement of income earned. I work very part time. It is unfair, but there is nothing we can do about it. I also know that if you plan on marrying marry upper middle class, because poor will only get your money cut to where you and spouse can not live on together without more welfare and living in public housing buildings.
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