How COVID-19 Could Impact Social Security Benefits SS disability benefits are paid based on medical chart reviews. COVID-19 may not have much impact on those who are already receiving their monthly checks.
There is hardly any aspect of society across the world that the coronavirus pandemic has not touched. Most organizations have asked their employees to work from home. The greatest concernsare about being exposed to the virus and the possible negative impact on the economy. Older Americans who are said to be more vulnerable to the infection have another worry, namely, how this could affect their social security benefits. Americans receive social security disability benefits and social security retirement benefits from the SSA (Social Security Administration). Disability benefit determination requires medical chart reviews
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
918-221-7791
also to understand the nature of the disability or injury. Figures show that approximately one-quarter of married couples and half of unmarried retirees rely on social security for around 90% of their retirement income. The SSA will continue to send benefit checks to those who are already receiving them, which is a great relief. Some changes are there, however, to know. •
The SSA offices will remain closed temporarily to help slow down the spread of the virus. You can visit the SSA website or call them if you have some query or need assistance with your benefits. The administration encourages people to visit the website first because then they can focus more on people who are more in need.
•
Deadlines will be extended in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you have been asked to provide some documentation or other, send it through mail or you can wait until their offices open.
•
Processes such as medical continuing disability reviews, collection of overpayments and so on will be postponed until further notice.
To make money available for people during these difficult times, the government will be providing stimulus checks to millions of Americans. Eligible adults who earn $75,000 or less will receive $1,200 dollars as stimulus. The check will amount to $2,400 for couples earning $150,000 or less. Along with this, each child in the household will receive an amount of $500. Income limits are there;so higher earners will not be eligible for relief. Regardless of whether you are on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or veterans’ benefits, you will be eligible for the stimulus. Just as for other Americans, the size of the checks for those receiving social security benefits will be based on their adjusted gross income as reported on their tax information. If their 2019 tax filings are done, that information will be taken from it. Otherwise the calculation will be made based on the 2018 filings. For those social security recipients who don’t file returns for reasons such as their tax liability is very low or they do not have taxable income, their relief checks will be based on information in their 1099 form. However, it is not clear how SSI recipients who don’t receive such forms (because their income is
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
918-221-7791
not taxable) will be considered. Maybe they will still have to file a tax return to get their stimulus money. A social security lawyer may be able to provide the right counsel to help mitigate the prevailing uncertainty. Many disability applications are in various stages of processing and this is also a real concern. Though beneficiaries’ social security checks will not be affected by COVID-19, it is vital to stay abreast regarding the changes occurring within the SSA.
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
918-221-7791