For those who have suffered debilitating injuries and illnesses, Social Security disability can provide the financial lifeline they need to get by. Depending on the severity of their disability and their work history, a disabled individual may be able to recover hundreds of dollars a month in benefits. Those who are unable to work come to rely on these funds to pay for their housing and food.
Although obtaining SSD benefits can seem like a massive victory in itself, it is not the endgame. The reason? The Social Security Administration routinely reassesses claims to determine if benefits need to be adjusted or eliminated. Sadly, many times the SSA takes a hardline on income when reassessing disability, as one disabled woman recently found out.
Earlier this year, a woman was notified that her SSD benefits would be reduced to offset money she received via a GoFundMe campaign. The campaign, which raised about $3,700 dollars, successfully sent the baseball-loving woman to a Kansas City Royals game. Despite the joy the gift gave her, the woman now feels like she’s been cheated. The adjustment will cost her $176 a month, an amount she says she can’t afford to lose. Social Security disability is her only source of income, so the loss is quite significant.
A story like this can break your heart. Those who have had a hard life thanks to their disability can be unfairly punished when they receive something of monetary value. This is why those who receive SSD benefits need to be sure that they are protecting their benefits, and that they know the ramifications of taking on a job or accepting money. Those who are having their benefits threatened should consider whether seeking out legal assistance will be beneficial for them.
Source: AOL News, “Woman with disability loses Social Security income after GoFundMe campaign,” Dec. 5, 2016