I have been in the Social Security business for more than 40 years and, in my experience, most people are overwhelmed and uninformed about what benefit options are available, when to take them, and the mechanics of how to apply for them. People have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Social Security trust funds but have little idea of what is available, when it is available, and how it fits into their financial goals for retirement.

I have developed two presentations about the Social Security system, how it works, its nuances, restrictions, and timing. I offer informative Social Security 101 and 201 presentations, which are updated with the 2021 changes. Each session lasts about 50 minutes and is perfect for an employee lunch and learns or any other venue that works for clients or employees. I can present virtually if necessary.

The “Social Security 101” presentation explains the basics of Social Security entitlement like the earnings test, full retirement age, spousal/survivor benefits, Windfall Elimination, and Government Pension Offset. “Social Security 201” covers Medicare, disability, misinformation, “They Said” issues, practical information on how to file, overpayments, and your “My Social Security” online account. My fee is $250 for each presentation.

It’s great to put 2020 behind us and I’m looking forward to working with many of you in 2021. Thank you for your referrals and trust over the past 15 years!

About Dennis Heywood

Denny’s career with Social Security provides an in-depth, working knowledge of the Social Security Administration’s internal organization and processes. An expert in all phases of SSA programs: retirement, survivor, disability, and Medicare, Denny has expertise with the complex Social Security regulations based on more than 40 years of experience.

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SSA administers two programs that pay disability benefits. Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income Disability (SSI).

SSD is based on your earnings from jobs or self-employment. SSI is a needs based program with income and resource limits. Both programs use the same disability definition: You must have a physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death. Disability decisions are made by an agency of the State where you live. In Ohio this Agency is the Disability Determinations Services office in Columbus. In Kentucky this Agency is in Frankfort. An adjudicator from this Agency is the person who reviews your medical records and decides if you meet the SSA definition and should be approved or denied. If denied you have appeal rights. This agency uses several factors to decide if you are disabled: age, education, and work experience. Some conditions are automatic approvals like ALS and some advanced cancers or other terminal conditions. Other conditions (muscular/skeletal), heart conditions, stroke, require more time and information.

There is a five-month waiting period after your disability onset month before SSD benefits are paid. The benefit amount is based on your work record. There is no waiting period for SSI.

The maximum SSI benefit for 2020 is $783/month and depends on other income available to you. SSI is not payable if you have over $2000 in liquid resources (individual) or $3000 (couple). Many children with physical or mental impairments can receive SSI.

Both programs have complicated rules and limits if you return to work.

For more information please contact me. About 20 percent of my consulting business involves disability clients.

About Dennis Heywood | ss-help.com

Denny’s career with Social Security provides an in-depth, working knowledge of the Social Security Administration’s internal organization and processes. An expert in all phases of SSA programs: retirement, survivor, disability, and Medicare, Denny has expertise with the complex Social Security regulations based on more than 40 years of experience.