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Our law firm is dedicated to helping clients throughout Southern Illinois with Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims. When you enlist the help of Murray, Rose & Associates, Ltd, you are receiving help from Southern Illinois’ longest-standing and most successful Social Security Disability law firm. From start to finish, our team will be by your side to help you throughout the entire process. This includes applications, prehearing appeals, administrative hearings, federal appeals, and more. We are proud to represent local clients to get the help they need to move forward in their lives. At Murray, Rose and Associates, Ltd, we do not charge a fee unless you receive benefits.
Richard Murray attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale(SIUC), graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from the SIUC School of Law and became licensed to practice in 1982. Mr. Murray was involved in the general practice of law until the start of 2000 when he became a member of this firm where his practice has been limited to the representation of individuals seeking disability insurance throughout their dealing with the Social Security Administration and in appeals of adverse decisions to the Federal District Court. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and is a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives (NOSSCR).
Brad Sherrill graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. He enrolled at Saint Louis University School of Law in 2004 and graduated in 2007. Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 2007, Mr. Sherrill initially focused his practice on criminal defense, family law, and probate. After joining Murray, Rose & Associates in 2012 Mr. Sherrill has concentrated solely on Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims. Mr. Sherrill has the experience and expertise to represent claimants for the duration of their claims, including appeals filed in the Federal District Court.
It is true that filing an initial application for Social Security disability benefits can be done by anyone. However, after the initial filing, the disability process gets very complex very quickly. In fact, the majority of claims get denied at the initial level. Without experienced representation to help you during this complicated process, your chances of getting the benefits you need can be greatly diminished.
Do I have to pay income tax on my social security benefits?
It is possible, however, less than 1/3 of current beneficiaries do. If you file a federal tax return as an individual and your total income is more than $25,000 or if you file a joint return and you and your spouse have a total income over $32,000, you will have to pay taxes on your benefits. For more information, you can contact the IRS and request IRS Publication Number 915: Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits.
How much can I earn and still receive social security disability benefits?
“Work incentives” are special rules established to help people keep their benefits and Medicare while testing their ability to work. In one example of these rules in action, there exists a trial work period during which you could receive your full disability benefits, regardless of what you earn, so long as you report your work activity and continue to have your disabling impairment. This trial work period will continue until nine months of work “services” have accumulated (“services” being defined as work in which you earn more than a pre-determined amount). When this trial period ends, your benefits will stop for months in which your earnings are at a level that the SSA deems “substantial” (another pre-determined amount set by the SSA). For an additional 36 months after the trial work period, your benefits can resume if your earnings fall below the “substantial” level and you still have your impairment.
How long does it take to receive a decision on whether I have been found disabled?
You’ll receive an initial decision on your claim within 3 to 5 months. This varies depending on the nature of your disability, how quickly your medical information reaches the SSA, any medical exams that are deemed necessary, and whether your claim is randomly chosen for a quality assurance review. If your initial decision is unfavorable, you will file a “Request for Reconsideration” and a second decision will take approximately another 3 to 6 months. If you are denied once again, your next appeal is a “Request for Hearing,” which can take up to 2 years before your case is heard. Timely and accurate filing at every step of the process is also important for receiving swift resolutions.
Is there a limit on how long I can receive disability benefits?
No. As long as your medical condition does not improve and you cannot work, you will receive disability benefits. There are periodic reviews of disability cases to ensure you consistently meet disability requirements. If you reach retirement age while still receiving disability benefits, they will be converted to retirement benefits.
Will I automatically receive Medicare if I am receiving disability benefits?
After receiving disability benefits for two years, SSA will automatically enroll you in Medicare (this will be counted from the month you were entitled, not necessarily the month you received your first check). Medicare is made up of two parts, hospital insurance, and medical insurance. Hospital insurance helps cover hospital bills and some follow-up care. This coverage is financed by taxes paid while you were working, so it is premium free. Medical insurance helps with doctors’ bills and other services and you’ll have to pay a monthly premium if you want it. Those receiving SSI benefits may be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage as soon as they are determined to be disabled and entitled to SSI benefits without a 24-month waiting period.