Day: September 27, 2023

Most recipients of Social Security Disability benefits continue to receive payments without any issue,but it’s important to remember that disability payments continue so long as you meet the requirements. SSDI and SSI are never guaranteed to last forever and there are several ways for them to be suspended or terminated indefinitely. 

Before applying for social security disability benefits,it’s important to be aware of how they can be canceled. 

Medical Improvements SSI/DI

Social security disability beneficiaries are often approved due to a debilitating injury or a medical condition that prevents them from working,including psychiatric conditions. The Social Security Administration reviews medical beneficiaries every three to seven years to ensure their condition still entitles them to benefits,but if they determine you’re no longer disabled as defined by the SSA and have made enough of a medical improvement,you can lose your benefits. 

Returning to Work & SGA

When a beneficiary begins working again,the income derived from the job can cost them benefits if it exceeds “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). The SGA is determined by the Social Security Administration but follows certain guidelines. Essentially,SGA describes a level of work activity and earnings,considered substantial if it involves significant physical or mental activities. Gainful work activity is defined as work that is performed for pay or profit,the nature of the work is generally performed for work or profit,or is intended for profit. 

If returning to work,a beneficiary can lose their benefits by engaging in SGA. If you’re concerned about losing your benefits in this way,it’s important to talk with an SSI / SSDI attorney. 

Retirement Age & Disability Benefits

For SSDI beneficiaries that reach their full retirement age,they will likely see their disability benefits stop. Social Security retirement benefits and SSDI benefits cannot be issued together and once a person is eligible for retirement they are no longer eligible for their disability. Once retirement age is reached,the SSA will switch over from SSDI payments to your retirement benefits. 

Social Security Disability Benefits & Incarceration

If a person has been incarcerated at either a prison or other penal institution after being convicted of a crime,disability payments will cease until you’re released. It’s important to note that you’ll be eligible again after being incarcerated unless convicted of a felony. Some felony convictions will include a cessation of benefits and/or eligibility as well. 

SSI Asset Limits

If your income or assets rise above the limit for SSI or SSDI eligibility,your payments will cease and you’ll no longer be eligible whole earning too much income. How your income is earned isn’t relevant,unless already crossing the SGA threshold,but earning above the income limit will cost you your benefits. Some acquired assets and income types that count towards these limits include private pensions,spousal income,parental income,inherited assets,and alimony payments. It can be complicated and a complex issue to navigate as a number of factors can go towards crossing the asset limit. If you fear that you may lose your benefits for this reason,consult an experienced SSI or SSDI attorney to help you. 

Protecting Your Social Security Disability Payments

It’s important to know what can trigger your social security disability benefits to cease,especially as some of the reasons for their stopping can be a mistake and are avoidable. As mentioned a few times before,it’s important to consult with an SSI / SSDI attorney who has extensive experiencing protecting people from the cessation of benefits and the SSA itself. 

Here at Marken Law Group,we have a comprehensive understanding of social security benefits. We understand how stressful benefits can be and don’t want to add to your plate during this potentially stressful time. We have represented hundreds of claimants in Washington,Idaho,Montana,Oregon,and California to obtain what is rightfully theirs. We focus on your individual needs and bring our extensive experience to help guide you through. Partner with an experienced ally that is by your side from start to finish and have a qualified social security lawyer to help you.

Secure Your Disability Benefits

Daycare centers play a crucial role in our society by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children while their parents work or attend to other responsibilities. Parents trust these facilities to care for their little ones,believing that their children will be looked after with love and attention. However,a darker reality exists in some corners of the daycare industry,where instances of abuse and neglect have left families shattered and communities outraged. In this blog post,we shed light on the issue of daycare abuse in North Carolina,a problem that demands our collective attention and action.

Daycare abuse attorney Kristen Beightol commented,“If you find yourself in such a distressing situation,consult with an attorney who specializes in daycare abuse cases. We are here to provide legal guidance,advocate for justice,and work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for harming children are held accountable for their actions.”

Understanding the Scope

The scope of daycare abuse in North Carolina,like in many other states,is difficult to quantify due to underreporting and the complex nature of the issue. Cases of abuse can range from physical harm to emotional and psychological mistreatment. They can involve daycare staff,caregivers,or even fellow children,making it imperative to recognize and address the various forms it may take.

Factors Contributing to Daycare Abuse

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of daycare abuse in North Carolina:

Lack of Regulation: In some instances,insufficient regulations and oversight of daycare facilities have enabled abusive behavior to persist. Stricter regulations and more comprehensive monitoring are needed to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.

Understaffing and Overcrowding: Overworked and underpaid staff,coupled with overcrowded daycare centers,can lead to stressful environments where caregivers may inadvertently or intentionally harm children.

Inadequate Training: Some daycare workers lack the necessary training to handle the complex needs of children,particularly those with behavioral challenges or special needs. Proper training can help prevent abuse by providing caregivers with the tools and knowledge to manage difficult situations.

Lack of Awareness: Many parents are unaware of the signs of daycare abuse or feel reluctant to report suspicions. Raising awareness about this issue is essential to ensure that families know how to identify and report abuse.

Recognizing the Signs

Parents,caregivers,and concerned community members should be vigilant in recognizing the signs of daycare abuse,including:

Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises,cuts,or injuries,especially if they occur repeatedly or without plausible explanations,may be signs of physical abuse.

Behavioral Changes: Sudden and unexplained changes in a child’s behavior,such as withdrawal,aggression,or fearfulness,can indicate emotional or psychological abuse.

Regression: A child reverting to behaviors typical of a younger age,such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking,may be experiencing trauma.

Fear of a Specific Person or Place: If a child expresses fear or anxiety about attending daycare or a particular staff member,it should be taken seriously.

Taking Action

When daycare abuse is suspected,immediate action is essential to protect the child and prevent further harm:

Report Suspected Abuse: If you suspect daycare abuse,report it to the appropriate authorities,such as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. They can investigate the situation and take appropriate action.

Seek Legal Counsel: Consult an attorney with expertise in childcare abuse cases to understand your legal options and pursue justice for your child.

Support and Therapy: Ensure your child receives the necessary support and therapy to heal from the trauma of abuse. Counseling can help them cope with the emotional and psychological effects.

Advocate for Change: Join local advocacy groups and campaigns dedicated to improving daycare regulations and oversight. Your voice can contribute to the creation of safer environments for all children.

Conclusion

Daycare abuse in North Carolina is a distressing issue that demands our attention and action. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe,nurturing environment,free from harm. By recognizing the signs of abuse,reporting suspicions,and advocating for change,we can work together to protect our most vulnerable members of society and ensure that daycare centers fulfill their essential role in supporting working parents and nurturing our children’s development.

Map of North Carolina