When you file a claim seeking SSD benefits, the date the application is submitted and the date a decision is issued can often be challenging. With a disability inhibiting your ability to work, you may have no source of income to maintain your standard of living and to meet your financial obligations. As a result, bills can begin piling up, and you may fall behind monthly payments.
If you have child support payments due, making those payments while your SSD claim is pending can be challenging. If you find yourself unable to keep up with child support payments, it is important that you immediately contact the attorney who is representing you in your SSD benefits claim. Your attorney can give you advice on the situation and even refer you to a family law or to a local organization that may be able to provide assistance.
Usually, you will need to obtain documentation which proves you have applied for SSD benefits or that you have filed a request for reconsideration or an appeal. Your lawyer may be able to use the filing information to help ease your child support issues, including by notifying the court and seeking assistance and/or a modification of child support. Other possible avenues of relief include a possible payment plan or arranging to have the benefits your child will receive credited towards the arrears debt which has accumulated since the date of your disability.
Child support is a serious and important obligation. And it is not something you can ignore, even when you are having serious issues of your own (i.e., your disability). Some people are in such dire straits that they ignore the pending problems and just hope they’ll “go away.” They will not. If you have found yourself struggling to keep up with child support payments while your SSD benefits claim is pending, you need to do something about it. Its vital that you seek legal counsel and get the help you need right away.
You do not have to endure this struggle alone. An attorney can be a valuable resource in your fight to pursue SSD benefits after becoming disabled and can help you to deal with the challenges you may face along the way. At ADL, we are here to help you when you need it most. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you or if you have any questions.