Chicago Divorce Attorney Russell Knight Explains Social Security Disability Insurance in an Illinois Divorce

Chicago divorce attorney Russell D. Knight releases a new article (https://rdklegal.com/social-security-disability-insurance-and-divorce-in-illinois/) that explains how Social Security Disability Insurance works in an Illinois divorce. The lawyer mentions that in the United States, almost everyone is expected to work. Employment has a significant impact on a divorce. The law in Illinois recognizes the big difference between people who choose not to work and those who cannot work.

“Social Security Disability Insurance is a program provided by the United States government which provides benefits to the disabled and certain family members if the disabled worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Social Security Disability Insurance should not be confused with Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Supplemental Security Income is a program that is strictly need-based, according to income and assets of the applicant,” says the Chicago divorce attorney.

The lawyer explains that Social Security Disability Insurance is not social security which is paid by the government to people regardless of disability. Social Security Disability Insurance is awarded to people if the applicant cannot do work that they did before; if Social Security decides that the applicant is not able to adjust to other work; and if the disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

Attorney Russell Knight adds that as of 2020, someone who is making about $1260 a month will not be found to be disabled. The average Social Security Disability Insurance benefit is about $1200 every month. The disability insurance will also make an additional payment to the disabled person if they have children under the age of 18.

In the article, attorney Knight explains that every recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance with children under the age of 18 will receive an additional amount for their children. The parent who has primary custody of the children can then direct the Social Security office to direct that child’s portion to themselves.

According to the divorce lawyer, “Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are awarded based on the level of disability and the payments into the Social Security system through Social Security taxes. Social Security does not look at a person’s assets when awarding Social Security Disability Income.”

Lastly, the lawyer emphasizes the importance of having a skilled attorney when it comes to matters such as asset division and child custody as well as Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Having an experienced lawyer may be able to help the client understand their rights and ensure that they are receiving what is meant to be for them.

About The Law Office of Russell Knight

The Law Office of Russell D. Knight was established in 2009 by the divorce attorney Russell D. Knight. The lawyer’s love for family law is demonstrated by the numerous articles personally written by the lawyer. Russell is a licensed lawyer throughout Florida and Illinois. The attorney has a legal practice in both states and employs an entire staff of paralegals and attorneys in the two states of Chicago, Illinois, and Naples, Florida. Contact them today at (773) 334-6311.