COMMITTED TO PROVIDING
OUR CLIENTS WITH
COMPETENT, CARING AND
EXPERIENCED SERVICES
THAT PUT THEM FIRST!
Can I get both workers
compensation and Social
Security Disability benefits
at the same time?
Yes, you can receive both,
but the amount of SSD benefits
may be reduced. The combined
total cannot exceed 80% of
your average earnings before
becoming disabled.
Do I qualify for Social Security
Disability if I am going to be off
work for a short period of time?
No, SSD is only for
disabilities expected to last
at least 12 months or result
in death. Short-term conditions
do not qualify.
Why does it take so long?
The process involves gathering
medical records, evaluating
evidence, and sometimes
holding hearings. High
application volume and case
complexity also contribute
to delays.
How can I get Social Security
Disability benefits if I cannot
afford to go to a doctor for
regular checkups?
Try to seek care through free
clinics, community health
centers, or emergency rooms.
SSA needs medical documentation
to decide your case, so any
consistent records can help.
Can I get benefits if my deceased
spouse was on Disability?
Yes, you may be eligible for
survivor benefits based on your
deceased spouse’s work record,
especially if you’re caring for
a child or are of qualifying age
or disabled yourself.
If my Doctor says that I am
disabled, why do I need an
advocate? Doesn’t that
qualify me?
SSA has its own criteria and
medical review process. A
doctor’s statement helps, but
an advocate understands the
system and can present your
case more effectively.
How are my assets calculated
when I apply for Supplemental
Security Income (SSI)?
SSI looks at things like cash,
bank balances, property, and
vehicles. You must have limited
resources—generally under
$2,000 for individuals or
$3,000 for couples.
Can I work part-time while
getting disability?
Yes, but you must stay under
the SSA’s Substantial Gainful
Activity (SGA) limit—currently
$1,550/month (or $2,590 for
blind individuals in 2025).
Going over can jeopardize
your benefits.
If I'm on longterm disability,
do I have to file for Social
Security Disability?
Often yes—many private
long-term disability policies
require you to apply for SSD
as part of their terms. If
approved, SSD benefits may
offset what the insurer pays.
If you have any other SSD
questions, please fill out the
form below and contact us.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
FOR ESTATE
PLANNING
Can I have both a will
and a trust?
Yes, many people use both.
A will distributes assets after
death, while a trust can
manage and distribute assets
during your life and after,
often avoiding probate.
Do I need an estate plan if
I’m young or don’t own much?
Yes, even simple plans can help.
An estate plan ensures your
wishes are honored, names
guardians for children, and
includes powers of attorney
in case of incapacity.
Why does estate planning
take so long?
It involves detailed discussions
about assets, family dynamics,
taxes, and legal documents.
Time is needed to make
thoughtful decisions and ensure
documents are legally sound.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer
for estate planning?
There are low-cost and free
legal aid resources available.
Also, some basic estate
planning documents can be
prepared online—though
complex situations should
involve an attorney.
Can I inherit assets from my
deceased spouse without a will?
Possibly, but it depends on
state laws. Without a will,
the estate goes through
intestate succession, which
may not reflect your spouse's
true wishes.
If I already told my family
what I want, why do I need
legal documents?
Verbal wishes aren’t legally
binding. A will, trust, and
powers of attorney ensure your
instructions are followed and
help avoid family disputes or
court involvement.
How are my assets counted
when calculating estate taxes?
Estate taxes are based on the
total value of your assets at
death, including property,
accounts, investments, and
even life insurance. Many
estates are under the
exemption threshold.
Can I make changes to my
estate plan later?
Yes, you can revise your will
or trust as your life changes.
Marriage, children, or asset
changes are good reasons to
update your documents regularly.
If I have a living trust, do
I still need a will?
Yes, a “pour-over” will is
often recommended to catch
any assets not included in the
trust. It also covers
guardianship decisions and
other matters trusts may not.
If you have any other
estate planning questions,
please fill out the form below
and contact us.
DOWNLOADABLE
FORMS
To get started, and if you
qualify, please download forms
and fill them out and its entirety.
When complete, email to
Info@gdgroupllc.com. We want
to help you through the
disability approval process!
MEDIA
PHONE: (248) 509 - 0910
FAX: (248) 509 - 0969
GENERAL INFO: Info@gdgroupllc.com
CONTACT
Stop by and experience
exceptional service at any of our
convenient locations! Whether
you're nearby or on the go, our
friendly team is ready to assist
you with everything you need.
We look forward to welcoming you
and making your visit a great one.
We've helped clients in: Wayne
County, Oakland County, Macomb
County,Ingham County, Eaton
County, Genessee County, Isabella
County, Kent County, Kalamazoo
County, and Calhoun County,
as well as Toledo and Cleveland.