Question: I'm on disability and I need to file bankruptcy. I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD and I have a bad back and neck. I got hurt in the military and I think I may have mental issues because I was in Afghanistan and in Iraq.
I have pretty much been living on credit cards for years. If I can't pay a bill I'll use a credit card. So now at the end of the month, when I pay my bills, I find myself getting deeper and deeper into debt and I don't see an end in sight. At the rate I'm going I will never get out from under the mound of debt that I have.
It's not easy paying my rent and car payment each month and I barely eat out any more except for an occasional slice of pizza and a beer or two. My car is 17 years old and I haven't bought new clothes in 10 years; I buy everything I can at thrift stores.
I needed a suit to wear for a job interview and I bought one at a thrift store. It was a little bit stained and didn't really fit but I actually got the job. The man interviewing me said he liked my tie, which I also picked-up at the thrift store for ten cents.
If I can get rid of this debt I'll be much better off. But I heard that if you are getting disability you cannot file for bankruptcy. Is that true, because I'd like to file soon so I can start saving some money and buy a new car.
P.P. in Forsyth County, GA
Answer: Yes, you can file for bankruptcy even if you are collecting disability. We have helped many people who are receiving disability file for bankruptcy. Just like anyone else, those getting disability can file either a chapter 7 or a chapter 13.
A disability can either be physical or mental. People with either type of disability are allowed to file bankruptcy.
We do a full financial assessment for all of our clients, and as part of that assessment we look at how disability payments factor into their particular financial situation.
Some of our clients are receiving Social Security Disability (SSD, or SSDI) and some get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSD is for workers who have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, while SSI disability benefits are available to low-income people who have either never worked or who haven't earned enough work credits to qualify for SSD.
Veterans of the United States Armed Forces are eligible for Disability Compensation if they have a service-related disability. We are proud to have helped numerous disabled veterans file for debt relief.
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When you need to speak with a Forsyth County bankruptcy attorney, we will be there for you. We have helped many people get debt relief. If you are in need, call us now at (678) 712-8561.
Let attorneys Valerie Sherman and Bill Sherman and the highly-regarded team at the Sherman Law Group will help you navigate the entire bankruptcy process.
We proudly serve the entire Atlanta metro area and North Georgia.