Grillo Law FirmGrillo Law Firm2026-05-26T15:54:05Zhttps://www.grillolawms.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103297/2020/10/cropped-Grillo-Law-Firm-Logo-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[Can I receive both SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time?]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2567422026-05-26T15:54:05Z2026-05-26T15:54:05ZIf a severe medical condition leaves you unable to work, you may be wondering how to cover basic needs like food and shelter. You have likely heard of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but you may not know that you do not always have to choose between them.
In Mississippi, receiving both types of assistance at the same time is possible. This arrangement is known as concurrent benefits.
What sets SSI and SSDI apart
Both programs support people with disabilities, but they work differently. SSDI is an insurance program funded through payroll taxes. To qualify, you need enough work credits, which generally means working and paying taxes for at least five of the ten years leading up to your disability. SSI is a needs-based program with no work history requirement. Instead, it is limited to individuals with low income and assets. To qualify, you cannot own more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual, or $3,000 as a married couple.
Who qualifies for concurrent benefits?
Concurrent benefits typically apply when your SSDI payment is low. This can happen if you had lower lifetime earnings or if your disability began before you had time to build significant work credits. If your monthly SSDI benefit falls below the federal SSI limit, you may qualify for a supplemental SSI payment to help bridge the gap.
How concurrent benefits affect your monthly payment
Receiving both benefits does not mean collecting two full checks. The government counts your monthly SSDI payment as unearned income and applies it against the SSI limit. For 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month. After a $20 general income exclusion, your SSI payment is reduced by whatever SSDI you receive. It is important to note that Mississippi is one of the states that does not offer a state supplement to increase your federal benefit baseline.
When to seek professional guidance
Applying for both programs requires thorough documentation of your medical history and financial resources. A single error in how your income is reported can lead to a technical denial or delay your benefits by months. If you are uncertain about how your income affects your eligibility, discussing your situation with a knowledgeable professional can clarify your options and protect your financial stability.
]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[Chapter 11 can help Harrisburg businesses survive downturns]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2567382026-05-18T19:21:20Z2026-05-16T22:33:39ZHow Chapter 11 can help business owners regain control
Those running companies in Harrisburg might fall behind on their financial obligations after an illness forces them to halt operations or an uptick in material costs diminishes their profit margins. Chapter 11 bankruptcy staves off collection efforts, including creditor lawsuits and vehicle or machinery repossession efforts.
When a business owner files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the courts grant them an automatic stay. Creditors must temporarily stop trying to collect on the organization’s debt until the courts resolve the bankruptcy filing. Certain debts may be eligible for discharge, including non-priority, unsecured debts, such as business credit card balances.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows for the reorganization of the company. Instead of liquidating assets and closing down, Harrisburg business owners can close unprofitable locations, renegotiate financial obligations and take other steps to make the company profitable again.
When successful, Chapter 11 bankruptcies allow people to protect their businesses and their reputations with vendors, lenders and other creditors. The process is relatively complex, especially when compared with the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process associated with asset liquidation and company dissolution.
Experienced legal guidance is important for a successful Chapter 11 filing. Discussing current business challenges and long-term goals with an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help struggling local business owners take control of their finances and get their companies back out of the red.]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[Can Chapter 7 filers in Mississippi safeguard their vehicles?]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2567362026-05-09T20:30:11Z2026-05-09T20:30:11ZHow much can filers protect?
Bankruptcy exemptions allow filers to protect specific assets or the equity accrued in them. There are two distinct sets of bankruptcy exemptions enshrined in law. There are federal exemptions and then also exemptions established under Mississippi state statutes. Mississippi is an opt-out state, which means that filers only have the option of using state exemptions to protect their assets from liquidation.
The tangible personal property exemption applies to cash, vehicles, household goods, clothing, books, animals, crops, trade-related tools, health aids and any other tangible personal assets worth less than $200 each.
Vehicle equity represents the fair market value of a vehicle adjusted for any outstanding debt attached to the vehicle. Individual filers can exempt up to $10,000 in all the assets included under that category. In cases where married couples file jointly, the exemption doubles to allow for the protection of up to $20,000 of accumulated vehicle equity.
People with financed vehicles and those with older vehicles may have low enough vehicle equity to fully bypass liquidation requirements. If those considering a Chapter 7 bankruptcy have more vehicle equity than they can protect, they may be subject to liquidation efforts that affect what they owe on their vehicles.
Reviewing personal resources with a skilled legal teamcan help those considering a Chapter 7 bankruptcy optimize their use of state exemptions and protect their most valuable resources. Vehicle equity is a common concern, but many people can fully protect their vehicles with the right documentation.]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[Can I keep my disability benefits if I file for bankruptcy?]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2567342026-05-04T09:48:30Z2026-05-04T09:48:30ZIf you are living on Social Security Disability and drowning in debt, you have probably asked yourself a scary question: “If I file for bankruptcy, will I lose the monthly check I depend on to survive?”The short answer is no. Federal law treats disability benefits as protected money, and bankruptcy courts have to respect that. But the full answer has a few wrinkles worth knowing before you file, because small mistakes with your bank account can cause big problems.
What federal law actually protects
Federal law gives your disability benefits some of the strongest safeguards available. Under Section 207 of the Social Security Act, the money paid to you through the program generally cannot be seized by creditors, garnished from your account or taken through bankruptcy proceedings when properly protected. The law generally puts your benefits off-limits from most creditors.That language covers both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Credit card companies cannot access your benefits. Medical debt collectors cannot claim them. And when you file for bankruptcy, the trustee generally cannot take them to pay creditors when the funds are properly identified and protected.
Why the means test works in your favor
Before filing Chapter 7, most people must pass a "means test" to show their income is low enough to qualify. The way the test treats disability benefits offers another layer of protection.Both SSDI and SSI are excluded from the income calculation the court uses for the means test. If disability income is your main source of money, you will likely qualify for Chapter 7 even when other applicants with the same dollar amount of wages would not.Chapter 13 applies the same protection to benefits. You are not required to use your disability income to pay creditors under a repayment plan, though you can choose to if it helps you keep a home or a car.
The bank account trap
Here is where people run into trouble. These safeguards apply to your benefits, but mixing those funds with other money in a bank account can make them harder to trace back to Social Security.If you deposit your disability check into the same account where you deposit a paycheck from a part-time job, a gift from family or a tax refund, a trustee may argue the funds are harder to clearly trace back to Social Security. The safest practice is simple: keep your disability benefits in a separate account, and let direct deposit create a clean paper trail.
What filing can do for you
Beyond protecting your benefits, bankruptcy offers something many disability recipients desperately need: the automatic stay. The moment you file your case, creditors must stop calling, mailing and suing. For people already worn down by harassment, that silence alone can feel like relief.Chapter 7 can wipe out most medical bills, credit card balances and personal loans within a few months. Chapter 13 reorganizes debt into a manageable payment plan, which can help save a home from foreclosure. Mississippi filers can also use state exemptions to protect certain property, such as home equity and vehicles, which affects how each debt relief path plays out.
What this means for you
Your disability check is not on the table. Federal law protects it, and a properly filed bankruptcy leaves those benefits exactly where they belong, in your hands. What bankruptcy can do is clear out the debts that your fixed income was never going to cover, giving you room to breathe again.The most important step is not waiting until the stress makes you feel trapped. Understanding your protections early means you can make a calm, informed decision rather than a panicked one.]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[Can you work while applying for SSDI benefits in Mississippi?]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2567292026-03-19T09:22:23Z2026-03-20T09:21:33ZDefining the 2026 SGA
Qualifying for SSDI benefits means meeting the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. For 2026, the SGA limit is $1,690 for non-blind applicants and $2,830 for those who are statutorily blind. If you earn more than these gross amounts, the SSA will likely issue a denial, regardless of the severity of your medical condition.
Staying under the limit with IRWEs
The SSA allows you to deduct Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) from your gross earnings. If you must pay for specialized transportation and medical devices to work, the SSA can subtract these from your total pay. This means you could technically earn more than the SGA limit and still remain eligible for benefits, provided your countable income remains below the threshold.
Working vs engaging in SGA
When applying for SSDI, you do not have to be completely bedridden to qualify. The law allows marginal work, which means your application can move forward if you work a few hours a week and your gross pay stays below the SGA limit. However, proceed with caution because the SSA might take a second look at your application if they see your work looks like it could be a full-time effort despite low pay.
Highlighting your onset date
In Mississippi, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your file. They will scrutinize the exact date your disability began. If you continue working a stressful and high-paying job after the onset date, it can create a conflict in your medical narrative.
Advancing your application with help
While you can work part-time under the SGA limit, this could be used as evidence that you are not fully disabled. Before you resign from your position or submit your SSDI paperwork, consulting an experienced attorney would be wise. They can provide you with guidance for navigating the SSA’s strict regulations.]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[4 common mistakes that delay SSD approval]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2567152026-02-16T15:24:23Z2026-02-16T15:24:23ZSubmitting incomplete or inconsistent information
Leaving out details or submitting information that does not line up forces the agency to pause your case and sort through the discrepancies before moving your application forward. If you forget to list a treating provider, skip part of your work history or give dates that conflict with your medical records, someone must follow up to clarify those inconsistencies. Each follow-up request adds time, and even minor gaps can push your review weeks or months further.
Failing to provide strong medical documentation
Your medical records carry your case. When they lack depth or recent updates, the review slows down. SSA does not approve claims based on diagnoses alone. It looks for treatment notes, objective testing and clear explanations about how your condition limits your ability to work. If your file does not show those limitations in a consistent and current way, the agency may schedule additional exams or request more records, which extends the timeline.
Ignoring SSA requests or deadlines
When you do not respond promptly to letters or forms, your claim can stall almost immediately. The agency sets deadlines to keep your file active. Once you miss one, your case may move into a holding pattern or face a technical denial that forces you to take extra steps to fix it. Staying responsive keeps the process moving and prevents unnecessary setbacks.
Stopping medical treatment during review
A sudden break in treatment can raise doubts about how serious your condition remains. If your records stop while your claim stays pending and you do not have a documented reason, SSA may question whether your limitations continue at the same level. That uncertainty often leads to additional review instead of a faster decision.
Don’t let avoidable errors slow you down
You cannot control every part of the SSD process, but you can control how clearly and consistently your file presents your situation. When you keep your records current, respond promptly to every request and make sure your application tells a complete and accurate story, you reduce the risk of preventable delays. If you worry that something in your file could slow things down, speaking with a disability attorney can help make the road ahead less stressful.]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[How long does the automatic stay last during bankruptcy?]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2567132026-01-23T21:27:13Z2026-01-23T21:27:13ZPeople pursuing personal bankruptcy may need to wait months or possibly even years before they are eligible for a discharge of their debts. The duration of the bankruptcy process depends in part on the type of bankruptcy filed and also on a variety of unique factors, such as the amount of debt and the number of pending bankruptcy cases awaiting hearings in the same jurisdiction.
Thankfully, those filing for personal bankruptcy do not need to wait for a discharge to have relief from debt collection efforts. The filer also has protection from collection activity due to an automatic stay. Creditors often have to stop making collection calls and may even need to dismiss lawsuits when the automatic stay preventing collection efforts is in effect. How long does that protection generally last in a personal bankruptcy case?
The automatic stay is temporary
Protection from collection activity is a key benefit of personal bankruptcy. The automatic stay usually takes effect the same day that the filer submits paperwork to the courts. It remains in effect until the courts either grant them their discharge or dismiss the bankruptcy case. In scenarios where people do not meet the necessary requirements for bankruptcy or fail to follow appropriate procedures, the courts may dismiss the bankruptcy case without granting a discharge first. When there is no longer a pending bankruptcy case, the automatic stay is no longer in effect. Occasionally, individual creditors may ask the courts for relief from the automatic stay. They may petition the courts and ask for permission to continue collecting on a debt or to reinitiate a lawsuit they previously dismissed. In such cases, creditors can convince the courts that fraud or some other complicating factor limits the filer’s protection. In those situations, collection activity may resume even while the bankruptcy case is still in progress. Every filing is unique, but most people can count on the automatic stay continuing to protect them until they receive their discharge. Securing the guidance of a bankruptcy lawyer can help people understand the automatic stay and the limitations on the protection it provides. Filers with proper legal guidance can avoid mistakes that could lead to the courts lifting the automatic stay early for certain creditors or dismissing their bankruptcy instead of granting them a discharge.]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[Is it wise to file for bankruptcy at the start of the year?]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2567112025-12-23T16:41:23Z2025-12-23T16:41:23ZThe start of a new year often encourages people to take stock of their finances and consider ways to regain control. For individuals struggling with overwhelming debt, the question frequently arises whether filing for bankruptcy at the beginning of the year is a wise decision. While there is no universal answer, timing can play an important role in how bankruptcy affects income, assets and future financial recovery.
One potential advantage of filing early in the year relates to income reporting. Filing for bankruptcy requires full disclosure of recent earnings, and in some cases, filing after a lower-income year may make it easier to qualify for certain forms of relief. If income is expected to increase later in the year due to bonuses, seasonal work or a new job, filing sooner may better reflect current financial realities.Tax considerations can also influence timing. Many filers worry about whether tax refunds will be protected. In some situations, filing before receiving a refund may reduce the risk of it being treated as an available asset, depending on exemptions and the type of bankruptcy involved. On the other hand, waiting until after necessary refunds are used for essential expenses may also make sense. These details vary and require careful analysis.Another potential concern is the psychological reset that a new year can provide. Carrying unresolved debt into another year can feel overwhelming and demoralizing. For some people, filing early allows them to stop collection calls, wage garnishments or lawsuits sooner, creating space to focus on rebuilding. The automatic stay that goes into effect once a case is filed can offer immediate relief from creditor pressure.However, filing at the start of the year is not always ideal. Some individuals may benefit from waiting to complete financial planning, gather documentation, or explore alternatives such as repayment plans or negotiated settlements. Others may need to time a filing around expected expenses, medical procedures or changes in employment to ensure the strongest possible outcome.Bankruptcy also has long-term implications that should not be rushed. The type of debt involved, property ownership, prior filings and overall financial goals all matter. Filing too quickly without a full understanding of options can limit flexibility or result in avoidable complications.
Making a decision one way or another
Deciding whether to file for bankruptcy at the start of the year requires more than calendar-based reasoning. It calls for a clear picture of income, assets, debts and future plans. Speaking with a knowledgeable legal team can help you evaluate timing, identify risks and determine whether an early-year filing could support or hinder a stronger financial fresh start.]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[How long does bankruptcy affect future credit options?]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2566932025-11-19T19:24:36Z2025-11-19T19:24:36ZThere are many benefits associated with a successful personal bankruptcy. However, many people experiencing financial hardship focus more on the negative consequences of bankruptcy than the positive results. They worry about losing their revolving lines of credit and facing a massive reduction in their overall credit scores.
Frequently, people delay filing for bankruptcy out of concern about how the record of their case could affect their future credit opportunities. Most people recognize that they need access to financing to buy a vehicle or a home in the future. They may rely on revolving lines of credit to make regular expenses more manageable. Thankfully, the credit impact of bankruptcy is a temporary issue. How long does bankruptcy impact a filer's opportunities for credit?
Credit reporting is a temporary consequence
The three credit bureaus provide insight into an individual's financial circumstances. They report on open lines of credit, current balances, missed payments and major issues, including bankruptcy. Most credit blemishes only appear on credit reports for seven years. The rules are slightly different for bankruptcy. How long the bureaus report a discharge depends on the type of bankruptcy. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy requires a multi-year repayment plan. As such, the eventual discharge is only reported to the credit bureaus for seven years, much like any other credit issue. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is much faster and does not involve a structured repayment plan. The credit bureaus can report a Chapter 7 discharge for 10 years. Eventually, the record of the bankruptcy is no longer visible to lenders, employers and others performing credit checks.
Bankruptcy’s impact declines over time
Most people find it very difficult to secure credit in the first year or so after a bankruptcy discharge. Many filers struggle to secure revolving lines of credit, although secured credit cards may be an option. However, within a few years of discharge, the impact of the prior bankruptcy decreases substantially. Especially if filers build a history of making payments on time, they could be eligible for credit cards, car loans and even mortgages within a few years of the bankruptcy. The record of the bankruptcy does not need to come off a credit report for an individual to qualify for credit opportunities. Learning more about the rules that govern bankruptcy and credit reporting can be beneficial for those struggling with debt. A bankruptcy filing does drag down a person's credit score, but they can ultimately improve their credit by eliminating debts and replacing multiple credit blemishes with the record of a single bankruptcy discharge.]]>On Behalf of Grillo Law Firm<![CDATA[How to file an SSDI appeal in Mississippi]]>https://www.grillolawms.com/?p=2566892025-10-30T01:13:33Z2025-10-30T01:08:19ZSubmit a request for reconsideration
After you receive your disability denial letter, you will have 60 days to file your appeal. During this period, you will have the opportunity to review your claim and strengthen your case by adding more evidence in your application.
You can include updated test results of your medical condition, statements from your doctors, and records of your recent treatments and medications. Although hiring a lawyer is not mandatory for filing your appeal, their guidance may improve your chances of approval.
Attend your administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing
After you submit a hearing request for your SSDI appeal, the hearing office will mail you a “notice of hearing” to inform you of your schedule. If you requested to attend your hearing online, they will provide you with instructions on how you can attend it. Be sure to follow their notes and enter your hearing’s meeting link on time.
During your ALJ hearing, you will discuss your case with the judge in a private setting. Since ALJ hearings are not open to the public, you can be at ease when you present your case and evidence with the ALJ.
After your hearing is over, the ALJ will determine whether your appeal is approved or denied.
File a review with the appeals court
If you receive a denial letter from the hearing office, you can file a new review request, only this time it will be with the appeals court. During this process, the appeals council will reassess the ALJ’s ruling on your claim.
Keep in mind that you will only have 60 days from the date you receive the hearing’s denial letter to file this request.
Bring your case to a federal court
If your appeal is still denied and you disagree with the appeals council's decision, you can take your case to the federal level to challenge their reason for denial. This stage of the appeal process will be your final chance to present your case.
Since a civil suit is a complex procedure to go through, you will need a social security disability lawyer to help with your case and represent you in court.
Your voice matters
Remember, an initial denial letter does not mean a total rejection of your right to seek disability benefits. Although the appeal process may seem scary and challenging to pursue, getting your SSDI claim approved can make the experience even more worth it.]]>