Your Social Security Disability Income May Be Scrutinized After You’re Approved

You may think that your financial worries are over once you’re approved for Social Security Disability benefits—but your finances may be scrutinized if you’re attempting to purchase a home.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has outlined several new regulations that will prevent lenders from implementing an illegal burden of proof of income on mortgage applicants who receive Social Security Disability benefits. According to an article from Mortgage Professional America, man lenders are asking disabled applicants for proof of how long they’re expecting to receive their benefits. Some are even going so far as to ask for doctor’s notes and records to determine the longevity of conditions.

The agency went on to explain this practice should be abandoned due to the fact that current regulations state that lenders should assume Social Security Disability benefits will continue indefinitely. Other ways lenders can avoid fair lending risks include:

• Having clear verification requirements
• Providing proper training to mortgage lenders
• Monitoring of compliance with underwriting standards

Even if you can document your benefits to qualify for a mortgage, you may still struggle to overcome the income limits to continue receiving Social Security Disability benefits. Currently, recipients are only allowed to have access to $2,000 in savings.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we understand the struggles with income many disabled citizens face, which is why our Social Security Disability lawyers hope this information gives you some insight into what it may take to purchase a home while being considered disabled.