Social Security Disability Benefits

Nobody likes to think that they might need financial help from the government, but in reality, there are many different circumstances that may render you unable to work and earn a living. According to the Social Security Association (SSA), the average 20 year old worker has a 30% chance of becoming disabled at some point in their career before they reach retirement age. Of course people should plan for these disastrous events by having personal insurance, but this is an expensive option that is out of reach for most workers.

Luckily, the SSA provides several safety nets including SSDI benefits. Generally, only workers who have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes are eligible to apply. (Some different types of cases include minor children of disabled adults or adults who have been disabled since childhood and have not paid these taxes.) The SSA has guidelines to determine whether someone qualifies as disabled and cannot work for at least a year. Usually a disability is a medical condition such as a debilitating injury or chronic disease. If you are receiving SSDI and then reach retirement age, you will begin receiving regular retirement benefits in place of the SSDI in the same amount.

If you think you are disabled and could use SSDI benefits, do not delay and apply immediately since it can be a lengthy process that might involve rejection of claims and an appeals process.

When receiving Social Security Disability benefits, it is possible to work if you are able. The Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program allows recipients to get training and other services so they can meet any goals they have.

The program allows individuals to find an appropriate job and to continue getting their Social Security Disability and healthcare benefits. In fact, a rule known as “work incentives” allows those in the program to keep all income earned while they try out a new job to see if it is a good fit.

For Social Security Disability recipients, a trial work period gives full recipients; they only have to let the administration know about work activity while they still have an injury or illness. This period lasts until one works nine complete months during a 60-month period, according to the Social Security website. After this period, Social Security Disability benefits will cease for any months one earns “substantial” income (This differs from year to year).

Benefit recipients can go to an employment network or state vocational rehabilitation agency to learn more about the program and other services. Please note that the program also allows one to use other programs to get back into the work world.

Social Security Disability Income may sound as if it is only available to those who are injured or sick, but it is also available to individuals suffering from mental illness. However, it is harder to win a claim for mental illness since the symptoms are harder to assess and not as visible as an illness or injury.

It is important to know that examiners are not psychiatrists and go by a “blue book” of impairments. Some impairments may not be listed in this guide and a claim will automatically be denied. Even if your condition isn’t listed in the book of impairments, you can also prove that it is disabling enough to not let you work for at least a year.

When filing, work with a knowledgeable expert such as an attorney or advocate who is well-versed with helping people file Social Security Disability claims. They can help you gather all of the required information that you will need such as medical history, work history and other pertinent information.

Many claims for those with mental illness are denied, but take heart that there is always an appeals process. People with severe mental illness may be unable to function in a work environment and could be eligible for medical vocational allowance.

While some appointments are easy to miss – an appointment for a root canal or even a yearly physical at your doctor’s office – skipping a hearing for Social Security disability is highly frowned upon.

A Social Security hearing is very important for winning your benefits. Think about this: you took all the time to fill out your application, waited for months for a decision and were denied. Going through the appeals process takes time. Skipping a hearing looks very bad on your part since an administrative judge does preside over the case. If you miss your hearing, you might have to start all over on appealing a decision. The case will be dismissed and you will further be without benefits.

Some have missed hearings simply because they did not know about it. When filing the appeal, make sure you provide your current contact information such as phone number and address.
If you do have a good reason for missing a hearing, such as your car breaks down or you are very ill, do not fret. Your hearing can be rescheduled, but it could take a few months before you stand before the administrative judge. But don’t miss it for any other reason other than a true emergency.

If you have recently been denied for Social Security Disability, then there is no better time than right now to begin the appeals process.

Once you receive your notice in the mail that you have been denied for benefits, you have to make a request for an appeal in writing before the end of 60 days from the day you received the letter. If your claim for Social Security disability was denied because of medical reasons, you can request an appeal at the Social Security Administration’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

During the appeals process, you may go through several areas of appeal. The first is reconsideration, when your claim is completely reviewed. You do not need to be present for this process. If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing by an administrative law judge. This is when you may be asked to gather more information for your case. It is usually best to have someone such as a lawyer or an advocate represent you at a hearing since they have experience working with Social Security claims.

If you disagree with the decision made during your hearing, the next step is a review by the Appeals Council. The council will examine the request to determine if the decision made at the hearing was right. The council will either decide your case or send it back to the administrative law judge. If you then do not agree with the council’s decision, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. Or work with an advocate who can assist you.

Supplemental Security Income is a program from the Social Security Administration that helps those 65 and older, visually impaired, or with little or no income get extra funds to help pay for food, clothes and housing.

If qualified, Supplemental Security Income allows one to receive at least $674 monthly. Several states give additional supplemental income. Some states also allow recipients to also receive medical assistance, food stamps and Section 8 housing.

The program reviews how much income and what resources one has when applying. The limit on income depends on the state one resides in. It also includes how many people live in the home with the person. Resources include money or anything that can be sold such as art, investments or properties. The limit for resources is capped at $2,000 for single applicants.

The cap is at $3,000 for those who are married; it does not matter if a spouse is eligible for the income. Individuals are allowed to continue working while getting benefits.