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.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) receives countless applications for disability insurance (SSDI) every year, and the fact is that many applications will be denied. This does not mean that the individual will never receive benefits; it just means that they will have to start the appeals process

The first time an application is received, it is referred to as the initial application. If that is denied, the claimant can move on to the reconsideration level. At this level, the applicant can submit new evidence to prove their disability and their case will be reviewed by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) at the state level.

If the reconsideration is denied, the applicant can take their case to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). ODAR has the right to present medical experts at the hearing to dispute the applicant’s claims. The case will be heard before an administrative law judge and is a fairly informal hearing. The judge generally asks questions about the disability, how it limits work, and asks about medical history and treatments. The judge will then make a decision that is termed fully favorable, partially favorable, or unfavorable. If the decision is not fully favorable, the next step is to go to the Appeals Council, which will review the case to make sure there were no errors in the lower courts. The final stage of appeals, if necessary, is federal court.

It is important for applicants to always make sure they have completed all the necessary paperwork and have provided more than enough evidence to prove their disability. The process can be lengthy and frustrating, so patience and organization are key factors to a successful claim for benefits. Applicants are highly encouraged to seek the services of an attorney to successfully navigate through the appeals system. SSDI benefits are too important to not have legal help.

Workers who are receiving benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program are still eligible under certain situations to work. Many people enjoy working and are only receiving SSDI because they don’t have another way to support themselves because of a disability. There are many programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help workers retain some of their independence as workers while still receiving benefits needed to pay the bills.

The Ticket to Work program offers free vocational training, job search referrals, and other employment services to individuals who want to work to the best of their ability. This is an excellent choice for those who need to keep their benefits but still want to work in some capacity. Under the Ticket to Work plan, workers will not be penalized if they start working and then have to leave their position. Eligible beneficiaries are given a “ticket” to work with a variety of Employment Networks (ENs) who will then help them find work opportunities. Every EN has the right to choose which “ticket” holder they will work with, and the “ticket” holder has the right to change to a different EN at any time.

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program is in place to help beneficiaries of SSDI make decisions about working and where to find the appropriate resources. They can provide valuable information such as the income limits for workers receiving SSDI and whether working will affect their health benefits such as Medicare.

The SSA provides workers with opportunities to work for many reasons. One is for additional income to pay for expenses beyond those that SSDI cover. Another is to give workers a sense of independence despite their disabilities. Dealing with SSDI can be legally confusing and recipients should consult with an attorney before making any changes to their life situation.

For many recipients, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is their only or main source of income. They must be careful to budget the money to cover all of their necessary bills. There are some tips that can make living on SSDI easier, including:

• Apply for other benefits such as food stamps, Medicare, lower cost prescription drugs, or assistance with energy bills; often people on SSDI will qualify for other social programs because of their restricted income
• Investigate the legitimate ways to earn additional income either from home or in a different industry without affecting SSDI benefits; the Social Security Administration (SSA) has many programs that encourage SSDI recipients to supplement their income with work
• Consider downsizing to save on rent, car payments or transportation costs, and entertainment costs
• Take inventory of all household goods and sell anything that is valuable and not needed
• Keep track of where the money goes with a strict budget and cut out unnecessary costs
• Only buy items that are needed; check secondhand stores or other charities for gently used items in good condition
• Try to find any volunteer positions that will “pay” for services with goods such as food, household items, or other needed items
• Use the library for books, movies, newspapers, magazines, and Internet use
• Try to find other sources for free entertainment through city programs.

There are some necessities that individuals should always be able to pay for, such as shelter, food, and clothing. Medicine and health care are also extremely important, especially for a disabled person who is managing an injury, disease, or medical condition. If a recipient is having difficulties meeting these basic needs with their SSDI, they should contact the SSA for assistance. An advocate or attorney can also assist with the process.

If you have a Social Security Disability Income claim that was denied and are going through the appeals process, you may find yourself wanting to hire someone with experience to represent you so you can win your case. However, you might be worried about how you would pay him or her since you are already strapped for money.

The good news is that hiring someone such as a lawyer or an advocate will not break your bank. The representative is paid after a case is won. The representative can only receive 25 percent of back pay from a claim; this fee is usually capped at $5,300. It is important to know that the representative will also receive his or her fees before money is sent to the individual who filed for Social Security Disability.

If you are not knowledgeable with Social Security, then it might be a good idea to hire someone to represent you. A qualified representative will make sure that you have all the information needed for your case. They can only increase your chance of winning a case and that is truly invaluable to anyone who is suffering from an illness or injury.