More Fact Than Fiction: You May Need Social Security Disability Some Day
No one chooses to become disabled, but some people choose to ignore the possibility that they will need to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits one day. While the way a person becomes disabled may play out in different ways, the need for that person and his or her family to pay bills and otherwise make ends meet is the same for any other family confronted with disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers advice to people about planning for disability or dealing with disability once it has occurred.
Eligibility
To be eligible for SSDI benefits, a person must meet the strict definition of "disabled" and have worked enough in jobs that contributed to Social Security. The SSA considers a person totally disabled when he or she meets all of the following conditions:
- Cannot perform the same work as before the disability
- Is not able to transition to other work because of the disability
- Has a disability that will last at least one year or result in death
The SSA determines benefits based on a person's age when the disability occurred and the work credits previously earned. The amount of credits a person needs to qualify changes each year, but is typically around 40 credits. Workers can earn up to four credits a year.
Coverage
SSDI benefits pay disabled people and/or their family members each month, starting on the sixth month after the disability occurred. Coverage can continue until the medical condition improves or a person goes back to work on a regular basis. The SSA also offers services that help people with a disability transition back to work or into different jobs. Medicare coverage, food stamps and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also available to help disabled people who do not have sufficient resources.
Application
As soon as a person becomes disabled, he or she should apply for SSDI benefits. Claims generally take three to five months to process, so payments do not begin right away — even if you're ultimately approved the first time you apply. To apply, a newly disabled person must fill out the appropriate application and disability form and provide information like proof of the medical condition, work-related documents and the Social Security Numbers of eligible family members.
Preparedness
According to the SSA, there is a three-in-10 chance that a 20 year old could become disabled before retiring. If disability occurs, the process of obtaining medical coverage and Social Security Disability benefits can be long and daunting. Workers should be prepared for the fact that disabilities often occur, and knowing how to handle them makes the reality less harsh.
If you or your loved becomes disabled and needs help or guidance with applying for benefits, or appealing a denial, contact a New York Social Security Disability attorney at Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. We have over 150 years of combined experience representing clients and have achieved nearly a 98 percent rate of success in all the cases we have handled.* Call us at 888-801-1914 to learn more or to schedule your free claim evaluation with one of our lawyers.
*Past results don't guarantee a future outcome.
