Social Security Disability
If you are suffering from a physical or mental disability you may qualify for monthly payments worth tens of thousands of dollars a year from Social Security Disability programs.
- 12 million Americans rely on Social Security Disability benefits.
- Disability payments can reach $2,788 per month.
- Many medical conditions qualify for disability coverage.
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Disability benefits can reach thousands a month
What is Social Security Disability?
SSDI is an integral part of the program called Social Security, which also pays retirement benefits. These benefits are based on the disabled worker’s past earnings and are paid to him/her and to his/her dependent family members.
When to Apply for Social Security Disability
A person can apply for Social Security Disability as soon as he/she becomes disabled. Here are some important pointers to keep in mind:
- If applying for Social Security – Disability benefits will not begin until reaching the sixth full month of disability.
- If applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – The program covers the eligible individual with SSI disability benefits for the first full month after the applicant filed his/her claim.
Denial of SSDI Benefits
If a disabled person’s application is denied, he/she has the opportunity to appeal the decision within 60 days from receiving the denial letter. The first step of the appeal process is the Request for Reconsideration.
How Much Does the Disability Benefit Cover?
The disability benefit is linked through a formula that computes a worker’s earnings before becoming disabled. The average benefit paid to disabled workers was $1,172 a month, or around $14,064 a year, as of June 2017.
Cost of the Disability Program
In 2016, the program received $160 billion in funding primarily from a 1.185 percent tax on wages. The total payments from the DI trust fund exceeded outgo by $14 billion that year.
Common Disabilities for Social Security Disability Recipients
Of the 9 million recipients in 2014, 31 percent had mental impairments, 32 percent had musculoskeletal conditions, and other diagnoses included circulatory system conditions and nervous system impairments. Statistics show that about 1 in 5 male and 1 in 6 female recipients die within five to six years.
Health Care Coverage
Eligible individuals for Social Security Disability insurance immediately qualify for Medicare after two years of receiving benefits. Individuals with low income may be eligible for Medicaid, crucial for those with chronic health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Decide to Go Back to Work?
Yes, recipients can work while receiving disability benefits, and they will be given a trial work period of 9 months.
Can I Receive Disability Benefits For Any Months Before Applying?
The SSA can pay disability benefits for up to 12 months before an individual applies, provided they had a disability during that time.
Can My Child With Disability Get Benefits?
A child with a disability can receive benefits if they are 18 years or older, provided the parent is eligible for disability or retirement benefits.
Qualifying For Social Security Disability Benefits While Getting Veteran’s Benefits
Both the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs have their own separate disability programs.
Will Disability Benefits Get Reduced If I Have Worker’s Compensation Or Public Disability Benefits?
Yes, SSA will reduce benefits if the combined total of worker's compensation and public disability payments exceeds the 80 percent limit of average earnings before becoming disabled.
What Is A Substantial Gainful Activity?
Substantial gainful activity (SGA) refers to the level of work activity and earnings used by the SSA to determine eligibility for disability benefits. If a person is earning above a certain amount, they may not qualify for benefits.