Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) is a program that provides financial assistance to people with a disability that prevents them from working. The program is designed to provide financial support to those unable to support themselves due to a disability. This blog post will explore everything you need about Social Security Disability Benefits, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and more.
Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Disability Benefits
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits, you must meet the following requirements:
You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or more. Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity.
You must have earned enough work credits to qualify for disability benefits. Work credits are earned based on your income and the time you have worked.
You must be younger than your full retirement age. If you are over your full retirement age, you may be eligible for retirement benefits.
The average monthly SSDI payment is $1,358 and the maximum is $3,627. To qualify for benefits, you generally need to meet the following standards:
If you are currently working, you do not earn more than $1,470 per month on average.
You have accrued a minimum number of Social Security credits, calculated based on age.
Those over 31 years old generally need at least 20 credits in the ten years before becoming disabled. (If you have questions about credits, send me an email.)
To be clear, the amount of money a qualified individual receives from SSDI is not calculated based on the nature or severity of the disability. Similar to Social Security retirement benefits, it’s based on an individual’s past earnings for work covered by Social Security.
Can I Earn and Recieve SSDI Benefits?
Yes, you can. Here are some key factors for earning while receiving SSDI benefits:
In 2023, individuals cannot earn more than $1050 per month while receiving benefits without accumulating toward a Trial Work Period (TWP).
TWP is a nine-month period that allows SSDI recipients to receive benefits regardless of what they earn.
Any given month wherein you earn more than $1050 counts toward the TWP, even if it is not consecutive.
Once the TWP is activated, it continues for five years. If you have nine months of earnings above $1050 within that five-year span, the SSA evaluates your case and you will likely no longer qualify for full benefits.
When an individual fulfills the TWP (i.e., exceeds earnings for nine months), they can still receive full benefits for up to 36 months.
We know that’s a lot of information, but programs like this can be truly lifesaving. We want to make sure that anyone who can potentially receive benefits has all the information they need to put forward a successful application.
Application Process for Social Security Disability Benefits
To apply for Social Security Disability Benefits, you can either apply online or in person at your local Social Security office. The application process includes the following steps:
Gather your personal and medical information. You will need to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. You will also need to provide medical information, including the names and addresses of your doctors, the dates of your medical treatments, and a list of your medications.
Complete the disability application. You can complete the application online or in person at your local Social Security office. The application will ask for your personal and medical information, as well as your work history.
Submit your application. Once you have completed the application, you can submit it online or in person at your local Social Security office.
Wait for a decision. After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the Social Security Administration. The decision can take several months, and you may be required to provide additional medical information or attend a medical exam.
Benefits of Social Security Disability Benefits
There are many benefits to receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, including:
Financial Support: Social Security Disability Benefits provide financial support to those who are unable to work due to a disability. This can help cover living expenses and medical bills.
Medicare Coverage: After you have received Social Security Disability Benefits for two years, you will be eligible for Medicare coverage. This can help cover the cost of medical treatments and medications.
Rehabilitation Services: Social Security Disability Benefits also provide access to rehabilitation services, such as job training and vocational rehabilitation.
Long-Term Benefits: Social Security Disability Benefits are designed to provide long-term support to those who are unable to work due to a disability. This can help provide stability and financial security for the future.
Challenges of Social Security Disability Benefits
While there are many benefits to receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, there are also some challenges, including:
Lengthy Application Process: The application process for Social Security Disability Benefits can be lengthy, and it can take several months to receive a decision from the Social Security Administration.
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits, you must have a severe medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. This can make it difficult for those with less severe disabilities to qualify for benefits
Work Credits: To qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits, you must have earned enough work credits. This can make it difficult for those who have not worked enough to qualify for benefits.
Medical Reviews: After you begin receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, the Social Security Administration may periodically review your medical condition to determine if you still meet the eligibility requirements. If your medical condition improves, you may no longer be eligible for benefits.
Limited Benefits: Social Security Disability Benefits may not provide enough financial support to cover all of your living expenses and medical bills. This can make it difficult for some beneficiaries to make ends meet.
Tips for Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, here are some tips to help you navigate the application process:
Gather all necessary documentation: Before you begin the application process, gather all necessary documentation, including medical records, work history, and personal information.
Seek professional help: Consider seeking the assistance of an attorney or a disability advocate to help you navigate the application process. They can help ensure that your application is complete and accurate, which can increase your chances of being approved for benefits.
Be prepared for the application process to take time: The application process for Social Security Disability Benefits can take several months, so be prepared to wait for a decision.
Be honest about your condition: It is important to be honest about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. Failing to disclose important information can result in your application being denied.
Follow up on your application: After you have submitted your application, follow up with the Social Security Administration to ensure that your application is being processed.