Are you eligible to receive Social Security Disability Benefits? If you or a
loved one need assistance filing a Social Security Disability claim or appeal, please call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out the form on the right side of this
page to speak with a member of our team.
The United States Federal Government provides two Social Security Disability
Programs in an effort to provide income to individuals who are unable to work as a result of a disability or condition. The most
popular program, the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Program
(SSDI), provides benefits to disabled workers, dependents and surviving
spouses. The second program, known as the Supplemental Security Income
Program (SSI), provides benefits to disabled individuals whose income and
assets fall below a specific level.
If a person receives Social Security disability benefits and they have a
dependent under age 18, he or she may also be eligible for benefits. Auxiliary
benefits are available for children living with an enrolled individual. The
amount a child can expect is usually equivalent to 50% of the enrolled
individuals' benefit amount. This number does not increase or decrease based upon the
number of children in a family.
Am I Eligible?
According to the Social Security Administration, any individual applying for
SSDI or SSI benefits must meet a standard of disability. Disability is defined
by the administration as the inability to "engage in any substantial gainful
activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment
which can be expected to result in death, or has lasted or can be expected to
last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months". Any qualifying
individual must be under the age of 65 and have worked the equivalent of 10
years. In order to collect, you must also be able to prove your working history
and previous contributions to Social Security taxes. In all cases, medical proof
must be provided showing there is an inability to work.
Payment plans offered by the Social Security Administration
consider annual cost of living increases and federal rate increases. Regardless
of an individual's age, there are certain parts of the benefit package that are
guaranteed:
- Once an individual is entitled to Medicare, they are
eligible for Medicare Part D, more commonly referred to as the new
prescription drug plan.
- After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, enrolled
individuals will then be eligible for Medicare, including Part A (hospital
benefits) and Part B (medical benefits).
- Social Security will deduct approximately $94.00 from
your monthly check to cover Medicare premiums. Assuming you are awarded
Social Security benefits, you will be covered under Medicare beginning 29
months after the date you stopped working.
- Workers Compensation benefits may be used immediately
following the date you stopped working for income assistance. COBRA benefits,
if available,
can then be used for the remainder of the time before Medicare Benefits
begin.
Other types of Social Security Disability benefits:
- Regular disability benefits
- Widow/widower disability benefits
- Adult disabled child benefits
- Blind disability benefits
Are you eligible? The criteria differs under each Social Security benefit program, however many of
the standards required in determining eligibility are virtually the same for SSDI and SSI. If you or a loved one need
help with your Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income claim or appeal, please call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out the
form on the right side of this page to speak with a member of our team.
