How does Social Security determine if I am eligible for benefits?
The Social Security Administration will carefully consider all of your
health problems, as well as your age, education and work experience. The
Administration will decide if you are able to do your past work with
your current condition(s). They will ultimately decide whether or not you are eligible
to receive benefits, and if so, which ones and for how long.
Why is age a factor in deciding if I am eligible to receive Social
Security benefits?
The Social Security Act now requires that the Administration look at age
when deciding whether an individual is eligible to receive benefits. As
individuals get older, they are less able to switch from one job or career to
another and are at a higher risk to develop health problems.
Do I need to be permanently disabled to be eligible for Social Security
benefits?
No. You do not have to sustain a life-long injury in order to get help. You have
to be disabled for a period of at least 12 months, or have already been disabled
for 12 months, or have a condition that can be expected to result in death
within the same period of time.
What types of Social Security Disability are offered?
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Program
(SSDI), Supplemental Security Income
Program (SSI), regular disability benefits, widow/widower disability benefits, adult disabled child benefits
and blind disability benefits
Do I need a lawyer to apply for Social Security benefits?
You do not need a lawyer to apply for Social Security benefits, however
statistics show that claimants using one are far more likely to successfully win
a claim or an appeal. It is estimated that the Social Security Administration turns down
anywhere from 40% to 70% of the claims it initially sees. It is essential that
you know your rights are completely protected the first time you file your
application.
Can I get both worker's compensation and Social Security benefits at the
same time?
Yes. There is an offset, which reduces Social Security disability benefits
based on the amount of Workers' Comp benefits that have already been paid, but in most cases, Social Security disability
can still be collected by the injured individual.
I have become disabled and cannot work - I have a savings account in the bank
in the event of an
emergency, but I don't know what I should do. Do I dip into my savings now or
can I get some relief from
Social Security benefits now?
There is NO REASON to wait to file a claim. We suggest not waiting to file the
necessary documentation. If you have worked in recent years or if you are
applying or Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits or Disabled Adult Child
benefits, it does not matter how much money you have in the bank.
I am on sick leave from my employer right now, should I file for Social
Security Disability now or do I wait until my sick leave runs out?
Do not wait! It is in your best interest to file a claim immediately if you feel
that you meet the requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration.
My disability comes from several health problems. There is no
ONE problem that disables me, it is the combination of all my issues that is
disabling. Can I get Social Security benefits in this type of situation?
The Social Security Administration is supposed to consider situations
where a combination of health problems is responsible for a disability. In most cases,
an individual receiving Social Security benefits will be suffering from a number of
conditions at the same time. Our suggestion is to file a claim!
What do I need to be aware of once I start collecting Social Security
benefits?
The administration will conduct a Continuing Disability Review of each
individual's claim every three to five years. There have been cases in
which a claimant has been overpaid and ordered to repay a portion of the
benefits that were received. Make sure that you know your rights!
Other types of Social Security Disability benefits:
- Regular disability benefits
- Widow/widower disability benefits
- Adult disabled child benefits
- Blind disability benefits
Are you eligible for Social Security benefits? Criteria differ under the
different programs however many of
the standards required in determining eligibility are the same for the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Program
(SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income
Program (SSI). If you or a loved one need assistance with your 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.
