Sorting out your Social Security disability claim can be confusing. Here are a few things to know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSD benefits are available to persons who become disabled due to a physical or mental condition, or both. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines whether you are eligible for SSD benefits. Your SSA decision may depend on your past earnings, your age, your medical condition, and other factors.
In most cases, you can begin receiving SSD benefits after your disability becomes severe enough to prevent you from working full time. If you are working or volunteering, your SSD benefits will reduce your earnings.
A disability means you cannot do the kind of work you did before your condition became worse. A disability also means your ability to function is reduced. You must be unable to do any kind of substantial gainful activity.
When considering a claim, it is important to remember that the SSA evaluates your claim based on your current medical condition. If your medical condition improves, your SSD benefit will end.
In order to qualify for SSD, you must show that you have a severe impairment or combination of impairments. This is shown through medical evidence. You must have at least one of the following:
• A severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that lasts or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months
• A history of having a severe impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months
• A severe impairment that meets the duration requirement and that meets the severity requirements of the listings.
It is possible to get SSD benefits if you have another type of insurance, such as a workers' compensation plan, or a private disability policy. The SSA looks at all sources of income and resources when deciding whether you are eligible for SSD benefits. This includes Social Security benefits, pensions, and gifts from family and friends.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides income replacement benefits to workers who become disabled. To qualify for disability benefits, you must have worked long enough to reach your full retirement age. This means that you have to be at least 62 and have earned at least $1,080 for your primary benefit year. You can receive two types of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Retirement Benefits. SSI benefits are generally based on your total household income. You may receive a monthly benefit of $710 per month if you have no other income. You may also receive a monthly benefit of $2,000 if you have earned more than $17,040 in the past three years. Retirement benefits are a fixed amount based on your average lifetime earnings. Your monthly benefit will be equal to 60 percent of your average monthly earnings up to $4,000, 40 percent of your average monthly earnings for $4,001 to $8,000, and 25 percent of your average monthly earnings for anything above $8,001.
To calculate your average monthly earnings, divide your yearly earnings by 52. If you are unsure how much you will receive, contact your local Social Security office. You can also get free help calculating your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits online.
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that provides income replacement benefits to workers who become disabled. To qualify for disability benefits, you must have worked long enough to reach your full retirement age. This means that you have to be at least 62 and have earned at least $1,080 for your primary benefit year. You can receive two types of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Retirement Benefits. SSI benefits are generally based on your total household income. You may receive a monthly benefit of $710 per month if you have no other income. You may also receive a monthly benefit of $2,000 if you have earned more than $17,040 in the past three years. Retirement benefits are a fixed amount based on your average lifetime earnings. Your monthly benefit will be equal to 60 percent of your average monthly earnings up to $4,000, 40 percent of your average monthly earnings for $4,001 to $8,000, and 25 percent of your average monthly earnings for anything above $8,001.
To calculate your average monthly earnings, divide your yearly earnings by 52. If you are unsure how much you will receive, contact your local Social Security office. You can also get free help calculating your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits online.