Social Security Disability FAQ
Social Security Disability Help Center
How do I know if I qualify for disability?
If you have become disabled in the last year, then you want to file for disability benefits as soon as possible. To qualify, you will have to prove that your disability happened within the last 12-month period. Please understand that you don’t not have to wait for a full year to apply for benefits, you must simply prove that you have become disabled in the last year.
What is the Date of Onset?
This is the date that you were first unable to work due to your disability. This date may be different from the date that you were diagnosed with your disability. The most typical date used is the date they last worked.
How do I know what type of program is right for me?
The Social Security Administration has two different types of assistance available to help those who are disabled. While you do have to meet the strict requirements set forth by the Administration, these programs help many people who are unable to work because of their disability.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is based on the amount of work you have done in the past under Social Security. The money in this program comes from the taxes that every working person pays out of their paychecks. This includes employers and the self-employed as well. The person’s time that they worked and contributed to Social Security prior to becoming disabled will affect how much monetary assistance that they can receive. Benefits are available for people who are blind, disabled, both as adults or children, and widows or widowers.
As an added benefit, recipients of SSDI are also eligible for Medicare assistance after two years of disability. They can also qualify for food stamp assistance, but they have to file separate paperwork and go through another process to apply for this form of assistance.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is set up and financed through a regular revenue stream, rather than being based on the taxes paid into the fund. SSI is available to both blind or disabled children and adults. Those who qualify have very limited resources and income and must meet certain requirements regarding their living arrangements. The amount of money that they can receive is based on the federal benefit rate. The amount received can be supplemented by the State, but it can also be decreased if the disabled person has other income or resources.
When can I file for Social Security Disability benefits?
It is important to know that you do not have to wait for any period of time before you can apply for disability benefits. It is encouraged to file your request as soon as you become disabled. The process can take three to six months, so the sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving assistance. If you anticipate being out of work permanently or for at least one year, then you should file immediately.
Does everyone get awarded assistance?
Most people understand what a disability is, but many do not realize the impact it has until they are faced with it themselves. We never think about ourselves becoming disabled, but statistically, there is a realistic chance, 3-out-of-10 to be exact, that it will happen to us or someone close to us.
While disability rates are high, not everyone qualifies for Social Security benefits. In 2006, there were over 2.5 million claims filed, but only around 800,000 requests qualified for assistance.
How much money will I receive?
The amount of money that you will receive from disability benefits is based on several things:
- For SSDI benefits, it is based on how many years you have been employed, how much your earnings were, and how much you contributed.
- For widow or widower’s benefits, it depends on how much the late spouse had worked, earned, and contributed.
- For adult child disability benefits, it is based on the parent’s years worked, amount earned and contributed.
- For all available Social Security benefits, it will depend on of other income the disabled person receives, which can reduce the amount of benefits one could receive
If you or someone close to you is filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits, please contact Jacoby & Meyers, LLC for a free consultation will one of our experienced representatives.
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