Disability Compared

I want to start by clarifying that when I am talking about disability, I am not talking about the short and long-term disability benefit you receive from your employer.  I am talking about Social Security disability.  This is a permanent benefit that provides an income for those who are unable to work.  This is provided from the Social Security Administration and is a federal program.

 I would like to compare the two disability benefits that Social Security has and explain the general process that happens to reach a decision.  These two programs are SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Income).

Social Security Disability Income

• Only those who have paid enough social security taxes while working can receive this benefit.  The key number is 40 work credits but does vary by age.   You can earn up to four credits a year.
• There is no maximum or minimum amount for this benefit.  It is based on how much you have paid into the "system."
• There are no income limits or resource limits to qualify. 
• Family members can draw from your benefit as well (specifically children)
• Is retroactive to the date you can prove your disability began.
• The application can be done online.  Other paperwork can be done online too.
• If you return to work, you lose the benefit.

Supplemental  Security Income

• Program is available to newborns who meet weight and health requirements, young adults with no work credits, adults that don't have enough work credits, and those 65 and older who meet income requirements.
• Payout is usually based on how much income is coming into the home two months before the disability, and has a maximum payout of $674 this year for singles and $1011 for couples.
• There are income and resource limits to receive the benefit.  They usually coincide with Medicaid or are close.
• If you receive SSI you are almost automatically eligible for Medicaid.  You just need to apply and provide proof of the benefit.
• Family members should still be able to draw benefits from you.
• Is not retroactive.  Benefit begins the month of application and payment the month after application.
• The application must be done by calling 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment.  Social Security is moving toward allowing this to be online also like SSDI is.
• If you return to work and don't make of $674 a month, you can still receive this benefit.

The general process for applying for disability goes like this.  You call Social Security to set up an interview appointment or apply online at www.ssa.gov.  From there a "lead" is set up for you and the process begins.  Your claim is then sent to the local office.  Some preliminary paperwork is done and sent to the claimant.  Then the case is sent to DDS (Disability Determination Services) where the medical evaluation of your claim takes place.  When that is complete, it is sent back to the local office where the non-medical determination is made.  They have 30 to complete the claim from here.  From start to finish it normally takes 120 days or more to process a claim.  For more information on this process you can read my blog post from 6/22/10.

I trust this has been useful information.  There will most likely be more posts in the future that share more detail about these programs and the process for applying for them.

Helping you get the upper hand to change your life forever,

Peter Bunn
Rising Leader

Want a more stress free life and be able to be home with your family? Learn how to empower yourself with this experience: http://www.workingathome.co/19415?go

Do You Need Disability?

There has consistently been a rise in disability claims with Social Security in the last year.   More and more people are contracting diseases and conditions that are preventing them from being able to work.  The economy situation has definitely played a part in this, but when do you really know when you need disability?  Consider these when you are thinking of applying.

1. Before applying for Social Security benefits, find out if you have short and long-term disability through your work.  This is especially useful if the condition you have is temporary and won't last more than 12 months.  A lot of companies have this disability benefit.  It is something you have to pay for, but it is very cheap and worth it.    The employer's disability benefit is there to utilize if you have something that will not keep you from returning to work, but will keep you out of work for awhile.   The benefit isn't like getting paid from working, but at least it's an income.
2. Research the condition you have.  Ask yourself, "Is this permanent?  Can I live with this?  Is there some type of work I can do even with this?"  These are questions you want to ask yourself, because Social Security asks similar questions when they evaluate your condition.  What they are looking at is something that would prevent you from returning to work at least for 12 months.
3. They consider your age and education when evaluating eligibility.  A lot of times if you don't have a high school diploma, it gives you a better chance because it is going to be hard to re-educate you.  Also with certain conditions if you are over 50 years old, you have a better chance to get disability because your body can't heal or heal as well.  Heart disease is common for this one.
4. Make sure you have medical records and a good medical history that documents your condition.  This is especially important for psychological conditions.  They need to be documented well.  There is nothing wrong with being prepared.
5. Be prepared to fill out a lot of paperwork.  I think they want to discourage you from applying because there is a lot of paperwork to fill out just to get started.  Also don't forget to be patient.  This is a federal program and they always take a long time to come to a decision.

These are a few things to consider when you are considering to apply for disability.  Remember, this is a last resort benefit that you use if you don't have any other option.  By all means work if you can, even if you don't have experience or education in it.  

Helping you get the upper hand to change your life forever,

Peter Bunn
Rising Leader

Want a more stress free life and be able to be home with your family? Learn how to empower yourself with this experience: http://www.workingathome.co/19415?go