Most people who file for Social Security disability never dreamed they would be asking the government for assistance because they could not longer work, but eventually they realize they have no other choice.
As Americans we are told at an early age the importance of a hard day’s work, but what happens when you are no longer able to work because you are disabled? Many people who end up filing for Social Security disability express a sense of shame or embarrassment because they have to seek Social Security disability benefits. The truth of the matter is if it wasn’t for many of these same people there would be no Social Security disability program to speak of.
Social Security Disability Insurance provides benefits to those who have spent the better part of their lives working and paying Social Security taxes. The only way to meet the technical requirements for this program is to work long enough and recently enough to qualify if you are found disabled. In a sense, these people are asking to benefit from a program they helped create by paying their taxes. There is certainly no shame in that.
Supplemental Security Income is a bit different as it is not based on work history. This program is for the people who fall through the cracks and don’t have enough work credits to qualify for Disability Insurance. As long as income and asset levels do not exceed Social Security’s limitations those who have never worked, or not worked long enough because of disabilities, have a safety net.
The main message for anyone seeking the assistance of these programs because they can no longer work due to physical and or mental health disabilities is there is nothing to be embarrassed about in asking for help and accessing programs specifically designed to help you.
