Social Security Disability
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Understanding the Basics of Social Security Disability Insurance
What is a Disability?
What Programs are Available?
Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)
If you have worked and contributed to Social Security in the past, you may qualify for these benefits. Typically, you must have worked and paid FICA taxes for five of the past 10 years. Your disability must prevent you from earning more than a specified monthly income. The amount of that income changes annually. The monthly benefits awarded depend, in part, on your previous earnings. Benefits may be paid retroactively for up to a year. A five-month waiting period applies – that is, you must be disabled five full months before your entitlement to monthly benefits begins.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2016 are $733 for an eligible individual and $1,100 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse. These amounts may be reduced by other income. Retroactive benefits are not awarded. SSI is also available to disabled children in low-income households. Some states also may provide supplemental benefits, in addition to SSI.
Disabled Adult Child Benefits
Disabled adult children of adults receiving DIB benefits or who received DIB benefits before their death may qualify for benefits. The disability must have been in effect before the 22nd birthday and the adult child cannot have done “substantial” work after the age of 22.
Disabled Widow’s/Widower’s Benefits
If you are a disabled widow or widower over the age of 50, you may be eligible for benefits based on your spouse’s Social Security record. These benefits may apply, even if you were divorced from your spouse, as long as you were married for more than 10 years.
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f you are disabled and receiving Social Security disability benefits, you will be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid insurance. There is a 25-month waiting period for Medicare insurance after you became disabled. Medicaid has no such waiting period but is available only if your income and resources are very low.1
Do I Qualify?
If you have a disability and are unable to engage in “substantial employment” (i.e., earn over $1,010 per month) because of your disability, you might qualify for one of the programs described above. For details about who qualifies for particular programs.
The first step in applying for Social Security disability benefits is an interview with the Social Security Administration. To start the process, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. They will schedule an interview, either in person at the local Social Security office or by telephone. Once the interview is completed, you will receive a number of forms to review, sign, and return to the Social Security Administration. It may take up to 6 months or longer for the initial decision to be made. If your application is denied, as it is in over 75% of cases, contact Greeman Toomey PLLC to begin the appeal process as soon as you receive notification of denial. For more information on the application and appeal process.
