Everyone is familiar with the age old adage “health is wealth”. Once you fall prey to even the smallest illness or disability, the truth behind this statement and the benefits of Social Security Disability becomes glaringly obvious. For those of us whose families are dependent on us for financial support, falling sick and becoming unable to earn a living can have serious consequences.
Of course, no one wants to see their families suffer.However, each and every one of us is susceptible to illnesses, which makes it prudent to make arrangements for it. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one way of doing so.
Social Security Disability Insurance – What Is It?
By paying into the program called Social Security Disability Insurance, an individual gains monthly benefits if they become disabled before retirement age hits. It is also commonly referred to as “workers’ disability”.
Often, initial applications are denied. However, if denied, the decision can be appealed. With that said, this can only be done within a time frame of 60 days from the receipt of the initial denial letter. It is vital that you collect as much information as possible in order to ensure you get the benefits that you are eligible for. Gaining an insight into the process itself, its timelines and complexities would be a valuable first step to getting the job done.
Benefits of the Program
Any medical condition that is expected to last for a period of at least one year or one that might possibly result in death may be classified as a qualifying disability. For individuals that have had the misfortune to fall into this category, Social Security Disability Insurance provides welcome relief. Bear in mind, that any disability that is either partial or short-term isn’t eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The benefits received by each individual vary. On average, about 40% of your income pre-retirement is covered. However, several factors influence the monthly payment such as age, income, number of years of employment and paying into the system,and approximate date of retirement.
To learn more about your rights under the Social Security Disability laws, call our FREE Disability Hotline at 1-866-4-MY-SSDI (469-7734) to speak with one of our friendly disability rights advocates who, once they obtain all the required information, will evaluate your claim in 60 seconds or less or fill out our FREE Disability Case Assessment form and one of our representatives will contact you immediately.
Medical Bills
Initially, individuals benefiting from Social Security Disability Insurance do not receive health insurance. However, if two years have elapsed since the individual became eligible to receive monthly benefits, they become eligible for Medicare coverage. When an individual does become eligible for Medicare coverage, Social Security usually contacts them to inform them.
In cases where the disability or illness is extreme or aggravated, the individual might be eligible for Medicare immediately. However, these conditions are those that are extremely serious and are quite rare. An example would be someone needing dialysis due to inadequate kidney operation and the like. For a sure shot answer, it is best to consult with an official representative about your specific situation.
There is also “Extra Help” aligned for those who have limited assets, and thus need help covering the cost of prescription drugs. Extra Help serves the purpose of helping cover expenses such as the cost of deductibles, monthly co-payments. However, it is only for those who have a hampered earned potential because of the disability.
Family Support
A limitation in the ability to earn what an individual typically would, of course impacts the living standards of the rest of the family, particularly dependants. Keeping this in mind, the program has also catered to the provision of some benefits for the family. This includes providing financial assistance to children under 18 to enable them to complete their education up to high school.
A separate application does have to be submitted on their behalf though. Children may also be entitled to receive their parents’ monthly benefits if the parent has passed away. Further, in order to help with food, those enlisted with the Social Security Disability Insurance program can also sometimes take part in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Much in line with the earlier notion of food stamps, this particular program issues a benefits card like an ATM card.
The card of course is easier to carry as compared to food stamps, and is also a lot more convenient to monitor through online access. This is certainly not all. The program seeks to assist its members not just through financial assistance but also with nutrition assistance. In order to further this notion, at present a Healthy Incentives Program is being piloted. The reasoning behind this program is to help families in choosing the best nutritional content possible.
In essence, by paying into the Social Security Disability Insurance program you are provisioning for a secure future, which is a very wise move. SSDI is essentially a well-rounded initiative that ensures individuals are looked after in all the key ways. The benefits received as part of SSDI include four main categories that are retirement, disability, survivors benefits and dependants. However, there are certain requirements in place that must be fulfilled in order to qualify for the benefits.
The Bottom Line
If you are disabled and your long-term disability is a hindrance in your ability to work and make a living for your family, you should think of applying for disability benefits. Your disability attorney will collect the documents you have and start preparing your claim.
That is why Kahn and Associates takes most cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not require any payment unless they are successful in securing benefits for you.
To learn more about your rights under the Social Security Disability laws, call our FREE Disability Hotline at 1-866-4-MY-SSDI (469-7734) to speak with one of our friendly disability rights advocates who, once they obtain all the required information, will evaluate your claim in 60 seconds or less. Alternatively, you can fill out our FREE Disability Case Assessment form and one of our representatives will contact you immediately.
