What To Expect from Social Security Disability Benefits?

While it’s true that no one would want to suffer a disability, it’s reassuring to know that you can get support from the state in such inopportune times. 

If you’ve been working for several years already, you may have heard of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This benefit is open to employees who’ve developed certain forms of disabilities or health issues that could prevent them from working.

Administered by the Social Security Administration, this benefit is available to those who’ve worked long and recently enough, and have paid their Social Security taxes. However, although filing for SSDI benefits may be simple, there are other types of information that can be helpful in the process. This additional information will help you as an applicant to know what to expect when filing an SSDI claim.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Workers who develop physical and mental conditions that prevent them from working for at least one year or longer may be eligible to claim. Do note, however, that eligibility is limited to individuals who’ve worked long enough and made contributions to the Social Security trust fund. Applicants also need work credits, generally 40 credits, depending on their age, to qualify for the benefit. Half of the total credits should come from the last 10 years, with the last year as the year of disability.

How Much Does One Stand To Receive?

If you’re curious about what you’ll be receiving, here are the benefits of getting approved for this type of insurance: SSDI payments ranging from USD$800-1,800 monthly, on average. Recipients who are considered legally blind could earn up to USD$2,190 per month. As of 2021, the maximum benefit is capped at USD$3,148 per month.

What Can You Expect?

1. Expect To Gather Various Documents Upon Application    

When applying for benefits under the SSDI, you must submit documents related to the following: 

• Personal Information: The SSA will ask for your birth details and Social Security number. If you’re married, you may provide documents about your spouse and children under 18 years old. 
• Eligibility: Prepare your identification documents, proof of citizenship, military discharge papers for veterans, and self-employment tax returns or W-2 forms. Medical recordsare also vital. 
• Proof Of Disability: The SSA will ask for a person who can testify and validate your occupational injuries or medical condition. In addition, the SSA will also ask for pertinent information about your medical conditions, and you’d have to supply them with the names of your medical specialists, medications, and tests.
• Work Information: You need to submit all information about your work history and income earnings. Also include details about your workers’ compensation payments and other benefits you’ve received from private and government agencies.

2. Expect To Be Covered By Medicare After Two Years  

The SSA will determine the amount based on disability and work credits. Unfortunately, the severity of your disability won’t affect the amount you’re supposed to receive. Classifications are limited to legally blind and non-blind recipients.

All SSDI beneficiaries are automatically eligible for Medicare coverage after two years of receiving payments. Persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), however, are eligible for immediate coverage.

3. Expect To Get Paid After A Few Months

As with other government-backed, non-emergency benefits, it’ll take a few months for SSDI approval. The average waiting time runs anywhere from three to five months. Employees with severe disabilities who qualify for Compassionate Allowances (CAL) will have expedited processing.

Once approved, SSDI awarding begins at the 6th month of disability, with the first month starting at the period the SSA decides when the disability began.

4. Expect To Receive Less If You Have Other Benefits

Some disabled persons may qualify for benefits from other sources. These payments may include settlements from workers’ compensation claims, other non-government disability benefits, foreign government pension, and similar payouts. In these instances, the amount you’ll regularly receive from your SSDI benefit may be affected.

In some cases, however, the SSA may also deem you to be eligible for back pay. This payment adjustment will hinge on the date of the SSDI application and the onset of disability as determined by the said agency.

5. Expect To Receive Benefits As Long As The Disability Prevents You From Working

The good thing about SSDI payments is they’ll stay as long as you’re considered disabled. One of the qualifying requirements for SSDI benefit is if the physical and mental disability you incurred has prevented you from getting work.

To verify your eligibility, the SSA will conduct continued disability reviews every few years. The schedule of which will be conveyed to you. If the SSA confirms that your condition hasn’t improved, you’ll be receiving monthly SSDI payouts.

6. Your Application May Be Rejected

The SSA, on rare occasions, may deem an applicant ineligible for SSDI benefits. One of the main reasons is if you’ve been working in what’s considered a substantial gainful activity (SGA)—or that you’ve been earning a substantial income before your disability. You can appeal for this decision, though, and the SSA will review your case.

Bottom Line

While not required, you may choose to consult and work with a lawyer who specializes in Social Security benefits before applying for SSDI benefits. This way, your application may have better chances of getting approved. Having an attorney to guide you every step of the way will help you learn the process faster. But more importantly, it can help you get the benefits you deserve.