Social Security Disability Insurance is a program where workers can earn coverage for their benefits. It may benefit disabled workers and their dependents. If you cannot work anymore following a disability, the program may help replace your lost income. Here are a few interesting things to know when applying for disability benefits.
Get a Lawyer
Unfortunately, about 70 percent of all Social Security Disability claims are denied on the first application. More than 50 percent have been denied over the years thanks to a technicality and low-quality evidence. You may need the help of a lawyer before applying for disability benefits.
SSD and SSI claims are complicated. You may have trouble understanding them if you do not have professional help. In Arizona, there are lots of great lawyers and you can easily find a good one. The right Arizona social security disability lawyer has your best interest at heart. They do all the hard work for you.
A successful disability benefits claim takes a lot of effort and knowledge of the law. You may need to fight a round of legal battles that leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
You Must Meet Qualification Requirements
If you are eligible for Social Security benefits, they may replace part of your lost income in the event of injury. However, being injured does not mean you are automatically qualified. Here are the main factors used to determine qualification for social security disability benefits:
You must have worked recently and long enough in covered jobs
You must have an injury or medical condition so severe that it makes it impossible to keep working like you did in the past. You may also qualify if the condition makes it difficult to adapt to other jobs
Your mental or physical impairment should have lasted a year. If not, it should be expected to last that long or cause death. Disability Is Defined Strictly
Social Security has unique eligibility rules, and they differ from what government agencies and private plans may offer. Unlike veterans’ benefits or workers’ compensation, it does not offer partial or temporary benefits. Disability is defined as the inability to take part in any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) owing to a medically determinable mental or physical impairment. These impairments must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or cause death.
Children can be considered disabled if they have medically determinable mental or physical impairments that cause severe limitations. These impairments must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months.
Disability Has No Age Restrictions
Since disability is unpredictable, it can happen to anyone regardless of their age. Do not assume that it is only a problem for the old. Thousands of young people get into traumatic events every year, and they may suffer mental or physical injuries. Unfortunately, one in four 20-year-olds gets disabled before reaching retirement. They have no choice but to rely on Social Security disability benefits for financial support. About nine million people in the United States get Social Security benefits. This number only represents a small portion of Americans that live with disabilities.
Fraud Is Illegal
Social Security works hard to detect, prevent, and prosecute those who may commit fraud. There is a zero-tolerance policy against all sorts of fraud. You, therefore, need to understand what is considered fraud before applying for benefits. One of the strictest measures to curb fraud is through the Cooperative Disability Investigations program. This program pushes for the investigation of suspicious claims before benefits are awarded. The goal is to stop all types of fraud before they happen.
You Can Work Without Losing Benefits
Many people are reluctant to get back into the workforce for fear of losing their benefits. However, social security makes it possible to continue getting benefits even after getting a job. The Social Security Ticket to Work Program is available for adults aged 18 to 64. They can keep getting their benefits as they work. The ticket also lets you enjoy incentives that could make your work easier and receive employment support services.
Social Security Disability benefits are great for adults with disabilities. They can replace about half of your earnings when you become disabled. The benefits make it possible for people with disabilities to afford transportation, food, housing, and other essentials. However, Social Security Disability laws are complex and it may be difficult to understand them. Do your research well and consider seeking the opinion of an experienced lawyer before you apply for disability benefits.