Hi, my name is Kirsten Krueger and two years ago, I was in a car accident. I was stopped at a stop sign when the driver behind me slammed into my car. Due to my injuries, I had to spend a few days in the hospital and I was unable to work for two months. My medical care was expensive and without being able to work, I couldn't pay my bills. The car accident was stressful enough and then I had to worry about how I would pay my bills. After speaking with a car accident lawyer, it wasn't long before I was compensated for my medical bills and lost wages from work. I'm writing this blog to help others who have been a car accident and haven't received any compensation. As you read my posts, you'll learn how an attorney can help you if you're in a vehicle accident.
While it's great that the federal government provides a way for those who are disabled to still live with their insurance called Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs, actually getting approved for the benefits is notoriously difficult. Here is what you need to know.
There Are Two Different Types Of Benefits
When someone refers to getting on "disability insurance," they are generally referring to one of two (or both) programs. The first is officially called "Social Security Disability Insurance," or SSDI. The amount of this benefit is based on your work history and prior earnings, much like your Social Security retirement benefits are. The other program is called "Supplemental Security Income," or SSI. This program is based on an individual's financial need. For example, if the amount of SSDI they qualify isn't enough to reasonably live, they may receive supplemental income.
Only Some People Are Eligible For Social Security Disability Insurance
Obviously, you have to be disabled. This is basically defined as completely unable to work. Most of the time, this is because of a health condition that precludes you from being able to work for a period of one year or more or a medical condition that will eventually result in death. Mental health disabilities are included in this condition. Accidents that meet the one-year rule are also potentially eligible.
The other primary condition is that you have worked for a certain period of time leading up to the disability. The amount of time that you must have worked varies considerably based on your age at the time of the disability.
You Cannot Be Partially Disabled
There is no middle ground when it comes to qualifying for benefits; you must be totally disabled. There are no partial benefits, such as if you can still work part-time. If a doctor says you are able to work with adaptations or you will be able to within a year, you probably won't qualify.
Your Benefits Can Vary Greatly
There is no set amount of Social Security Disability Insurance. Just like your Social Security retirement benefits, it is based on your earnings and how much you contributed over the years. In general, SSDI payments are less than what they would be if you retired at the full age.
If you find yourself disabled, your best bet is to immediately contact an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability Insurance. They can give you an honest assessment of your claim and help you file for benefits. It's important to do this as soon as possible as you will receive back-pay from the date you filed if approved. Many applications are initially rejected, and the attorney can also file the appeal.
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