The Social Security Administration provides Disability benefits (income and medical care) for people who are unable to work due to physical and/or mental impairments, on a permanent or long-term basis. Social Security does not provide partial or temporary disability benefits.
Proving You Are "Disabled"
To be granted Disability benefits, you must prove that:- You cannot perform your past work;
- You are unable to perform other skilled or unskilled work Full-Time, with no special accommodations; and
- Your inability to work is caused by the combination of all of your medical conditions, mental and physical.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD)
Under this program, you pay into the Social Security system from taxes taken out of your wages. Unfortunately, no matter how long you worked before you became disabled, after you stop working, your eligibility for this program expires after about five years eligibility for these benefits only goes forward in time about five years. Don’t wait too long to apply.Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This is a poverty-based program. In order to be considered under this program, you must meet strict household income and asset limits. For 2016, the income limits are $740 per month for a single person, or $1,097 per month for a married couple. These limits are stated in “gross income” (before taxes).Though this seems simple enough, the truth is that this is a very slow and complicated process, with multiple layers of appeals to go through. Help from someone who understands Social Security’s complex rules, and how those rules apply to your individual medical facts is essential.
Diane Jaquish specializes in Disability Law, and can explain how these programs may work to help you, as an individual. Call her for a FREE consultation.
Diane’s personal cellphone: 614-586-5285.