Showing posts with label Social Security Disability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Security Disability. Show all posts

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Need Supplemental Income? 5 Reason to File for Social Security Disability



Many people find they run short of ready cash near the end of the pay period. That is not the same thing as being unable to pay your bills because your health prevents you from working. 

If you are unable to work full time at a job because of mental or physical health problems, you may need additional resources.

File a Claim if You Have a Qualifying Condition


Certain conditions automatically qualify for Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. One of the very few conditions that automatically qualify for benefits is statutory blindness. 


If a man suddenly develops a rare condition called NAION over Thanksgiving weekend, he likely lost sight in one eye within three days and then lost sight in the other eye by the end of two weeks. 

Because his corrected vision is 20/200 or worse, SSA approves any claim for benefits when he applies with proof from his doctors.

Long-Term Illness or Impairment


One would think that the SSA gives the same consideration to anyone having a debilitating illness, unfortunately, that is not the case. Even when an adult provides medical documentation of a condition that impairs their ability to work this does not mean the Social Security Administration will approve their claim. 





A review of statistics released by the SSA reveals that between 1999 and 2010, approved disability claims ranged from 31.2 percent to 41.6 percent.

If you have a qualifying physical disease or impairment that will impact your ability to work for more than 12 months, you should apply for benefits.


Debilitating Mental Illness


Mental health issues typically do not affect people until they are in their late teens to their early twenties. The onset of some mental health disorders is after age 28. Once your psychiatrist assesses your condition, you must meet certain qualifications to receive benefits. 


First, your diagnosis must fall within certain categories. If that diagnosis falls within one of these categories, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, certain Bipolar I disorders or Bipolar II, you may qualify for benefits.

Hopefully, your condition responds to psychotropic medication to the point where you can work full time. The second qualifying factor applies when medication fails to help you function in a full-time job. 


Many people assume that depression and anxiety will qualify as factors to receive benefits. You should know that unless your condition includes something called psychotic features the SSA often does not consider that it qualifies for benefits. 

Your situation may be different.


Traditionally, psychiatrists are among the most reluctant doctors to put any information in writing regarding your ability to work if they know the SSA is involved. 


You may need assistance from someone providing social security disability lawyer services to get the medical evidence necessary to apply for benefits.

Severe or Terminal Physical Illness


If you have cancer, HIV, uncontrollable diabetes or certain other conditions, you should apply for benefits immediately. 


The SSA has a compassionate expedited claims process for conditions like these that qualify. Your claim process will be easier, faster and you will receive your benefits quicker than if you apply using the traditional process.

As with all other conditions, the SSA requires medical proof of your condition. Unfortunately, a handful of people claimed to have a terminal illness to expedite their claim. Upon discovery, such claims were denied, however, the SSA does require medical documentation of your condition.


Restricting Disease or Illness


If you have a qualifying mental disorder or physical impairment, it may restrict your ability to work full-time. 


It can also affect your ability to obtain a job that pays enough for you to live independently. This can be devastating if you worked in a career you enjoyed, but can no longer meet the physical demands required for the job.

If you obtain part-time work in the job you enjoy, it still may not pay enough money to pay basic bills. Your career may not allow you to work in any capacity and you found employment doing something else at greatly reduced pay. 


If you make less than $1,070 a month because of a qualifying disorder that restricts your ability to earn more, you should apply for benefits through the SSA.

Although you may not get immediate financial relief, filing for SSI/SSDI benefits is your best chance for long-term financial assistance. Please apply for benefits if your condition qualifies, your benefit payments are retroactive to the date you first applied.


Friday, December 1, 2017

How to Handle and What to Expect with Social Security Disability



If you’ve had an accident that leads to disability and can no longer work, applying for disability may be something you’re considering. Social security disability is granted to people of all ages. 

Much of it depends on what type of disability they have, how this affects their ability to work, and what their situation is. The process is sometimes difficult to understand. If you depend on social security as soon as you apply for it, you’re in for a long wait. 

Social security disability is granted after the sixth month of disability, so there is a minimum wait to have your claim processed. If you believe this is the correct option for your situation, here is what to be aware of, and how to proceed in filing your claim.

Only Certain Types of Disability Is Eligible


Before you apply, be aware of what disability is accepted. You won’t’ qualify for disability if you have:

  • Short term disability
  • Partial disability
  • You must be younger than retirement age

Although you’re unable to work, many individuals report their disability taking a lot of time to go through. Some only wait six months, while others wait years. 




Many seek an attorney to help them, because getting disability granted is not easy, even in cases where it is legitimately needed, and the individual doesn’t have other options for income. 

If you have Social Security disability issues, seek the help of an attorney who is knowledgeable with disability, and will help you win your claim.

What Information You Will Need


If you seek the services of a professional, help them as much as possible to prepare for the case. When going before applying, disability requires consideration of various factors. Give them all the information they need. This will include facts such as:

  • Information from your doctors about your disability
  • How your disability is preventing you from working
  • How long you’ve had the disability for
  • If your disability will last for a long time

You need to have worked a minimum number of years depending on your age. Individuals who are 34 must have worked at least three years in their life. If you are a certain age and haven’t worked the years required, you don’t qualify for disability. 


You must show that you cannot do the same type of work you were previously engaged in. If you cleaned houses for a living and are now disabled from the neck down, there is a high likelihood that your attorney has a successful case for you. 

If your problem is minor and you can still work, but suffer pain as you do so, building you case becomes increasingly difficult. Make sure you are transparent and have documentation that makes your case stronger.

Cut Back on Your Lifestyle to Prepare for Disability


Being disabled and unable to work means you’ll need to cut back as much as possible. Even if you have a spouse or another party who is helping you provide for yourself, cutting back and saving money benefits you in the long run. 


Consider getting rid of items you no longer need by having a garage sale. Cut back on dining out, buying expensive clothes, and having luxuries that are nice, but not needed, such as cable TV. 

 If you have difficulty in buying food, heating your home, or other matters, seek government aid, at least until your disability comes in. While this creates some difficulty and additional work as you apply for various assistance programs, it keeps your head above water in the meantime.

Focus on What Is Important


While you are applying and waiting for a verdict on disability, it’s easy to become discouraged and fall victim to depression. Make time to visit with family, spend time with friends, and even go to church or a house of worship. 


Feel uplifted by the positive feelings of others, and learn to appreciate yourself for the valuable and wonderful person you are. Many folks become downtrodden because they feel worthless if they are not working. 

Try to do little activities that keep your mind busy, but don’t interfere with your health. Reading, gardening, and even some volunteering that works for your situation can be a bonus to your life.

When you apply for disability, keep in mind the guidelines that are required by the federal government. Work with your attorney and give them as much documentation as they need to make your case stronger. 


Although getting disability takes time, once you have it, it will provide much-needed financial relief to your family.



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