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What are Social
Security Disability benefits?
There are
two general types of Social Security Disability benefits --Disability
Insurance Benefits (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). DIB
benefits allow individuals who have worked at least five of the last ten
years and have paid the necessary Social Security taxes to withdraw their
money if they become disabled. According to its regulations, Social
Security finds that a person is disabled
if they are
unable to perform any substantial gainful activity because of a proven
medical impairment which has lasted at least twelve consecutive months.
SSI is a type of federal supplement program and is intended for
individuals who do not qualify for Dill benefits. In order to receive SSI
payments, an individual must meet the disability criteria as well as
certain financial requirements.
How do I apply?
You must file an application for benefits at any local Social Security
District Office. We recommend that you make copies of any paperwork you
submit to Social Security and also ask for a printed receipt when you
submit documents at their office.
How long does it take SSA to make a decision on my claim?
There are several levels to the evaluation process. If your
application is denied, you can file an appeal and ask that they reconsider
your claim. If you are denied again, then you can request a hearing before
an Administrative Law Judge. Unfavorable judge's decisions can be appealed
to the Appeals Council and denials at that level can be appealed to
federal district court. A claim may be awarded at any of these levels.
Generally speaking, it can take the average individual one year to receive
a final decision on their claim at the administrative level. If a federal
court appeal is filed, it may take at least two years for the claim to be
decided.
I am unable to go back to my last job, but there are other jobs I may
be able to do. Does Social Security give partial disability benefits?
No, an individual must be unable to perform any substantial gainful
activity in order to qualify for benefits.
My current job is paying me long-term disability benefits because of my
medical condition. Should I still apply for my Social Security Disability
benefits?
Many people who are receiving long-term disability benefits apply for
SSD benefits at the same time. If you eventually receive SSD benefits,
your long-term disability carrier may require you to reimburse them for
any benefits you received from them for the same period paid by SSD.
What about early retirement benefits?
You may file for early retirement benefits when you turn 62 years old.
At that time, the Social Security Administration should advise you as to
the reduced rate that is payable to you. The amount you would receive for
early retirement is the same amount that you would be eligible to receive
for disability benefits. You may apply for both benefits simultaneously
but only one can be awarded. If you are eligible for DIB benefits, this
will sustain you until you reach the retirement age of 65, at which time
you will receive full retirement benefits instead of a reduced amount.
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