Determining Your Eligibility For Social Security Disability Benefits

Many people do not realize they are eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Misunderstandings and confusing government processes prevent people from receiving the disability benefits they deserve. Unfortunately, many Americans exhaust their own savings and financial resources before finally applying for these benefits. Even worse, some people go without necessary medical care that could have eased medical problems, helping them to live better and possibly get back to work sooner.

People with chronic, debilitating disabilities and illnesses often face overwhelming difficulties due to their unfortunate medical condition(s). Aggravating the problem, living on no income or a reduced income can keep these individuals from receiving the healthcare they deserve. This article looks at the confusion surrounding applying for SSDI benefits and shows how Social Security disability benefits can make a huge difference in people's lives.

Expert Advice Is Key

All conditions and illnesses covered by Social Security disability benefits have certain criteria that deem a person eligible or not. This is why expert advice from a professional company is crucial to receiving an award. For example, a person with AIDS may receive SSDI benefits due to the symptoms of AIDS, including neurological and hematological abnormalities.

Medical conditions like fibromyalgia, bulging discs, anxiety, skin and sleep disorders, chronic liver disease, diabetes, and others can qualify a person for Social Security disability benefits. It's always in your best interest to find out if you might qualify to receive SSDI benefits before you start the application process. Unfortunately, if you don't understand the application process, you may not receive your entitled benefits. Luckily, a professional SSDI representation expert has the expertise necessary to ensure you receive the maximum Social Security disability benefits possible.

Qualifying for SSDI

The eligibility, application, and awarding of SSDI benefits processes baffle most people and rightly so. While basic determining factors can give a person an initial look at the possibility of qualifying during the application process, professional companies have a far better likelihood of success. Unfortunately, individuals unfamiliar with the complexities of the process don't usually fare as well as those who consult an expert. A professional company can keep the process simple, eliminating frustration, confusion, stress, and time wasted on lengthy appeals.

Determining eligibility for Social Security disability benefits involves a step-by-step process. First, you must have held gainful employment where you paid into the Social Security Administration program for five of the last 10 years. You must become disabled and unable to work prior to reaching your retirement age, which has a range of 65 to 67. You also must qualify as disabled due to illness or debilitating disability under the SSA's definitions. A professional SSDI representative stays up-to-date on the recent changes and additions to these definitions and is familiar with this complicated evaluation and application process.

The first questions asked by the Social Security Administration are about income and employment for five of the last 10 years. If a person engages in "substantial gainful activity" and earns more than $980 per month, they do not qualify for SSDI benefits. Next, they factor in the severity of a person's disability and the extent to which it interferes with job performance. In addition, the disability must either meet or exceed a suitable medical listing.

The Social Security Administration then evaluates work the applicant performed in the past despite the disability, denying SSDI benefits if an applicant demonstrates they can still work. However, if an applicant cannot perform their job, the Social Security Administration evaluates his or her work experience, age, mental and physical status, and education to determine if the applicant can perform another type of work.

What SSDI Provides

After being a productive and self-sufficient worker, many individuals with debilitating illnesses and disabilities find themselves at a loss as to how to function in their daily lives. SSDI benefits provide a regular monthly income and annual increases generally tied to the rise in the cost of living. Recipients also receive Medicare medical benefits 24 months after cash entitlement to Social Security disability benefits. Medicare includes Part A hospital benefits, Part B medical benefits and Part D prescription drug coverage, plus the option of choosing from several Medicare Advantage plans. Those qualifying for benefits also may receive an 11-month extension of their COBRA benefits.

The complex process of applying for Social Security disability benefits often prevents qualified people from receiving their SSDI benefits. However, individuals can increase the likelihood of receiving an award by consulting a professional SSDI benefits company that can help protect long-term disability, retirement and dependent benefits. A professional claims services company also can make the complicated application process simple and stress free. Once you receive SSDI benefits, you also receive access to return-to-work incentives, which allow you to try returning to work while continuing to receive Social Security disability benefits.

Jim Allsup writes for Allsup, an SSDI benefits representative. They offer a free, no-obligation Social Security Disability Evaluation.